Senior Director, Product and Process Development

The Senior Director of Product and Process Development at MycoWorks is responsible for defining and executing product development roadmaps while closely integrating insights from both the commercial and technical sides. This leadership role encompasses overseeing product improvements in alignment with market demand and overseeing the transition from product development to scalable manufacturing, ensuring quality and efficiency at every step.

To be considered for the Senior Director of Product and Process Development at MycoWorks, candidates typically need over 15 years of relevant experience, including a minimum of 5 years in senior leadership roles. A Bachelor’s degree in engineering, materials science, chemistry, or a related field is mandatory, while advanced degrees like an MS, PhD, or MBA are preferred. Experience in a startup or high-growth manufacturing environment is also highly advantageous.

MycoWorks is committed to the professional growth and development of its employees, including the Senior Director of Product and Process Development. The role is designed to foster leadership through structured decision-making frameworks and the creation of high-performing teams. Moreover, MycoWorks offers excellent benefits that contribute to employees' career advancement and personal well-being.

The Fine Mycelium™ technology is pivotal to MycoWorks' mission of creating a new class of materials that are sustainable and high-performing. As the Senior Director of Product and Process Development, you will lead initiatives that optimize this technology, ensuring that product strategies are grounded in technical feasibility and aligned with commercial objectives.

Key skills for the Senior Director of Product and Process Development at MycoWorks include a strong ability to define and execute product strategies, lead cross-functional teams, and adapt processes from pilot to full-scale production. Additionally, excellent communication skills in English are essential, and fluency in Spanish or French is preferred to manage diverse teams and international partners effectively.

When answering this question, highlight specific examples of how you've defined and executed product strategies that align with market demands and operational capabilities. Discuss the methodologies you used and the results achieved, emphasizing your leadership in cross-functional collaborations.

Discuss your approach to integrating commercial insights with technical feasibility. Mention specific frameworks or tools you employ to foster collaboration among teams, ensuring effective communication and alignment with overall business goals throughout the product development process.

In your response, outline the steps you've previously taken to manage technology transfer. This could involve creating a structured plan that includes checkpoints for quality control, ensuring that the production processes are adaptable and aligned with the intended product specifications.

Focus on sharing your experience with process optimization, detailing methods for analyzing existing processes and implementing changes. Highlight any specific tools you've used or frameworks you've followed to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality.

Emphasize the significance of building strong relationships within teams and creating an open environment for feedback and collaboration. Mention any specific leadership techniques and practices you follow to motivate and guide teams toward achieving product objectives successfully.

Share a detailed example of a challenging project, specifying the obstacles encountered and how you overcame them. Discuss your strategic approach and the outcomes, along with lessons learned that can be applied to future initiatives.

Talk about your strategy for assessing and prioritizing tasks based on market feedback, resource availability, and strategic alignment with company objectives. Mention any tools you use to assist in this process, like roadmaps or prioritization frameworks.

Discuss specific metrics you track to assess product development success, such as time to market, customer satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness. Explain how you analyze data and apply insights to continuously refine your product development strategies.

Illustrate your commitment to staying updated on industry developments by discussing the resources you utilize, such as journals, online courses, and professional networks. Explain how this knowledge informs your decision-making in product and process development.

Share your perspective on the importance of communication and trust within product development teams. Highlight how fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability can drive successful project outcomes and enhance team performance.