Product Design & Development Director

About the role

We are seeking a Product Design & Development Director to lead the creation, industrialisation and launch of cocoa‑, chocolate‑ and chocolate‑derivative products in Bogotá. The role combines strategic innovation with hands‑on technical leadership to deliver profitable, sustainable food solutions aligned with the company’s growth plan.

Key responsibilities

• Lead product development projects from concept through commercial launch.
• Drive innovation in chocolate, cocoa and related food applications.
• Ensure technical, regulatory, quality, operational and business feasibility of new products.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Commercial, Quality, Production, Procurement, suppliers and external clients to co‑create value‑added solutions.
• Act as the technical reference for internal teams, customers, suppliers and strategic partners.
• Build, mentor and manage a multidisciplinary technical team, fostering knowledge transfer and high performance.

Required profile

• Degree in Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or related field; postgraduate studies in Food Science & Technology, Innovation, Product Development or Industrial Processes are a plus.
• Minimum 8 years of experience leading product development, design, R&D, innovation or industrialisation in the food industry.
• Proven track record developing chocolate, cocoa and related derivative products.
• Advanced English and strong communication skills in both English and Spanish.

Required skills

• Formulation and food‑ingredient expertise.
• Cocoa and chocolate technology.
• Industrial scale‑up, pilot‑plant and industrial trials.
• Product launch management.
• R&D and innovation processes.