New Product Developer

Rogz Pet Gear; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pet product company in Cape Town is seeking a product developer to design and deliver innovative pet gear. The ideal candidate should have hands-on prototyping experience and a passion for pets. You will manage the product development process from research to production, ensuring quality and safety standards are met. We're looking for a detail-oriented self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Years of experience in product development, design, or related role.
• Hands-on experience with physical prototyping, particularly soft goods.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and pivot quickly.

Responsibilities

• Design new pet gear focusing on the tethering category.
• Research trends and customer needs.
• Collaborate with external designers.

Skills

Product development experience

Hands-on prototyping skills

Project management

Collaboration skills

Detail-oriented mindset

Effective communication

Passion for pets

Job description

To design, develop and deliver new products that are functional, durable, safe and trusted.

You’ll Assist with end-to-end product development process, from market research and concept creation to design, material sourcing, and bringing products to life.RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE (but aren't limited to) :

• Design new pet gear - with a focus on tethering category (collars, leads, harnesses).
• Research trends, customer needs and emerging materials in the pet product space.
• Work closely with external designers on other categories (like beds, toys and accessories).
• Build and test prototypes (yes, hands-on — sewing, assembling, tweaking).
• Collaborate with machinists, technical teams and sourcing to bring designs to life.
• Select and test materials for durability, comfort, safety and aesthetics.
• Ensure product feasibility, cost-effectiveness and manufacturability.
• Conduct fittings and testing with pets.
• Supply information for technical documentation (specs, testing results, etc.).
• Liaise with suppliers and support cost discussions where relevant.
• Stay clued in to what’s happening in the industry and bring fresh ideas to the table.
• Uphold ROGZ brand standards and champion product quality.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• years' experience in product development, design, or related role.
• Hands‑on experience with physical prototyping — particularly soft goods and webbing.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and pivot fast (we move quickly here).
• Comfort working with different teams and juggling tasks from design to testing.
• Strong eye for detail, with a maker's mindset.
• Great communicator and natural collaborator.
• Must love dogs or cats (or ideally, both).

THE PERSON WE WANT ON OUR TEAM

• A self-starter who thrives in organised chaos.
• Energised, eager to learn, and willing to roll up sleeves (or get dog hair on them).
• Resilient and adaptable because every day is different.
• Hardworking.
• Has a sense of humour and a sense of purpose.