Director, Product Development – Edibles

Green Thumb Industries (GTI)

. Lead the Edibles product development team and own the product development process from concept through commercialization .

Posted 9/18/2026full-timeRemote • Illinois • United StatesLead💰 $155,000 - $170,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in product development and formulation within the food and beverage industry, with a strong focus on innovation, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional collaboration. Proven ability to lead teams, manage projects, and drive business results in a fast-paced environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Product Development LeadershipFood Science ExpertiseRegulatory Compliance KnowledgeCross-Functional CollaborationProject Management Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Product FormulationSensory EvaluationMarket ResearchIngredient SelectionBudget ManagementQuality ControlGMP ComplianceFDA RegulationsOSHA RegulationsCannabis Laws

Soft Skills

LeadershipCommunicationRelationship ManagementCritical ThinkingAdaptability

Tools & Technologies

Test Kitchen ManagementProject Management Software

Industry Keywords

Consumer Packaged GoodsFood SafetyCulinary ScienceFood ScienceCPG Industry

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the Edibles product development team and own the product development process from concept through commercialization
Develop and execute the company’s new product strategy aligned with business objectives
Drive innovation and new product development to meet market demands and gain competitive advantage
Translate product briefs into finished formulations, defining project scope, ingredient and flavor direction, feasibility, and project financials
Recruit, mentor, manage, coach, and develop food scientists and other product development professionals
Foster cross-functional collaboration with innovation, quality assurance, procurement, consumer insights, and implementation teams
Oversee concept development, ingredient selection, bench formulation, prototyping, and final formulas
Build and refine sensory sampling and evaluation processes using internal and consumer feedback
Vet, qualify, and approve ingredients and suppliers for flavor, function, safety, cost, and supply reliability
Develop and maintain product specifications, including formulas, flavor profiles, sensory attributes, and finished product parameters
Partner with Implementation during formulation handoff and provide hands-on guidance during first scale-ups
Troubleshoot formulation-related issues during manufacturing scale-up
Manage the offsite leased test kitchen, equipment, processes, and procedures
Coordinate test kitchen maintenance and repairs with the landlord
Ensure food safety, safe kitchen practices, equipment maintenance, and quality control
Monitor industry trends, consumer preferences, emerging technologies, cannabis and CPG current events
Conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify growth opportunities
Track product development timelines, budgets, and milestones using project management best practices
Develop and manage product development budgets and identify cost-saving opportunities
Work with QA and Compliance on food safety, labeling, and regulatory requirements
Address and resolve quality and compliance issues
Travel to GTI manufacturing facilities as required

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Food Science, Culinary Science, Chemistry, or a related field
10+ years of leadership experience
Food science or product development experience in a CPG or food/beverage setting, including hands-on formulation and sensory evaluation
Proven track record in accomplishing significant and impactful business results
Demonstrated high level of leadership, relationship management, and communication skills
Ability to work effectively with global teams
Ability to be a technical and strategic leader as well as a hands-on implementer
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Familiarity with FDA and OSHA regulations
Understanding and adherence to applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations
Highly motivated, self-directed, innovative, and able to work independently or among teams
Ability to adapt and thrive in a demanding, fast-paced environment
High level of critical thinking
Professionalism and integrity, including handling confidential information
Must understand and comply with Green Thumb rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
Must have a solid understanding of cannabis laws, rules, and regulations
Active driver’s license or State ID card
Must be a minimum of 21 years of age
Must pass all required background checks
Must remain compliant with legal or company regulations for working in the industry
Must be approved by the regulatory agency, if required, and maintain compliance with employee badging processes
Ability to work occasional extended hours
Ability to travel 10% to different manufacturing facilities in the GTI network
Ability to perform required physical activities, including standing/walking for extended periods and lifting, carrying, and balancing up to 50 pounds (200 pounds with assistance)
Must follow GMP facility hygiene and personal effects policies

Benefits

Comp & perks

Discretionary annual incentive program driven by organization and individual performance
Flexible working hours for sensory sessions, bench trials, or product testing