Senior Director, Product Development

About Ritual

Ritual is a personal health brand that is building the future of daily essentials. Our mission is simple: we help turn healthy habits into a Ritual. We started by creating the first visible supply chain of its kind and reinventing the daily multivitamin from the ground up. Now, together with some of the world’s leading scientists, researchers and advisors, we’re developing a new standard of high-quality, traceable daily products across new categories. Hundreds of thousands of customers across generations trust us, and we are growing quickly.

We’ve built a team of over 120 (and counting) curious skeptics, world-class scientists, unconventional artists, expert marketers, and analytical strategists. We’re venture-backed and based in sunny Los Angeles. If you’re looking to challenge the status quo and be challenged to do the best work of your career, join us.

Essential

At Ritual, we believe that innovation thrives in an environment where diverse perspectives, inclusive leadership, and collaborative teamwork drive meaningful progress. As Senior Director of Product Development, you will lead a talented team within R&D, shaping the future of our products by combining scientific rigor with creativity. This role is responsible for spearheading new product development (NPD) initiatives, managing a 3-year innovation pipeline, and overseeing formulation, process, packaging, and sensory development to bring groundbreaking products to market.

What You'll Do

• Lead & Inspire – Guide the Product Development team in bringing innovative product ideas to life, from concept to commercialization, while fostering a culture of inclusion, learning, and professional g rowth.
• Drive Innovation – Build a balanced 3-year NPD pipeline with ingredient- and benefit-led platforms that promote health, sustainability, and accessibility for diverse consumer needs.
• Expand Accessibility – Develop new technologies and form factors that enhance usability and expand Ritual’s distinct identity across diverse communities and lifestyles.
• Own Product Integrity – Manage product specifications throughout the lifecycle, ensuring scientific accuracy, inclusivity in formulation, and regulatory compliance.
• Optimize Scale & Feasibility – Oversee pilots, assessing feasibility to ensure cost-effective, sustainable, and ethical scaling to commercial production.
• Champion Collaboration – Partner cross-functionally with Innovation, Scientific & Clinical Affairs, Quality, Regulatory, and Project Management to create inclusive, best-in-class formulations that meet consumer needs.
• Foster External Partnerships – Identify and collaborate with diverse R&D suppliers and partners to bring in new ingredients, delivery formats, and emerging technologies.
• Mentor & Develop Talent – Lead a team of product developers, food scientists, and packaging experts by cultivating a culture of mentorship, technical excellence, and professional growth.
• Advocate for Science & Impact – Ensure product innovations are evidence-based, consumer-relevant, and scalable for manufacturing while aligning with Ritual’s brand and sustainability goals.
• Enhance Product Experience – Oversee sensory infrastructure to support inclusive product testing, ensuring the highest standards of taste, usability, and consumer experience.
  
  

Who You Are

• A Collaborative Leader – You foster an inclusive, team-first culture where individuals feel empowered to bring their ideas and perspectives to the table.
• Data Driven & Strategic – You use insights to inform decision-making, ensuring product development aligns with both consumer needs and business goals.
• Detail Oriented & Quality-Focused – You are meticulous about documentation, compliance, and execution, ensuring products exceed industry standards.
• A Forward Thinker – You push boundaries in product design and delivery, creating differentiated, science-backed innovations that cater to a diverse consumer base.
  
  

What You Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Food/Nutrition Science, Pharmaceutical Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 10 years of R&D/Product Development experience, preferably in dietary supplements or functional nutrition.5 years of experience managing direct reports, with a focus on mentorship, inclusion, and team development.
• Experience in an FDA-regulated and/or cGMP manufacturing environment.
• Experience in DTC and CPG channels is a plus
• An advanced degree in a relevant field is a plus.
  
  

Compensation And Benefits

• Pay Range: $170,000 - $225,000
• Your base salary is one part of your total compensation package. The salary range represents the entire compensation range for this position. Exact compensation will depend on a number of factors, which may include the successful candidate's skills, level, years of experience, technical expertise, and other qualifications. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. This role is also eligible for equity generous benefits 401k unlimited PTO etc - see our list of perks/ benefits below.
  
  

Additional Compensation, Benefits And Perks

• 401k Match - Up to 4%
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Healthcare & Dependent Care FSA
• Equity participation in the form of stock options
• 20 weeks of Parental leave for qualified team members, with flex time for returning parents
• Talkspace access for mental health support
• Pet Insurance discount
• Non-accrual and flexible PTO (10 days minimum)
• 18 paid company holidays additional days for extended weekends.
• 10 Wellness Days (Final Friday of each month)
• 2 Days to volunteer (Days of Action)
• Focus Fridays (used for self-development, heads-down work, community group meetings and 1:1TBs)
• Free Ritual subscription during your time with us
• Maven Clinic Family Planning platform
• Annual Wellness stipend
• Monthly Childcare Allowance
• Technology Allowance
• New hire Work from Home stipend
• Bi-Annual Performance Reviews
• Bi-Annual in-person company events
• Monthly wellness activities
  
  

Why Ritual?

Since launching in October 2016, Ritual has grown to be a cultural revolution in the health industry. We’re not about pseudoscience, half-truths or health fads. We are simple, effective, and backed by real science.

Ritual is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to bringing together humans from different backgrounds and perspectives, providing employees with a safe and welcoming work environment free of discrimination and harassment. We strive to create a diverse & inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, feel a sense of belonging, and do impactful work together.

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