Senior New Product Developer

Untamed; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing pet food brand in London is seeking a Senior New Product Developer to oversee cat food product development. This role involves project management, cross-department collaboration, and market analysis. Candidates should have a passion for cats and strong communication skills, with some experience in product development or a related field preferred. Come join a team that is committed to pet well-being and product innovation.

Benefits

Private Healthcare with Dental & Optical Cover

Pension with employer contributions

Annual £1k L&D Opportunities

Paid charity days

Free Untamed subscription

Qualifications

• 2-5 years experience in pet food development or a related field is a bonus.
• Willingness to travel for product launches and build supplier relations.
• Good experience of managing artwork approvals and packaging knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Support NPD Lead in product development and launch.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure successful product workflows.
• Conduct market and competitor analysis for NPD.

Skills

Passion for Cats

Project Management Skills

Analytical & Research Skills

Communication Skills

Attention to Detail

Team Player

Problem-Solving

Job description

Location: Central London

Hybrid Working: Fixed 3 office days a week with remote working 2 days a week

Salary: £45,000 - £50,000

About Untamed

Untamed is the fastest growing subscription-based pet food brand that is redefining how cat owners nourish and care for their pets. We are committed to providing high-quality, nutritious, and ethically sourced food made from all the whole meats our cats need to thrive. Our mission is to enhance the well-being and happiness of cats whilst raising standards across the industry.

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our team as a Senior New Product Developer (NPD) for our growing NPD team. If you have a love for cats and a drive to bring fresh and exciting products to market, we'd love to hear from you!

Job Overview

As a Senior New Product Developer, you will be responsible for supporting the NPD Lead in the development and launch of new cat food products. This role involves working closely with cross-functional teams to lead and track timelines, ensure smooth project workflows, evaluate product samples, and conduct market and competitor analysis. You will also lead in product ideation, recipe formulation, testing, documentation, artwork and packaging management ensuring that all products meet our Untamed nutritional standards, and sustainability goals.

Key Responsibilities

Project Coordination and NPD Lead Support

• Track project timelines and work with the wider business to ensure smooth product development workflows.
• Coordinate with various departments to meet project deadlines and launch dates.
• Collaborate with marketing, supply chain, and production teams to ensure successful product launches.
• Lead in addressing cross-departmental needs, ensuring timely communication and support.
• Research market trends and customer insights to identify gaps and potential opportunities for NPD.
• Study customer feedback to inform the development of new products and innovations.
• Manage the artworks for all new and current products ensuring artworks are labelled correctly and the packaging is fit for purpose. Lead and manage the artwork sign off process ensuring artwork files are submitted, checked and go to print on time.

New Product Evaluation

• Evaluate physical samples of products and packaging to ensure they meet quality and specification standards.
• Provide feedback and help manage product improvements.
• Conduct market research to identify emerging trends and opportunities for new product development.
• Monitor competitors’ products, strategies, and innovations to stay ahead in the industry.

Regulatory & Compliance Support

• Ensure proper documentation for each stage of product development for internal and regulatory purposes.
• Maintain thorough documentation throughout the product development process, from concept to final product.
• Ensure product specifications and trial reports are up-to-date and compliant with all standards.
• Ensure our packaging is compliant with UK regulations.

Product and Supplier Research

• Source and evaluate potential products, packaging, and suppliers for new product development projects.
• Establish relationships with suppliers to stay updated on available materials and technologies.
• Assist with supplier selection and relationship management to ensure quality, pricing, and timeliness.

Job Requirements

• Passion for Cats: A love for cats is a must.
• Experience: 2-5 years experience in pet food development or a related field is a bonus but not required. We are open to candidates from various industries with the right mindset and interest.
• Project Management Skills: Ability to handle multiple projects, manage timelines, and coordinate teams effectively. Willingness to travel to support product launches and build supplier relations is a must. Must have good experience of managing artwork approvals and packaging knowledge.
• Analytical & Research Skills: Strong research skills to analyze market trends, competitors, and consumer needs.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and supplier management.
• Attention to Detail: Must be detail-oriented and capable of managing complex documentation and regulatory requirements.
• Team Player: Ability to work well with internal teams, suppliers, and external stakeholders.
• Problem‑Solving: Ability to identify issues early in the development process and work collaboratively to find solutions.

Why Join Us?

• Passionate Team: Work alongside a dedicated and passionate team who genuinely care about cats and pet well-being.
• Innovative Environment: Be part of a company that is continuously looking to innovate and bring the best products to market.
• Growth Opportunities: As we expand, we want you to grow with us. Plenty of room for advancement within the company.
• Cat Lovers Welcome: A fun and collaborative work environment where your passion for cats will be appreciated and celebrated!

What we offer

• Opportunity to work in a fast-growing and innovative startup environment
• Collaborative and inclusive company culture
• A gorgeous office in the heart of central London stocked with free coffee, tea, soft drinks, snacks and more
• A hybrid working schedule (3 days in the office non‑negotiable on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2 days WFH: Wednesday and Friday)
• 25 days of Annual Leave (plus your birthday off!) including carry‑over days
• All the tech you need to get set up
• Private Healthcare with Dental & Optical Cover
• Pension with employer contributions
• EMI Options Scheme so you can invest in the growth you build
• Annual £1k L&D Opportunities & Budgets to further enhance your skills
• £50 a month wellness budget/gym contribution
• Paid charity days to support causes that matter to you
• Free counselling and coaching through Spill & MoreHappi
• 5 working days Paw‑ternity Leave to welcome a new pet to your home
• 28 working days sabbatical after 4 years
• Regular socials & team lunches
• Free Untamed subscription for your furry friends

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter detailing why you're passionate about developing cat food and how your skills align with the role.

We look forward to hearing from you and possibly having you join our exciting journey of creating the best cat food products on the market!