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Product Development Lab Manager Jobs in Shelton, CT

Bigelow Tea

Director, Research & Development

Fairfield, CT · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

You bring both craft and practicality --you care deeply about the product and know how to make it work at scale * You're as comfortable in a plant as you are in a development lab * You develop people ...

Henkel

R&D Product Development Scientist

Trumbull, CT · On-site

$75/hr

... prototype products * Reviews data, provides preliminary interpretation and draws conclusions ... able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. * 1-3 years of hands-on lab ...

Glanbia

Film R&D Lab Technician

West Haven, CT · On-site

$25/hr

Support the R&D team (prototype formulation, preparation, & characterization) evaluation and ... Manage the raw materials required in the laboratory for the production of prototypes; * Manage ...

Socket.dev

Product Manager - Plush Toys

Danbury, CT · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

This role is ideal for someone who understands product development, loves collaborating with ... Product Manager, Plush Toys Location: Danbury, CT Employment Type: Full-Time Experience Level: Mid ...

New

Glanbia

Film R&D Lab Technician

West Haven, CT

$25/hr

Support the R&D team (prototype formulation, preparation, & characterization) evaluation and ... Manage the raw materials required in the laboratory for the production of prototypes; * Manage ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsProduct Development Lab JobsProduct Development Lab Manager JobsProduct Development Lab Manager Jobs in Shelton, CT

Product Development Lab Manager information

See Shelton, CT salary details

$42.6K

$127.4K

$144.9K

How much do product development lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for product development lab manager in Shelton, CT is $127,376.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,800.00 and $143,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a product development lab manager do?

A Product Development Lab Manager oversees the operations of a laboratory where new products are created, tested, and refined. They manage lab staff, ensure equipment is maintained, and ensure that research and development activities comply with safety and quality standards. Their role often involves coordinating between research teams, production, and quality assurance to bring new products from concept to market. They also play a key role in budgeting, resource allocation, and maintaining documentation for regulatory compliance.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a product development lab manager?

To thrive as a Product Development Lab Manager, you need a solid background in product development processes, laboratory management, and a relevant scientific or engineering degree. Familiarity with lab management software, quality control systems, and regulatory compliance certifications such as ISO standards is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help drive innovation and ensure effective coordination among cross-functional teams. These skills are crucial for maintaining efficient lab operations, ensuring compliance, and delivering high-quality products on time.

How does a product development lab manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the product development process?

As a Product Development Lab Manager, you will regularly collaborate with teams such as R&D, engineering, marketing, and quality assurance. This involves coordinating product testing, ensuring adherence to timelines, and communicating technical results to non-technical stakeholders. Effective collaboration is crucial for aligning product specifications, resolving challenges quickly, and ensuring that the final product meets both technical and market requirements. Strong communication and project management skills are key for success in this role.

What is the difference between Product Development Lab Manager vs Product Development Scientist?

AspectProduct Development Lab ManagerProduct Development Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Biology, or related field; management experienceDegree in Chemistry, Biology, or related field; research experience
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, overseeing teams, managing projectsLaboratories, conducting experiments, developing products
Employer & IndustryConsumer goods, pharmaceuticals, biotech companiesResearch institutions, R&D departments in similar industries
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding managerial roles in product developmentResearching scientific roles in product creation

The Product Development Lab Manager focuses on overseeing laboratory operations, managing teams, and ensuring project timelines, while the Product Development Scientist is primarily involved in conducting experiments and developing new products. Both roles require relevant scientific credentials and work within similar industry environments, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

