Product Development Lead

(Send your resume to supportusa@koala.eco)
(We will close applications on October 9th)
About the Role
Koala Eco is looking for a Product Development Lead to own the day-to-day development and commercialization of new and existing products across our home and personal care portfolio.
Working closely with our Co-Founders and National Operations Manager, this role will translate product vision into commercially viable products—coordinating formulation, ingredients, packaging, testing, suppliers and manufacturing partners from initial brief through production readiness.
This is a senior individual-contributor role for someone who understands the technical side of product development but also knows how to drive projects forward. You do not need to be the bench chemist, but you should be comfortable working directly with chemists, formulators and manufacturers, evaluating technical information and translating it into clear decisions and next steps.
What You’ll Do
Product Development & Formulation
Manage new product development from initial brief through commercialization
Translate Founder product direction into clear development briefs, specifications, timelines and deliverables
Coordinate formulation development with external chemists, laboratories and contract manufacturers
Manage formula submissions, feedback rounds, samples, testing and approvals
Lead reformulations and improvements to existing products
Evaluate ingredients, formulas and product performance against established requirements
Balance performance, ingredient standards, quality, cost, manufacturability and launch timing
Identify development risks and keep projects moving toward agreed launch dates
Sourcing & Packaging Development
Research and identify new ingredients, packaging components, suppliers, formulators and manufacturing partners during product development
Coordinate packaging development, component sampling, compatibility testing and artwork readiness
Assess supplier and co-manufacturer capabilities, initial cost, MOQ and lead-time considerations in partnership with Supply Chain Operations
Support alternate ingredient, formula or packaging options when performance, compliance, availability or cost requires a change
Quality, Regulatory & Compliance
Coordinate with manufacturers, laboratories, quality resources and external regulatory partners to ensure formulas, ingredients, packaging and finished products meet applicable quality and regulatory requirements
Technical and regulatory review of ingredient declarations/INCI where applicable, directions, warnings, claims and label/artwork content
Support required product registrations/listings and compliance updates for applicable product categories and markets, including U.S. cosmetic requirements under MoCRA where relevant
Lead product certification documentation, renewals and change notifications for relevant third-party certifications and retailer requirements
Ensure required safety, stability, compatibility, microbiological/preservative-efficacy and other product-specific testing is completed and documented before commercialization
Escalate technical or regulatory questions requiring specialist review while maintaining ownership of the development timeline and required follow-up
Product Documentation & Commercialization Handoff
Build and maintain product files for new and reformulated products.
Maintain controlled formula and version history, BOMs, finished-goods specifications, packaging specifications and approved artwork
Collect and organize supporting supplier/manufacturer documentation such as raw-material specifications, SDS, technical data sheets, COAs, allergen or fragrance statements, test reports and certificates, as applicable
Maintain development records including testing results, claims substantiation, approvals, master samples and key product decisions
Manage change control for formula, ingredient, supplier and packaging changes so current specifications and documentation remain aligned
Complete a clear handoff to Supply Chain Operations with approved BOMs/specifications, supplier and co-manufacturer information, cost/MOQ/lead-time inputs and required quality/compliance documentation.
Project Management
Maintain clear NPD timelines, milestones, and status reporting/visibility
Coordinate multiple projects and external partners simultaneously
Coordinate launch readiness with Founders, Operations, Marketing and external partners
Proactively surface risks, delays and decisions required
Establish scalable product-development processes and documentation as the portfolio grows
What We’re Looking For
5–7+ years of experience in product development, R&D commercialization or a related function within personal care, home care, beauty or a similar CPG category
Demonstrated experience bringing formulated consumer products from concept through commercial production
Experience working directly with chemists, laboratories, ingredient suppliers, packaging suppliers and contract manufacturers
Strong understanding of formulation development, testing, packaging development, scale-up and commercialization workflows
Working familiarity with product quality and compliance requirements, including labeling, claims, SDS/GHS concepts, product testing and technical documentation
Experience coordinating with regulatory/quality specialists is strongly preferred
Experience maintaining product specifications, BOMs and controlled development documentation
Experience with ingredient and packaging development and sourcing
Strong project-management skills and the ability to manage multiple launches or reformulations at once
Ability to communicate technical information clearly to non-technical stakeholders
Highly organized, detail-oriented and comfortable working in a fast-moving entrepreneurial environment
Strong commercial judgment and an understanding of the relationship among product requirements, cost, MOQ and manufacturability
Resourceful self-starter who works through ambiguity, finds answers independently, and keeps projects moving in a lean environment
Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, cosmetic science, chemical engineering, product development or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience considere
What Success Looks Like
New products and reformulations move from concept to commercial production with clear ownership, timelines and documentation
Founders have a strong product-development partner who can translate ideas into executable development work
Development issues are identified and resolved early rather than becoming launch delays
Supply Chain receives commercially ready products with clear formulas, BOMs, specifications, suppliers and requirement
Products remain compliant as regulatory and retailer requirements evolve
Product documentation and SOPs are organized, current, and consistently maintained

Work arrangement
Yes