Director of Product Development and Innovation

Summary

Join Freebird, a 9-figure business in the personal care industry, as their first Director of Product Development & Innovation. This foundational role involves leading the execution of the product roadmap, from concept to shelf. You will be responsible for bringing the product vision to life, collaborating with engineering, design, and packaging teams. The role focuses on managing high-impact product initiatives, working with external partners, and ensuring product quality and compliance. Successful candidates will have significant experience in physical product development and a proven track record of shipping successful products. This role offers a high-impact opportunity with potential for significant growth and leadership within a rapidly scaling company.

Requirements

• 7–12+ years of experience in physical product development (DTC, grooming, personal care, hardware, or CPG)
• Proven track record shipping successful products — from idea to manufacturing to launch
• Experience working with and managing outside vendors, engineers, ID partners, and packaging teams
• Strong judgment and instincts on when to build in-house vs. bring in outside experts
• Exceptional at coordinating multiple moving parts, stakeholders, and timelines
• High standards for quality, performance, and customer experience

Responsibilities

• Own the full lifecycle of product development — from idea to prototype to final production
• Lead execution of new devices, attachments, and accessories
• Scope and drive product improvements (e.g., motor performance, blade refinement, waterproofing, ergonomics)
• Collaborate with best-in-class engineers, industrial designers, and packaging experts to bring product ideas to life
• Work directly with manufacturers and partners to ensure performance, quality, and reliability at scale
• Run structured prototyping, sampling, and performance testing cycles
• Validate new products and improvements using real customer feedback, retention data, and product usage insights
• Build lightweight but effective testing and feedback loops with users, power customers, and internal teams
• Ensure every product meets safety, compliance, and international regulatory standards before launch
• Oversee the development of packaging, inserts, and presentation for both DTC and retail
• Manage external partners to develop dielines, structural packaging, and insert trays
• Ensure every unboxing experience is premium, practical, and on-brand
• Collaborate with Creative to align messaging, education, and product presentation
• Turn product vision into clearly scoped, validated, launch-ready initiatives
• Prioritize the highest-impact product improvements and innovations that drive retention, margin, and customer love
• Work closely with the CEO, COO, and functional leads to align development efforts with business goals
• Maintain confidence in every product you lead — from performance to packaging to post-launch experience

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with waterproof electronics, electric grooming products, or modular hardware

Benefits

• Fully Remote Flexibility: Work from wherever you thrive best
• Comprehensive Medical Benefits: Premium medical plans designed to support your health and wellness
• Competitive Compensation & Bonuses: A strong base salary + performance bonuses tied to impact
• 401(k) with Company Match: Helping you plan and save for the long-term
• Unlimited PTO: Take the time you need to recharge and show up at your best
• Opportunities for Growth: Elevate your career with the chance to scale into a senior leadership position