At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product innovation and development for exciting pet care products.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to improving pet lives and their owners' experiences.
- Benefits: Flexible working, collaborative culture, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team where your ideas truly matter.
- Why this job: Shape innovative products that pets and their owners will love.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in product development with a creative mindset.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: Flexible / Hybrid
Reporting to: Head of Technical, NPD & Compliance
About Us
At Pets, we're passionate about making lives better for pets and the people who love them. From nutrition to accessories, we're committed to developing high-quality, innovative own-brand products that deliver real value and make pet care simpler, better, and more rewarding. We're now looking for a Product & Innovation Manager to help shape the future of our product range.
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity to bring creativity, insight, and commercial thinking together. As part of our Technical & Product Process team, you'll translate trends and customer needs into standout products that enhance our own-brand proposition. You'll work collaboratively across our Product, Trading, Merchandising, and Supply teams - alongside our suppliers - to turn ideas into reality, ensuring our products are not only innovative but easy for customers to shop and love.
What you'll be doing
- Identify emerging pet care trends and turn them into exciting new product opportunities
- Lead end-to-end product development, from concept through to launch
- Partner closely with suppliers to deliver NPD on time and to the highest standard
- Ensure smooth progression through stage gate processes and critical path timelines
- Conduct competitor benchmarking and gap analysis to keep us ahead of the market
- Ensure products meet both customer expectations and commercial targets
- Support product testing, including palatability and consumer feedback
- Work with internal teams to deliver a clear, compelling range proposition
- Stay up to date with industry trends, innovation and regulatory changes
- Support onboarding and development of new supplier partnerships
What we're looking for
- Proven experience (5+ years) in product development
- Strong understanding of end-to-end product lifecycle - from raw materials to shelf
- Experience working with suppliers and managing development processes
- Knowledge of food/product safety standards (e.g. HACCP)
- Strong commercial awareness and ability to balance cost and quality
- A creative mindset with a passion for innovation and improving pet products
Skills that will help you succeed
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects
- Proactive and solutions-focused mindset
- Strong attention to detail and ability to anticipate challenges
- Confident presenting ideas and influencing decisions
- A true team player who thrives in a collaborative environment
Why join Pets?
- Be part of a business that genuinely cares about pets and their wellbeing
- Play a key role in shaping innovative products loved by millions of customers
- Work in a collaborative, supportive environment where your ideas matter
- Opportunity to make a visible impact across our stores and online
Ready to apply?
If you're passionate about product innovation and want to help create products that pets (and their owners) love, we'd love to hear from you.
Pets just see people. They aren't biased and they don't discriminate. We take our inspiration from pets, and we value and respect difference in all its forms. Our aim is to reflect the diversity of the communities we operate in, and every colleague can help us achieve this. We encourage our people to be themselves so even if your skills and experience don't perfectly align, if you think you can make a unique contribution through your values and behaviours, we want to hear from you!
Product & Innovation Manager in Cheadle employer: leisurejobs
At Pets, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that values creativity and diversity. As a Product & Innovation Manager, you'll have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on our product range while working alongside passionate colleagues who share your commitment to enhancing pet care. With flexible working options and a focus on employee growth, we empower our team members to bring their ideas to life in a supportive environment that truly cares about pets and their wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product & Innovation Manager in Cheadle
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, share your innovative ideas and how you’ve turned trends into successful products in the past. This is your moment to shine and demonstrate your passion for product development.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their current range and think about how you can contribute to their innovation strategy. Tailor your answers to show you’re the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Pets and making a difference in the pet care world.
We think you need these skills to ace Product & Innovation Manager in Cheadle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Pets:When you're writing your application, let your love for pets shine through! Share any personal experiences or insights that connect you to the pet care industry. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Product & Innovation Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in product development and innovation, and don’t forget to mention any specific projects that showcase your skills!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at leisurejobs
✨Know Your Trends
Before the interview, dive deep into the latest trends in pet care. Research emerging products and innovations that are making waves in the industry. This will not only show your passion for the role but also demonstrate your ability to identify opportunities that align with the company's vision.
✨Showcase Your Process
Be ready to discuss your experience with end-to-end product development. Prepare specific examples of how you've managed projects from concept to launch, including any challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will highlight your organisational skills and proactive mindset.
✨Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with various teams and suppliers, think of examples that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully collaborated in the past and how you can bring that same energy to their team.
✨Passion for Pets
Let your love for pets shine through during the interview. Share personal stories or experiences that connect you to the pet care industry. This will help you resonate with the company's mission and values, making you a more memorable candidate.
