Job Description: Product Development Manager – Pet Tech
Overview
Seeking a highly skilled
Product Development Manager to support the creation and execution of a newly launched
pet tech product line developed exclusively for a major mass retail partner. This role is ideal for a hands-on, strategic thinker with deep experience in
pet tech or adjacent consumer technology categories. The PD Manager will act as a critical liaison between internal teams, suppliers, and the retail customer—driving innovation, commercial viability, and on-time delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Product Strategy & Development
- Lead end-to-end development of an exclusive pet tech product line for a confidential mass retail partner.
- Translate customer insights, retailer requirements, and market trends into clear product specifications and roadmaps.
- Evaluate and refine product concepts with a strong understanding of pet technology, user experience, and competitive landscape.
Project Management
- Manage timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure on-time, cost-effective product launches.
- Partner closely with the PD Director to align on milestones, decision points, and project priorities.
- Maintain detailed project documentation, product requirements, and status updates.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with engineering, sourcing, quality, packaging, and marketing teams to ensure cohesive product development and brand alignment.
- Work directly with overseas and domestic manufacturing partners to validate product feasibility, costing, certifications, and compliance.
- Serve as a key point of contact for the retail partner, presenting updates, product samples, and technical information as needed.
Technical Expertise
- Apply specialized knowledge in pet tech or related consumer tech categories (IoT, smart devices, wearables, sensors, etc.) to ensure product integrity and innovation.
- Review and challenge engineering inputs to ensure user-centric functionality and reliability.
- Oversee product testing, safety validations, and quality assurance processes.
Market & Consumer Insights
- Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitor products within the pet tech space.
- Recommend product enhancements or new opportunities to strengthen category performance and retailer differentiation.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Product Development, Engineering, Industrial Design, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 3–7+ years of experience managing product development in pet tech, consumer tech, smart home, connected devices, or similar categories.
- Proven success launching products for major retailers; experience with mass retail timelines and requirements preferred.
- Strong understanding of IoT, hardware development cycles, and consumer product manufacturing.
- Excellent project management, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment with multiple stakeholders.
- Experience collaborating with overseas factories and suppliers.
Preferred Attributes
- Passion for pet products and consumer technology innovation.
- Ability to balance creativity with technical feasibility and cost constraints.
- Strong presentation skills and comfort engaging directly with retailer partners.
- Detail-oriented, organized, and proactive in anticipating risks or solving challenges.
Salary $100,000-$120,000
