Product Development Project Manager

Key Details:

• Direct Hire/Perm


• Location: Orange, CA - Hybrid


• Pay: $80-90k + 5-10% bonus

Summary:

Reporting to the Sr. Product Development Manager, this role is responsible for leading and driving the end-to-end product development lifecycle, with a primary focus on supporting our pet product business. This position owns product development initiatives from concept through commercialization and exercises independent judgement in prioritizing projects, managing risks, and aligning cross functional teams to achieve business objectives.

The Product Development Project Manager plays a key role in shaping product strategy, influencing pricing and assortment decisions, and ensuring successful product launches that drive revenue growth, margin optimization, and brand positioning.

Responsibilities:

• Own and lead multiple product development initiatives from concept through commercialization, establishing priorities, timelines, and resource alignment.


• Drive the 5-stage gate process, ensuring effective decision-making, accountability, and on-time execution across all projects.


• Lead cross functional collaboration across product, brand, operations, finance, and sourcing teams to align on product strategy and execution.


• Identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks, proactively adjusting plans to meet business objectives.


• Analyze market trends, customer insights, and competitive landscape to inform product strategy. Innovation pipeline, and positioning.


• Partner with commercial, brand, finance, and operations teams to develop pricing strategies, margin targets, and product forecasts.


• Influence global assortment strategy, including SKU rationalization, good/better/best frameworks, and seasonal planning.


• Monitor product performance post launch, making recommendations to optimize revenue, margin, and lifecycle management.


• Evaluate and guide vendor partnerships, influencing sourcing decisions, product quality, cost structure, and timelines.


• Direct product testing, validation, and commercialization efforts, ensuring alignment with brand standards and customer expectations.


• Ensure regulatory compliance and sustainability considerations are incorporated into product development.


• Lead go-to-market execution, including product setup, packaging development, and launch readiness.


• Drive product lifecycle strategies, including product transitions and end-of-life planning.


• Partner closely and supporting commercial and operations teams to ensure operational readiness and successful product launches.


• Any other duties needed to help drive to our Vision, fulfill our Mission, and abide by our Company's Values.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in business management or related field; or a combination of experience and education


• 5+ years of experience in product development, project management, or related field


• Experience in consumer goods, manufacturing, or product development environments preferred


• Strong ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders


• Demonstrated ability to analyze data and make business-driven decisions


• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills


• Experience with tools such as Monday.com, Smartsheets, or similar platforms


• PMP certification is a plus


• Willingness and ability to travel 10-20%

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.