THE OPPORTUNITYWHAT YOU'LL OWNProduct Strategy & Pipeline Leadership- Own the full innovation pipeline from white space identification through commercialization - new formulations, new categories, and line extensions that keep Universal ahead of the market.
- Define a 1-3 year product roadmap grounded in consumer insights, competitive intelligence, and emerging science.
- Prioritize ruthlessly. Not every idea is a product. Know the difference.
Formulation & Science- Lead cross-functional R&D efforts with internal formulators and contract manufacturers (CMOs) to develop clinically-informed, efficacious products.
- Stay at the cutting edge of ingredient science - novel actives, bioavailability technologies, combination stacking strategies, and regulatory developments (FDA, NSF, Informed Sport).
- Ensure all products substantiate claims with credible science and can withstand regulatory and consumer scrutiny.
Go-to-Market Collaboration- Partner closely with Marketing, Sales, and Brand to translate product concepts into compelling consumer stories and retail execution.
- Bring products to market on time, on budget, and positioned to win - not just launch.
- Own the brief: define target consumer, key benefits, hero claims, competitive positioning, and success metrics for every innovation.
Market Intelligence- Be the internal authority on the competitive landscape - supplement brands, emerging DTC players, functional food crossovers, ingredient suppliers, and biotech disruptors.
- Attend key industry events (Expo West, SupplySide, ISSN, etc.) and maintain an active network across formulators, KOLs, and scientific advisors.
Team & Cross-Functional Leadership- Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performance innovation team.
- Operate as a true cross-functional leader - aligning R&D, Regulatory, Operations, Marketing, and Sales around a shared innovation vision.
- Present innovation strategy and pipeline updates to senior leadership and ownership with clarity and conviction.
WHAT YOU BRINGNon-Negotiables- 8+ years of product development or innovation experience, with a minimum of 4 years in the dietary supplement, sports nutrition, or functional food/beverage industry.
- Deep knowledge of supplement formulation - protein systems, pre-workouts, creatine, amino acids, adaptogens, cognitive performance, weight management, and recovery nutrition.
- Proven track record of launching successful SKUs - you've taken products from concept to shelf and can point to the results.
- Strong command of regulatory frameworks governing supplements (DSHEA, cGMP, third-party certification programs).
- Experience managing CMO relationships, ingredient supplier negotiations, and COG optimization.
The Edge We're Looking For- You think like a consumer, formulate like a scientist, and execute like an operator.
- You're not precious about ideas - you're relentless about outcomes.
- You have strong opinions about what makes a great product and the data and instincts to back them up.
- You've worked in a fast-moving environment where speed-to-market is a competitive advantage, not an afterthought.
- Active network within the sports nutrition ecosystem - athletes, coaches, researchers, retailers, and distributors.
Education- Bachelor's degree required in Food Science, Nutrition, Exercise Science, Chemistry, Biology, or related field.
- Advanced degree (MS, PhD, RD) strongly preferred but not a substitute for real-world execution experience.
SUCCESS IN YEAR ONE LOOKS LIKE- A clearly defined, prioritized 18-month innovation roadmap that the organization is aligned behind.
- At least 2-3 new SKUs launched or in final development stages with strong commercial positioning.
- A tightened, more strategic CMO and supplier network that delivers better quality, cost, and speed.
- Cross-functional teams that operate with more clarity, speed, and shared accountability on innovation.
- You've established yourself as the internal and external authority on what Universal Nutrition stands for in product.
Pay Range: $160,000 - $185,000 per hour
