. Executive Summary
We are looking for a high-caliber Chief Product Officer (CPO) to spearhead our product ecosystem in the D2C Nutraceutical space. This is an end-to-end leadership role, requiring a rare blend of scientific rigor and commercial agility. You will be responsible for the entire product lifecycle—from identifying white-space opportunities and overseeing clinical research to managing complex supply chains and contract manufacturing.
The ideal candidate is an entrepreneurially-minded product builder who understands that in the D2C world, a product must not only be scientifically superior but also consumer-centric and digitally native.
II. Key Areas of Responsibility
1. Product Vision & Formulation Strategy
• Invention & Development: Lead the R&D team to conceptualize and formulate next-generation nutraceuticals (Powders, Capsules, Gummies, Liquid shots, etc.).
• Benchmarking: Conduct rigorous competitive analysis and "reverse engineering" of global best-sellers to ensure our products exceed market standards in bioavailability and efficacy.
• Format Innovation: Drive innovation in delivery formats to improve consumer compliance and "delight" (taste, texture, and packaging).
2. Clinical Research & Regulatory Affairs
• Clinical Oversight: Design and lead Clinical Trials and Research Studies (CRO management) to establish proprietary "Proof of Concept" for our product claims.
• Claims Management: Collaborate with legal and marketing to ensure all product claims are robust, evidence-based, and compliant with FSSAI/AYUSH/FDA regulations.
• Regulatory Compliance: Act as the final authority on ingredient safety, labeling standards, and international compliance for future export readiness.
3. Supply Chain & Contract Manufacturing (CMO)
• Strategic Sourcing: Build a global supply chain for premium raw materials, ensuring transparency, traceability, and sustainability.
• Vendor Ecosystem: Identify, audit, and manage relationships with top-tier Contract Manufacturers in India and abroad.
• Quality Assurance: Implement "Gold Standard" QA/QC protocols at the manufacturing site level to ensure batch-to-batch consistency.
4. Commercialization & P&L Management
• COGS Optimization: Own the Unit Economics of the product. Balance high-quality ingredients with aggressive margin targets essential for a VC-backed D2C brand.
• GTM Collaboration: Partner with the Marketing and Growth teams to translate complex scientific data into compelling consumer narratives.
• Inventory & Forecasting: Work with the operations team to ensure seamless product availability, managing lead times for raw materials and finished goods.
III. Candidate Profile
1. Professional Experience
• Industry Veteran: 12+ years in Nutraceuticals, Wellness, or Pharmaceutical product development.
• D2C Track Record: Proven experience in a high-growth D2C brand where speed-to-market is a critical KPI.
• Network: An existing robust network of vendors, CROs, and manufacturers within the Indian nutraceutical ecosystem.
2. Technical Expertise
• Deep understanding of Pharmacokinetics, Nutrient Synergy, and Ingredient Stability.
• Mastery of the regulatory landscape in India (FSSAI) and a strong grasp of global wellness trends.
• Experience in conducting and publishing clinical studies is highly preferred.
3. Leadership & Cultural Fit
• The "Founder" Mentality: You treat the product budget as your own money and the brand as your own legacy.
• Data-Driven: Ability to pivot strategies based on consumer feedback and sales data.
• Mumbai-Based: This role requires being on-ground in Mumbai to manage our local ecosystem and headquarters.
IV. Educational Qualifications
• Required: Master’s or Ph.D. in Food Science, Nutrition, Pharmacy (M.Pharm), or Biochemistry.
• Preferred: An MBA from a premier institute to bridge the gap between science and business strategy.