The Spice & Tea Exchange, LLC
Director of Product Development
The Spice & Tea Exchange, LLC, Florida, New York, United States
Job Title:
Director of Product Development
Department:
Product Marketing, Strategy & Innovation
Position Reports to:
Senior Director of Corporate Development
Employment:
W2, Full‑Time, Salary, Exempt
Location:
Hybrid. St. Augustine, FL Distribution Center will be relocating to Palm Coast, FL. Non‑local residents must be willing to travel to be considered.
Are you the best at what you do and want to love where you work? Are you a true flavor enthusiast with a zest for adventure? Want to work with a TEA‑m full of sugary sweet, never salty (unless we sell it) band of characters who take their work seriously but never themselves? If this sounds like you and you too love corny puns, you may be the key ingredient we’re missing. See what we did there? Apply now, and let your culinary imagination run wild with us!
The Spice & Tea Exchange®
is looking for energetic people who have a passion for life and food. Our mission is creating and sharing the experience of a more flavorful life, and our employees strive to make that happen every day for our customers, our franchisees and each other. The employee experience at The Spice & Tea Exchange is unique and rewarding, and if you have this same passion for flavor, we have a seat for you at our table.
Position Purpose At The Spice & Tea Exchange®, it is our mission to "Create and share the experience of a more flavorful life." The Director of Product Development will serve as the driving force behind the product vision, leading the full lifecycle of our portfolio across all core categories including spices, salts, sugars, teas, blends, candles, honeys/syrups and accessories. This role champions innovation from concept to shelf, overseeing product strategy, sourcing, quality, cost and commercialization with a relentless focus on brand integrity and market relevance. As a cross‑functional leader, the Director will guide a talented team of Product Category Managers, Project Coordinators and Analysts while collaborating closely with Corporate Development, Supply Chain, Marketing, Operations and Franchise stakeholders. Together, this team will bring new ideas to life that delight guests, strengthen our franchise network and drive sustainable category growth and overall shelf management. This role plays a pivotal part in shaping the future of The Spice & Tea Exchange brand, ensuring every product we create is inspired, distinctive and operable from development through delivery.
Essential Job Functions Include but are Not Limited to Product Strategy & Innovation
Develop and execute product roadmaps across all core categories.
Identify market trends, consumer insights and franchise needs to drive new product concepts.
Lead ideation and cross‑functional collaboration to bring new SKUs and seasonal programs to market.
Conduct in‑depth market research and competitive analysis to identify trends, preferences and gaps.
Market Research and Analysis
Leverage customer and franchisee feedback to inform the product roadmap and drive data‑driven decisions.
Partner with franchise owners to pilot new products, collect field insights and integrate real‑time operational feedback.
Analyze product performance data post‑launch to inform future development cycles and measure success against KPIs.
Category Leadership
Manage and mentor a team of Product Category Managers, Coordinators and/or Specialists.
Ensure each category has clear strategy, timelines and performance goals.
Oversee product lifecycle from concept to launch to retirement.
Own category dashboards and lifecycle analytics, leveraging POS, e‑commerce and supply‑chain data to optimize SKU mix, forecast demand and identify discontinuation or re‑formulation opportunities.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Partner closely with Senior Director of Corporate Development to align procurement with brand vision and growth plan.
Supply Chain for sourcing, costing and supplier relationships.
Marketing to align branding, packaging, positioning, naming and launch campaigns.
Franchise Operations for owner input and sell‑in support.
QA & Regulatory to ensure ingredient accuracy, certifications and compliance.
Commercialization & Execution
Oversee timelines, costing and margin targets for every product initiative.
Drive SKU launches for retail, wholesale, e‑commerce and seasonal programs.
Align product pipeline with production, distribution and operational capacity.
Quality & Brand Standards
Ensure products meet brand expectations for flavor, consistency, packaging and guest experience.
Collaborate with QA on labeling, certifications (organic, kosher, etc.) and ingredient integrity.
Project & Performance Management
Set goals, track KPIs and report progress to the Senior Director of Corporate Development.
Oversee project timelines, P&Ls and profitability targets by category.
Knowledge and Job Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Business Administration, Marketing or related discipline.
7+ years of product development, category management or CPG experience (preferably in food, beverage or specialty consumables) with a minimum of 4 years in a managerial role.
Proven leadership, managing product teams or category leads.
Strong understanding of consumer trends, sourcing, product lifecycle and commercialization.
Experience collaborating cross‑functionally with marketing, supply chain and operations.
Excellent organizational, communication and project management skills.
Entrepreneurial mindset balanced with creativity and execution.
Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail.
Adaptable and resourceful in a fast‑paced, evolving retail and franchise environment.
Background in gourmet foods, teas, spices or specialty retail (preferred).
Experience working with franchise networks or multi‑channel product distribution (preferred).
Knowledge of regulatory standards and certifications for consumables (preferred).
A passion for high‑quality food, tea and flavor (preferred).
Leadership Style
Strategic, agile and collaborative.
