Private Label Manager

The Petshop; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

The Petshop is seeking a Product Development Manager with a strategic mindset to drive the expansion of its private label pet product portfolio in the UAE. The ideal candidate will spearhead the product lifecycle from research to launch, enhancing market share and profitability through effective project management and cross-functional team leadership. A competitive salary and pet-friendly work environment await you.

Benefits

Pet-friendly workplace

Life and medical insurance

Employee discount

Career growth opportunities

Fast paced and dynamic environment

Qualifications

• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• At least 5-7 years of experience in FMCG or private label development.
• Proven cross-functional collaboration and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement private label product strategies.
• Lead new product development projects from concept to launch.
• Oversee product positioning, pricing strategy, and market execution.

Skills

Project Management

Negotiation

Market Analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, or a related field

Job description

Job Overview

You must have a strategic mindset and proven expertise in product development, driving the expansion of our private label pet product portfolio in the UAE.

The goal is to increase market share and profitability by owning the entire product lifecycle, from market research and ideation to product launch and post-launch analysis.

The ideal candidate will possess strong project management skills and a deep understanding of FMCG new product development processes, coupled with the ability to lead cross-functional teams. This role is pivotal in strengthening our competitive advantage and achieving revenue growth through well-planned and executed private label initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Private Label Strategy & Planning: Define and implement the private label product strategy, ensuring a pipeline of private label pet products that align with market opportunities and company profitability targets.
• Market Research & Ideation: Conduct thorough market research and competitive analysis to identify consumer trends and gaps in the pet products market; generate innovative product ideas to expand the private label lineup.
• Product Development Project Management: Lead new product development (NPD) projects from concept through production, coordinating with internal teams to ensure product design, testing, and manufacturing are completed on schedule.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with category team, marketing, supply chain and finance teams to align product development plans with go-to-market strategies, promotional activities and financial objectives.
• Manufacturer & Vendor Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with manufacturers and suppliers to co-develop products; negotiate contracts and costs to ensure high-quality, cost-effective offerings aligned with the company's private label strategy.
• Product Launch & Commercialization: Oversee the go-to-market execution for new private label products, including product positioning, pricing strategy, packaging and marketing support, to ensure successful launches and strong initial sales performance.
• Post-Launch Performance & Improvement: Monitor and analyse the performance of private label products after launch, including revenue, margins and customer feedback; provide recommendations for improvements and incorporate learnings into future product development.

Key Requirements

• Strong project management and organizational skills, with a track record of delivering product initiatives on time and within scope.
• At least 5-7 years of previous experience leading new product development (NPD) projects in a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) environment or private label development for a retailer. Experience in the pet industry is a plus.
• Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally and influence stakeholders across marketing, sales, supply chain, and finance.
• Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills, with a track record of optimizing cost and quality in partnerships with manufacturers and vendors.
• Strategic and analytical mindset with a keen understanding of market trends and product economics (costing, pricing and margin drivers).
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the ability to effectively present ideas and drive teams toward goals.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, or a related field.

Benefits

• Pet-friendly workplace.
• Life and medical Insurance.
• Employee discount.
• Career growth opportunities.
• Fast paced and dynamic environment.