Associate Director Of Product Development & Commercialization

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

ABOUT:

Starshot Ventures is an investment firm founded and independently funded by Kurt Seidensticker, founder and former CEO / owner of Vital Proteins. Starshot Ventures is both a venture creation studio, a division called Starshot Ventures Launch Pad, and a growth stage investment firm. Starshot Ventures is backed by a team of highly successful consumer brand entrepreneurs and investors who anticipate and deliver on consumers’ wellness needs. We invest in and build subversive and energetic brands in the health and wellness space. Seidensticker sold Vital Proteins, a category creating dietary supplement brand, to Nestle Health Sciences in 2022 in one of the most successful dietary supplement exits in history.

WHY JOIN US:

We are seasoned leaders and well-respected brand builders on a mission to provide better wellness solutions for all. We lead with curiosity and chase bold ideas in the pursuit of helping others be their best. This is a role where you will have the opportunity to charge your own path - and be a game-changer in the industry - amongst a group of passionate wellness pioneers. If you share this passion and are looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference, we encourage you to apply.

ROLE SUMMARY:

Starshot Ventures Launch Pad is looking for an experienced Associate Director of Product Development & Commercialization to drive research and execution of new product development and commercialization across a broad range of dietary supplements, food, and beverage product formats. This will include but not be limited to research, formula development, pilot and full scale trials, commercialization, sensory, packaging, manufacturing, and compliance.

This role will be a key player in our fast-paced venture startup as we strive to grow brands that anticipate and deliver on consumers’ wellness needs. This role will require a combination of strategic thinking and hands-on execution, and the ideal candidate should have an entrepreneurial mindset with prior experience in a consumer startup brand, with dietary supplements experience. The right candidate identifies what needs to be done, and follows through to completion.

This is a full-time position with a competitive salary and benefits package. If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead self and future team through product development schedules that meet aggressive project timelines
• Collect and analyze data, translate findings into possible solutions, and present recommendations to organization leadership.
• Demonstrate accountability end-to-end in all aspects of product development and commercialization
• Be flexible in taking additional tasks as needed to support company business objectives.
• Support the investigation of new technologies and ingredients through interaction with vendors.
• Actively seek to enhance technical skills through project experience, conferences, training programs.
• With limited supervision, research materials and methods, execute experiments, gather and analyze data, develop preliminary findings, prepare and present summaries, and apply to product.
• Develop products, including new items, line extensions, and optimizations, from ideation through commercialization, that meet internal and external product specifications and guidelines.
• Follow consistent, world class processes across all phases and aspects of Innovation
• Lead product tastings with internal stakeholders and pivot as needed given feedback until goal is met

QUALIFICATIONS:

• B.S. degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• Experience working through ambiguity, adapting to change, and persevering. A drive for results/can-do mentality is critical to success along with a positive mindset
• Ability to identify critical path items and risks, and effectively communicate these to both manager and executive stakeholders
• Strong communication skills across all avenues
• Experience with Nutritional and Supplement Facts Panel creation
• Excellent project management skills with ability to prioritize multiple activities and projects simultaneously
• Experience developing across multiple food categories is strongly preferred.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 15%, including occasional overnights, depending on project work. Ability travel by car and plane as an effective and professional representative of SVLP
• Working knowledge of typical analytical and physical testing equipment and methods
• Proven ability of working in a team environment and in onsite and virtual teams
• Solid understanding of FDA guidelines, food industry standards, and quality and food safety is a requirement
• Demonstrated success developing products from benchtop through commercialization.
• Ability to work collaboratively across levels and functions internally and with third parties.
• 8+ years in food, beverage, or dietary supplement R&D across wide range of applications is required