Product Development Director LATAM/MX

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Role Summary
The Product Development Lead, Mexico/LATAM, is the strategic lead for all R&D activities in the region, reporting to R&D AVP International. This role is responsible for driving the technical agenda that delivers on Mexico/LATAM’s ambitious 2030 business growth targets—from $200MM to over $350MM in net sales—by translating regional strategy into actionable regional product adaptation, supply chain and portfolio initiatives. The position will serve as the technical counterpart to other regional functional leads, ensuring R&D is fully aligned with business priorities and is a key enabler of growth. 

Key Relationships
•    Senior Marketing Leaders, LATAM Sr Director, including VP and GM for Mexico and LATAM
•    Senior R&D leaders (Global and Regional)
•    Marketing, Supply Chain, Quality, Regulatory, and Manufacturing leadership
•    Local and global cross-functional teams

Position Specification & Scope
•    Lead the Mexico/LATAM R&D team, providing strategic direction, technical leadership, and project management for a portfolio of over 45 projects, with significant expected growth as the region expands from 200MM to 350MM. 
•    Develop and execute science-based product pipelines and platforms focused on consumer-driven, technology-centric designs for LATAM’s key brands: Therabreath, Hero, OxiClean, Sterimar, Arm & Hammer, Batiste, Touchland, Nair, Trojan, and others. 
•    Align R&D activities with the LATAM 2030 strategy, focusing on scaling priority (Grow and Seed) brands, regional innovation behind Grow brands, and supporting expansion into strategic markets (Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Brazil). 
•    Drive and coordinate local and regional supply chain initiatives, including: 
o    Development and qualifications of local contract manufacturers (CMs)
o    Packaging, repacking, and sizing customization for regional needs (e.g., club channels, traditional trade, e-commerce) including products that are strictly regulated. 
o    Support for regional distribution centers and logistics optimization (if includes local customization, co-packing). 
•    Ensure regulatory and quality compliance for all R&D activities, working closely with QA and RA functions.
•    Represent LATAM R&D on the global leadership team, contributing to global strategy and sharing regional insights.

Role Accountabilities and Responsibilities
•    Direct consumer-centric design and development of products within defined cost models, launch requirements, and supply chain parameters.
•    Lead regional and technical validation for new and modified products, ensuring alignment with business objectives and resource allocation.
•    Coordinate technical activities across R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Engineering, and Supply Chain.
•    Assure that all products are developed in full compliance with C&D global quality and regulatory policies, meeting all required standards. Collaborate closely with Center of Excellence (COE) leadership to align on requirements and ensure best practices are consistently applied across the LATAM region.

•    Assure alignment with patent strategies and work with IP counsel to protect CHD technologies.
•    Manage R&D teams, prioritize projects, and delegate activities to meet agreed objectives.
•    Execute multiple projects within budget for commercialization.
•    Lead ongoing monitoring and anticipation of external trends, technologies, and market developments relevant to product innovation. 
•    Build and sustain strategic relationships with key external partners (e.g., packaging suppliers, fragrance houses, technology providers)
•    Proactively translate insights into actionable inputs for innovation pipelines and Go-to-Grow initiatives, in close partnership with Supply and cross-functional teams.
•    Recommend and assess feasibility of new technologies (especially packaging), identifying critical success drivers for LATAM.
•    Coordinate qualification programs for regional product designs and materials, including local adaptation and cost optimization.
•    Support cost savings initiatives related to design, materials, and manufacturing.
•    Foster cross-functional collaboration and communication to streamline processes and deliver high-quality results.

Education and Experience
•    Minimum 10 years of R&D leadership and product development experience, ideally in household, cosmetic, or medical device sectors.
•    Bachelor’s degree in Science or Engineering required; advanced degree preferred.
•    Experience with regulated products, quality management, and working with external partners (suppliers, co-manufacturers).
•    Proven track record in regional product development, tech transfer, and supply chain integration.
Skills and Competencies
•    Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and technical expertise.
•    Proven leadership and organizational skills.
•    Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
•    Deep understanding of consumer-centric product development and regional market dynamics.
•    Ability to manage complex projects independently and deliver results in a fast-paced, empowered environment.

•   English/Spanish proficiency required

Strategic Impact
This role is the technical strategic lead for R&D in Mexico/LATAM, mirroring the leadership structure of other functions in the region and ASIA East R&D. By providing dedicated oversight and direction, the R&D Product Development Lead will enable Mexico/LATAM to deliver on its 2030 growth commitments, drive innovation, and ensure operational excellence across the region. 
 

Church & Dwight is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.
For more information on our company, our brands and our culture visit us at http://www.churchdwight.com/