Product Development Lab Manager jobs near you

Director, Research & Development

Bigelow LLC

Fairfield, CT • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Bigelow Tea is the number one specialty tea company in the United States. We are a family-owned and operated business and a Certified B Corporation. Being a certified B Corp officially recognizes a commitment that has been part of the company's DNA since it was founded 80 years ago. Our purpose has always been about much more than making profits. We are committed to good citizenship, ethical business practices, accountability, transparency, protecting the environment, sustainability and supporting our communities. We pride ourselves in caring about each and every one of our employees. We have a long-term outlook and are constantly working to create an environment that inspires people to make positive contributions every day. Bigelow is currently looking for a select, talented individual, that shares our values, to join our growing team.
Job Title: Director, Research and Development
Work Location: Fairfield
Division/Department: Marketing
Reports to: Vice President, Marketing and R&D
Status: Full-time | Exempt
Position Summary
At Bigelow Tea, product is at the heart of everything we do. The Director of Product Development will lead how we bring that commitment to life, evolving our core tea offerings while helping expand into new usage occasions and consumers.
This role is responsible for turning ideas into exceptional products, grounded in strong formulation, deep manufacturing understanding, and a relentless focus on quality. Working closely with Marketing, this leader will provide critical product and technical input to shape innovation, while owning the development and scale-up of products.
Equally important, this person will build and lead a team that operates with curiosity, accountability, and pride in craft.
Key Responsibilities
Product Development
  • Lead the development of new and existing products from concept through scale-up, ensuring they meet Bigelow's high standards for quality, taste, and consistency
  • Translate innovation briefs into well-developed, technically sound products
  • Provide practical, experience-based input into product concepts based on feasibility, ingredients, and performance
  • Ensure every product reflects the Bigelow brand-thoughtful, high-quality, and consumer-focused
Core Product Craft & Optimization
  • Continuously elevate the quality and performance of Bigelow's core tea bag portfolio
  • Lead improvements in flavor consistency, ingredient quality, and packaging performance
  • Identify opportunities to enhance value while protecting the integrity of the product
  • Bring a hands-on, detail-oriented approach to product excellence
Manufacturing & Scale-Up
  • Bring deep manufacturing knowledge into product development decisions from the start
  • Lead scale-up from bench to production, ensuring products are reliable and repeatable
  • Partner closely with internal operations and external co-packers to develop products that work in real-world conditions
  • Lead plant trials and solve problems proactively to ensure strong outcomes

Team Leadership
  • Build, coach, and develop a team of product developers, many early in their careers
  • Create an environment where people feel ownership of their work and pride in the outcome
  • Encourage curiosity, experimentation, and continuous improvement
  • Set clear expectations and hold the team accountable to high standards
Ways of Working
  • Establish clear, effective approaches to product development that balance creativity with discipline
  • Bring structure and clarity to how work gets done-without slowing momentum
  • Ensure strong execution across multiple projects, with clear ownership and follow-through
Partnership Across the Business
  • Work closely with Marketing to provide product insight and feasibility input as ideas are shaped
  • Partner with Supply Chain, Quality, and Regulatory to ensure products are developed responsibly and effectively
  • Act as the bridge between concept and product reality
Qualifications
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering, or related field
  • Advanced degree preferred
Experience
  • 10-15+ years in product development within CPG, ideally in beverages or adjacent categories
  • Strong track record of developing and improving products in manufacturing-driven environments
  • Experience working with both internal manufacturing teams and co-packers
  • Experience in tea, coffee, or similar categories preferred
What Sets You Apart
  • You bring both craft and practicality-you care deeply about the product and know how to make it work at scale
  • You're as comfortable in a plant as you are in a development lab
  • You develop people, not just products
  • You create clarity and accountability without overcomplicating things
  • You're energized by the opportunity to build, improve, and elevate

Travel Requirements
• Travel as required for product development, customer meetings, research and internal collaboration. Up to 25%.
Bigelow Company Overview
Based in Fairfield, CT and 100% family and woman-owned, the Bigelow Tea Company pioneered the specialty tea category over 80 years ago. The third-generation company takes pride in its heritage and successful growth from a one-product, entrepreneurial venture into America's #1 leading tea company brand.
Bigelow Tea is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Bigelow Tea does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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About Bigelow

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Investment banking and securities dealing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Portsmouth, NH, US

Year founded

1935

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