Product Development Lead

Job Summary:

The Product Development Manager is responsible for overseeing the development and enhancement of products from concept to launch. This role involves market research, cross-functional collaboration, project management, and strategic planning to ensure products meet customer needs, align with business goals, and are delivered on time and within budget.

Responsibilities

1. Product Strategy & Innovation

Identify market trends in pet nutrition and consumer preferences.

Develop product concepts aligned with brand positioning and pet health standards.

Benchmark against competitors and global pet food innovations.

2. Formulation & Ingredient Sourcing

Collaborate with nutritionists and veterinarians to create balanced, species-appropriate formulas.

Source high-quality, sustainable ingredients (e.g., proteins, grains, supplements).

Ensure compliance with AVS (Animal & Veterinary Service) and international pet food regulations.

3. Project Management

Lead cross-functional teams (R&D, procurement, marketing, QA) through the product development lifecycle.

Manage timelines, budgets, and resource allocation for each product launch.

Track milestones from concept to commercialization.

4. Testing & Quality Assurance

Oversee palatability trials, shelf-life testing, and nutritional analysis.

Ensure products meet internal quality standards and external regulatory requirements.

Work with QA teams to validate manufacturing processes.

5. Packaging & Branding

Collaborate with design and marketing teams on packaging that appeals to pet owners and meets sustainability goals.

Ensure packaging complies with labeling regulations

6. Launch & Post-Launch Review

Support go-to-market strategies including promotional campaigns and retail rollout.

Monitor product performance, gather customer feedback, and iterate on future versions.

Skills & Qualifications

Degree in Food Science, Animal Nutrition, Veterinary Science, or related fields.

5+ years in product development, preferably in pet food, FMCG, or nutrition.

Strong understanding of pet health, ingredient functionality, and regulatory frameworks.

Experience with project management tools and cross-functional collaboration.