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Product Development Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Zentalis

Director Product Development

San Diego, CA

DIRECTOR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT Zentalis is a clinical oncology innovator developing a treatment approach for ovarian cancer andmultiple tumor types. Leveraging therapeutics development and biomarker ...

Tatcha

Director, Product Development

San Francisco, CA

$160K - $175K/yr

Job Summary As the Director of Product Development at Tatcha you'll lead the development of Tatcha formulas, helping to bring innovative, efficacious, and quality products to market. You'll serve as ...

Tatcha

Director, Product Development

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Job Summary As the Director of Product Development at Tatcha you'll lead the development of Tatcha formulas, helping to bring innovative, efficacious, and quality products to market. You'll serve as ...

Western Mutual Insurance Group

Be Seen First

Director of Product Development

Irvine, CA · On-site

$125K - $160K/yr

The Role We are seeking a Director of Product Development to report directly to our Vice President of Underwriting and serve as a key strategic partner on product strategy across our six-state ...

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Product Development Director information

See California salary details

$72K

$161.5K

$241.3K

How much do product development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for product development director in California is $161,541.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,800.00 and $183,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a product development director do?

A Product Development Director oversees the creation and improvement of products from concept to launch. They lead cross-functional teams, manage project timelines and budgets, and ensure that products meet market needs and company goals. This role involves strategic planning, market research, and collaboration with engineering, marketing, and sales departments. Product Development Directors also monitor industry trends and customer feedback to guide future product innovation.

What are the typical cross-functional collaborations for a product development director, and how do they influence project outcomes?

Product Development Directors frequently work with teams across marketing, engineering, design, finance, and supply chain to ensure projects align with business goals and customer needs. These collaborations are crucial for balancing technical feasibility, market demands, budgeting, and timelines. Engaging stakeholders early and maintaining open communication channels helps anticipate challenges and maintain project momentum, ultimately leading to more successful product launches and stronger market positioning.

What is the difference between Product Development Director vs Product Manager?

AspectProduct Development DirectorProduct Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple product teams, sets strategic direction, manages product portfoliosFocuses on specific products, manages product lifecycle, gathers customer requirements
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, engineering, or related fields; extensive experience in product management or developmentUsually requires a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or related fields; experience in product management
Work EnvironmentStrategic, leadership-focused, often in senior management settingsOperational, detail-oriented, often in cross-functional teams

The Product Development Director and Product Manager roles differ mainly in scope and strategic focus. The Director oversees multiple products and sets long-term strategies, while the Product Manager handles specific products' day-to-day development and customer needs. Both roles require relevant experience and credentials, but the Director's position is more leadership and strategy-oriented.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a product development director?

To thrive as a Product Development Director, you need expertise in product lifecycle management, strategic planning, market analysis, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with project management software, product roadmap tools, and methodologies like Agile or Scrum is frequently required, as well as experience with budgeting and cross-functional team leadership. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help you inspire teams, align stakeholders, and drive innovation. These competencies are vital for successfully guiding products from concept to market, ensuring they meet customer needs and business goals.
What are the most commonly searched types of Product Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Product Development jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Product Development Director jobs in California? For Product Development Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Product Development Director jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Product Development Director jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Product Development Director jobs? Cities in California with the most Product Development Director job openings:
Product Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Product Development Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $161,541 per year, or $77.7 per hour.

Director Product Development

Zentalis

San Diego, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

DIRECTOR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT


Zentalis is a clinical oncology innovator developing a treatment approach for ovarian cancer andmultiple tumor types. Leveraging therapeutics development and biomarker expertise, Zentalis isadvancing monotherapy and combination studies of its investigational first-in-class WEE1 inhibitor, azenosertib. Focused on translating WEE1 science into clinical practice, we aim to equip physicians with a targeted, non-chemo, orally available medicine that enhances treatment experience, choice, and outcomes. Our mission: to unburden cancer patients with more convenience and care.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The position is responsible for the project oriented technical leadership for process development and manufacturing of investigational drug products from clinical to commercial stage.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:


  1. Manage and oversee activities and contractual relationship with Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) performing process scale-up development, technology transfer, and manufacturing of drug product.
  2. Lead and collaborate with cross functional project team members to meet operational, quality, and CMC goals.
  3. Write Request for Proposal and negotiate contracts and agreements. Evaluate and select contract manufacturers.
  4. Thoroughly review and approve master and executed manufacturing and packaging batch records.
  5. Provide manufacturing summary reports.
  6. Assist in preparation of regulatory documentation for IND and NDA submissions.
  7. Work closely with CMC project managers, CTM supply chain manager, and drug substance team to plan and coordinate manufacturing activities to meet clinical supply projection.
  8. Troubleshoot manufacturing related issues. Make decisions and recommendations.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES REQUIRED:


  1. Master's degree in pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, chemical engineering or relevant area.
  2. 8+ years relevant industry experience with increasing responsibility.
  3. Extensive experience with process scale-up and manufacturing of oral solid dosage forms.
  4. Prior experience with QbD (Quality by Design) and process validation is a plus.
  5. Proven track record of CMO management.
  6. Experience in compiling technical information for manufacturing and control of critical steps to support regulatory submissions.
  7. Thorough understanding of drug product GMPs and quality systems.
  8. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  9. Strong organizational and problem solving skills.
  10. Willing to travel up to 30% of time.

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