Director of Product Development

Pets + People; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

HSA/FSA options

401(k) with company match

Commuter benefits

Generous vacation and wellness days

Parental leave

Pawternity Leave

Pet-friendly office

Hybrid schedule with WFA days

Job summary

Pets + People in New York, NY seeks a Director of Product Development to lead product managers across pet and people categories. You will own the end-to-end development cycle, from concept to mass production, and set formulation standards and claims substantiation.

You will drive customer-focused innovation, shape product strategy, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to create go-to-market plans, with a hybrid schedule (3 days in office) and competitive compensation in the $150k–$165k

Qualifications

• 5-7 years' experience in developing liquid formulations for household cleaning, personal care, or pet grooming products.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in product development, preferably in the consumer products sector.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to manage and inspire teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of product managers in various consumer product categories, such as household and pet supplies.
• Assemble and maintain a comprehensive new product launch calendar to ensure timely delivery and market competitiveness.
• Oversee the end-to-end product development cycle, including concept creation, prototyping, and mass production.
• Own formulation standards and approvals by setting clear requirements for how products are developed.
• Review and approve all formulas for performance, quality, safety, and cost expectations.
• Establish standards and processes for product claims and substantiation.
• Manage customer-focused product development strategies that align with the company’s mission and profitability goals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop go-to-market strategies for new products.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Travel internationally

Cross-functional collaboration

PM software

Tools

Project management software

Job description

Director of Product Development

New York, New York, United States (Hybrid – 3 days/week in office)

Who We Are

At Pets + People, we make tails wag and customers smile with products brought to market through strategic licensing and innovation. Our brands make everyday life fresh, fun, and user-friendly for the whole family.

Our team of over 80 dedicated employees is headquartered in New York City with both national and global support. With our background, experience, and network, we are uniquely positioned to extend the reach of any brand to a new market.

“We’ve been a pioneer in licensing since 2008, translating favorite brands into practical "pet" applications. In 2014, we expanded our vision into new markets within the "people" sector. Now, we are leveraging our long track record of success and applying it both to pets + people. “ – Steven Shweky, Top Dog

Learn more about our capabilities at www.petspeople.com

About the Role

The Director of Product Development is a position responsible for overseeing product development of the formulated categories in both the pet and people spaces. Reporting to the Senior Director of Product Development, this leadership role is instrumental in shaping our product strategy, driving customer-focused innovation, and establishing processes related to formulated product development. The roleis a hybrid role, requiring three days per week in the office.

What You'll Do

• Lead a team of product managers in various consumer product categories, such as household and pet supplies.
• Assemble and maintain a comprehensive new product launch calendar to ensure timely delivery and market competitiveness.
• Oversee the end-to-end product development cycle, including concept creation, prototyping, and mass production.
• Own formulation standards and approvals by setting clear requirements for how products are developed.
• Review and approve all formulas for performance, quality, safety, and cost expectations.
• Establish standards and processes for product claims and substantiation.
• Manage customer-focused product development strategies that align with the company’s mission and profitability goals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop go-to-market strategies for new products.

What You'll Bring

• Minimum 5-7 years' experience in developing liquid formulations for household cleaning, personal care, or pet grooming products.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in product development, preferably in the consumer products sector.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to manage and inspire teams.
• Proficient in project management software and tools.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Must be willing to travel internationally, as needed.

Hybrid Work

We’re a hybrid office culture, in office 3 days a week with flexibility to work from home the rest. We value the connection and collaboration that in-person work brings, while giving our team room to work in the way that's most effective for them.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $150,000 – $165,000 per year, depending on experience, skills, and location.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision insurance

• HSA/FSA options

• 401(k) with company match

• Commuter benefits

• Generous vacation, personal, and wellness days that grow with tenure

• Parental leave

• "Pawternity Leave" for new pet parents

• Pet-friendly office

• Hybrid flexible schedule, with additional Work-From-Anywhere days throughout the year

Equal Opportunity Statement

Pets + People is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, religion, disability, citizenship status, national origin, pregnancy, veteran status, and any other factor protected by applicable law.