Leader and mentor, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Comfortable influencing unpretentiously and working within an evolving structure and growing brand.
Physical Requirements to Perform the Essential Functions of this Job
Frequent travel by plane and car to headquarters and various stores across the US.
Consistent ability to use hands and fingers for tasks such as operating machinery, handling materials, typing and designing (8+ hrs/day).
Consistent visual acuity to monitor processes, examine materials and labels, and ensure quality standards (8+ hrs/day).
Consistent communication in English, written and oral, including speech and hearing (8+ hrs/day).
Ability to perform continuous standing, sitting, walking, bending, reaching, squatting, lifting up to 55 lbs, overhead lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, climbing ladders and stairs, and maneuvering within a warehouse workspace (8+ hrs/day).
Ability to perform repetitive tasks and visually identify color, substance, products and characteristics (8+ hrs/day).
Operation of computer tools and equipment, printers (8+ hrs/day).
Must not be sensitive or allergic to spices, scents, fruits, extracts, aromas or personal protective equipment (latex gloves) (8+ hrs/day).
TSTE is unable to accommodate sensitivity or allergy to various spices, ingredients, scents and aromas contained in our products. This is core to our business and cannot be avoided. While we will make every attempt to provide reasonable accommodation, such accommodation may not alter the fundamental requirements of the job, cause undue hardship, safety risk, or interfere with the ability to perform essential functions. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to supporting your needs within the scope of our commitment to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
Core Values
Commitment: engaged, flexible, patient, open minded.
Detail Oriented: organized, focused, high quality.
Reliable: integrity, dependable, authentic.
Continuous Improvement: performance and safety awareness, goal‑oriented, creative mindset, efficient.
Enthusiastic about food and beverage.
Teamwork: team‑oriented and eager to grow within the company.
Spicy Perks
Hybrid Work
Medical, dental, vision and other ancillary benefits.
401k plan + company match.
Flexible spending account (FSA) for medical and/or dependent care.
100% Company paid Basic Life and AD&D insurance.
Paid time off (PTO) during first year, following 90 days of employment.
7 Paid Holidays.
Employee product discounts.
Quarterly "Create & Share", free product gifts.
Annual "Holiday Bucks" with access to select personalized gifts for yourself or loved ones over the Holidays.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The Spice & Tea Exchange® provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. The company prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Drug Free Workplace The Spice & Tea Exchange® is committed to maintaining a safe and productive work environment. The company policy states all applicants must complete a drug screening test if accepting an offer of employment. Employment offers are contingent upon a negative drug screening test result.
Flexible work from home options available.
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Director of Product Development
Department:
Product Marketing, Strategy & Innovation
Position Reports to:
Senior Director of Corporate Development
Employment:
W2, Full‑Time, Salary, Exempt
Location:
Hybrid. St. Augustine, FL Distribution Center will be relocating to Palm Coast, FL. Non‑local residents must be willing to travel to be considered.
Are you the best at what you do and want to love where you work? Are you a true flavor enthusiast with a zest for adventure? Want to work with a TEA‑m full of sugary sweet, never salty (unless we sell it) band of characters who take their work seriously but never themselves? If this sounds like you and you too love corny puns, you may be the key ingredient we’re missing. See what we did there? Apply now, and let your culinary imagination run wild with us!
The Spice & Tea Exchange®
is looking for energetic people who have a passion for life and food. Our mission is creating and sharing the experience of a more flavorful life, and our employees strive to make that happen every day for our customers, our franchisees and each other. The employee experience at The Spice & Tea Exchange is unique and rewarding, and if you have this same passion for flavor, we have a seat for you at our table.
Position Purpose At The Spice & Tea Exchange®, it is our mission to "Create and share the experience of a more flavorful life." The Director of Product Development will serve as the driving force behind the product vision, leading the full lifecycle of our portfolio across all core categories including spices, salts, sugars, teas, blends, candles, honeys/syrups and accessories. This role champions innovation from concept to shelf, overseeing product strategy, sourcing, quality, cost and commercialization with a relentless focus on brand integrity and market relevance. As a cross‑functional leader, the Director will guide a talented team of Product Category Managers, Project Coordinators and Analysts while collaborating closely with Corporate Development, Supply Chain, Marketing, Operations and Franchise stakeholders. Together, this team will bring new ideas to life that delight guests, strengthen our franchise network and drive sustainable category growth and overall shelf management. This role plays a pivotal part in shaping the future of The Spice & Tea Exchange brand, ensuring every product we create is inspired, distinctive and operable from development through delivery.
Essential Job Functions Include but are Not Limited to Product Strategy & Innovation
Develop and execute product roadmaps across all core categories.
Identify market trends, consumer insights and franchise needs to drive new product concepts.
Lead ideation and cross‑functional collaboration to bring new SKUs and seasonal programs to market.
Conduct in‑depth market research and competitive analysis to identify trends, preferences and gaps.
Market Research and Analysis
Leverage customer and franchisee feedback to inform the product roadmap and drive data‑driven decisions.
