Product Development Manager

Summary

Join Golden Hippo, an employee-owned health and wellness company, as their Product Development Manager – Pet Food! In this remote role, you will develop innovative food and treats for multiple brands, focusing on freeze-dried and air-dried formats. You will lead product development initiatives, manage timelines and vendors, source raw materials, and ensure compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate possesses a BS/MS in animal nutrition or life sciences, 5+ years of relevant experience, and expertise in freeze-dried and air-dried pet food. Golden Hippo offers a comprehensive benefits package including 100% employer-paid healthcare, 401k matching, paid time off, professional development opportunities, and various bonuses and incentives.

Requirements

• BS/MS in animal nutrition or life sciences preferred, BS required
• 5+ years of relevant product development experience in the pet food industry
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes
• Proficiency with formulation software
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and people skills, attention to detail, ability to work with & lead teams
• In depth knowledge of pet food category, animal feed and/or animal health science
• Successfully developed/launched pet food products
• Successfully analyzed problems which require an in-depth understanding of animal feed regulations (AAFCO), pet manufacturing and animal nutrition or health sciences
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment

Responsibilities

• Gather input from a variety of internal and external sources to define product concepts
• Guide product definition, planning and implementation efforts
• Lead product development initiatives utilizing knowledge of animal nutrition and animal feed requirements, user and competitive research, and trend analysis across all phases of the product development lifecycle
• Work cross-functionally to execute product development plans
• Responsible for project timelines (including Packaging) & keeping the process moving, ensuring all key milestones are met
• Proactively follows up with vendors on project statuses, manages product development timeline, communicates any changes, additional details and/or risks
• Source raw ingredient and manufacturing suppliers
• Negotiate costs based on knowledge of production processes and raw materials
• Manage the development of new products, ensuring compliance with all testing requirements needed as set by Regulatory and Quality Assurance
• Manage the modification and further innovation of existing products
• Keep current on emerging technology and trends

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in developing freeze-dried and air-dried pet food and treat formats
• Specialty in freeze-dried and air-dried formats

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage – We cover 100% of premiums for medical, dental, and vision plans for employee-only plans
• Through our charity sponsorships, you can make a positive impact on communities worldwide. We’ve donated over $6.1 million to date
• We match up to 3.5% of your 401k contributions , ensuring your retirement savings grow alongside your career
• 6 paid sick and mental health days, an Employee Assistance Program, free weekly yoga and meditation classes, and additional mental health benefits, because we take a holistic approach to your well-being
• Invest in your future with our Employee Stock Ownership Plan , where company contributions fund your retirement plan with company stock
• Professional development opportunities with mentorship, continuous learning programs, and performance-based pay increases, empowering you to progress and excel in your career
• Tuition reimbursement program , which reimburses eligible tuition expenses up to specified amounts, empowering you to invest in your ongoing growth and development
• Work towards our collective goals and earn up to 2 extra weeks of pay each month, based on the achievement of KPIs
• Celebrate your accomplishments with our Win of the Week, Spot Bonus, Work Anniversary, and Shout-Outs programs , where your hard work is not only valued but also acknowledged and rewarded
• Reimbursements for a portion of personal cell phone and internet usage for eligible employees
• For those coming into our Woodland Hills, CA office, you’ll find a fully stocked kitchen and a free on-site gym
• Virtual and in-person company events , like our annual holiday party, happy hours, and virtual cooking nights, designed to cultivate connections and enhance work-life balance