Partner with franchise owners to pilot new products, collect field insights and integrate real‑time operational feedback.
Analyze product performance data post‑launch to inform future development cycles and measure success against KPIs.
Category Leadership
Manage and mentor a team of Product Category Managers, Coordinators and/or Specialists.
Ensure each category has clear strategy, timelines and performance goals.
Oversee product lifecycle from concept to launch to retirement.
Own category dashboards and lifecycle analytics, leveraging POS, e‑commerce and supply‑chain data to optimize SKU mix, forecast demand and identify discontinuation or re‑formulation opportunities.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Partner closely with Senior Director of Corporate Development to align procurement with brand vision and growth plan.
Supply Chain for sourcing, costing and supplier relationships.
Marketing to align branding, packaging, positioning, naming and launch campaigns.
Franchise Operations for owner input and sell‑in support.
QA & Regulatory to ensure ingredient accuracy, certifications and compliance.
Commercialization & Execution
Oversee timelines, costing and margin targets for every product initiative.
Drive SKU launches for retail, wholesale, e‑commerce and seasonal programs.
Align product pipeline with production, distribution and operational capacity.
Quality & Brand Standards
Ensure products meet brand expectations for flavor, consistency, packaging and guest experience.
Collaborate with QA on labeling, certifications (organic, kosher, etc.) and ingredient integrity.
Project & Performance Management
Set goals, track KPIs and report progress to the Senior Director of Corporate Development.
Oversee project timelines, P&Ls and profitability targets by category.
Knowledge and Job Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Business Administration, Marketing or related discipline.
7+ years of product development, category management or CPG experience (preferably in food, beverage or specialty consumables) with a minimum of 4 years in a managerial role.
Proven leadership, managing product teams or category leads.
Strong understanding of consumer trends, sourcing, product lifecycle and commercialization.
Experience collaborating cross‑functionally with marketing, supply chain and operations.
Excellent organizational, communication and project management skills.
Entrepreneurial mindset balanced with creativity and execution.
Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail.
Adaptable and resourceful in a fast‑paced, evolving retail and franchise environment.
Background in gourmet foods, teas, spices or specialty retail (preferred).
Experience working with franchise networks or multi‑channel product distribution (preferred).
Knowledge of regulatory standards and certifications for consumables (preferred).
A passion for high‑quality food, tea and flavor (preferred).
Leadership Style
Strategic, agile and collaborative.
Leader and mentor, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Comfortable influencing unpretentiously and working within an evolving structure and growing brand.
Physical Requirements to Perform the Essential Functions of this Job
Frequent travel by plane and car to headquarters and various stores across the US.
Consistent ability to use hands and fingers for tasks such as operating machinery, handling materials, typing and designing (8+ hrs/day).
Consistent visual acuity to monitor processes, examine materials and labels, and ensure quality standards (8+ hrs/day).
Consistent communication in English, written and oral, including speech and hearing (8+ hrs/day).
Ability to perform continuous standing, sitting, walking, bending, reaching, squatting, lifting up to 55 lbs, overhead lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, climbing ladders and stairs, and maneuvering within a warehouse workspace (8+ hrs/day).
Ability to perform repetitive tasks and visually identify color, substance, products and characteristics (8+ hrs/day).
Operation of computer tools and equipment, printers (8+ hrs/day).
Must not be sensitive or allergic to spices, scents, fruits, extracts, aromas or personal protective equipment (latex gloves) (8+ hrs/day).
TSTE is unable to accommodate sensitivity or allergy to various spices, ingredients, scents and aromas contained in our products. This is core to our business and cannot be avoided. While we will make every attempt to provide reasonable accommodation, such accommodation may not alter the fundamental requirements of the job, cause undue hardship, safety risk, or interfere with the ability to perform essential functions. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to supporting your needs within the scope of our commitment to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
Core Values
Commitment: engaged, flexible, patient, open minded.
Detail Oriented: organized, focused, high quality.
Reliable: integrity, dependable, authentic.
Continuous Improvement: performance and safety awareness, goal‑oriented, creative mindset, efficient.
Enthusiastic about food and beverage.
Teamwork: team‑oriented and eager to grow within the company.
Spicy Perks
Hybrid Work
Medical, dental, vision and other ancillary benefits.
401k plan + company match.
Flexible spending account (FSA) for medical and/or dependent care.
100% Company paid Basic Life and AD&D insurance.
Paid time off (PTO) during first year, following 90 days of employment.
7 Paid Holidays.
Employee product discounts.
Quarterly "Create & Share", free product gifts.
Annual "Holiday Bucks" with access to select personalized gifts for yourself or loved ones over the Holidays.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The Spice & Tea Exchange® provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. The company prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Drug Free Workplace The Spice & Tea Exchange® is committed to maintaining a safe and productive work environment. The company policy states all applicants must complete a drug screening test if accepting an offer of employment. Employment offers are contingent upon a negative drug screening test result.
Flexible work from home options available.
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