Product Development Director jobs in San Diego, CA

Create a healthier, brighter future for pets, pet parents and people!

If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what’s right for pets, people and our planet.

• We love all pets like our own
• We’re the future of the pet industry
• We’re here to improve lives
• We drive outstanding results together
• We’re welcome as we are

Petco is a category-defining health and wellness company focused on improving the lives of pets, pet parents and Petco partners. We are 29,000 strong, working together across 1,500 pet care centers, 250 Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics, eight distribution centers and two support centers.   

Essential Job Functions

• Direct, and manage programs, policies and processes to implement overall product development strategies established by the V.P., Product Development & Global Sourcing; keep V.P., Product Development & Global Sourcing informed of significant issues potentially impacting product development and/or brand management initiatives; ensure the establishment of internal and external partnerships and clear lines of communication, responsibility and accountability between merchandising team, product development and QC Process.
• Maintain knowledge of current product trends and competitors’ practices; analyze and assess market trends; lead in the development of products that support category business goals and plans; consult with merchandising team on vendors and products in a manner that support their plans and business strategy.
• Direct and manage the merchandise samples selection processes for domestic and import vendors and PETCO merchandising team; in collaboration with the product development team, ensure that product development processes are timely and efficient and leading to activated and ordered product.
• Direct and manage the process for performing comparative bidding analysis of proprietary product development to determine feasibility of import vs. domestic sources; verify that subordinates follow the process and have the tools needed to make this happen.
• Collaborate with Merchandising and Sourcing teams to determine product and maintenance specifications; collaborate with Sourcing, QA, and Design teams to ensure libraries and reference materials for all items are current. 
• Partner with Quality Assurance and Design teams to ensure that high quality and consistent control standards are being maintained; address quality issues with manufacturers, or other appropriate parties in a timely manner to determine their cause and implement relevant solutions.
• Travel on a limited basis to domestic trade shows, factories, or vendor appointments; travel internationally to work with factories, vendors, China partners, or potential international business partners. 
• Direct and manage the creative process for research of packaging design and new item/ category opportunities for growth.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, Marketing, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Extensive experience in retail merchandising, with a strong track record of leading and shaping product development strategies in omni-channel environments.
• Proven leadership skills with experience managing large teams and driving organizational growth.
• Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to translate complex data into actionable strategies.
• Strong negotiation skills and vendor relationship management experience.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and advanced Microsoft Excel.
• Outstanding organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and strategic influencing abilities.
• Deep understanding of retail industry trends, market dynamics, and consumer behavior.

Note: Current responsibilities are impacted by company and team priorities that may have evolved from what is displayed in the Workday job profile.  The description provides general job duties and requirements, but the partner’s manager may assign additional responsibilities or tasks depending on business needs.

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Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.

The pay range(s) below are provided in compliance with state specific laws. Pay ranges may be different in other locations.

/ year

Exact rate of pay will be based on position, location, and experience level. For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO -see https://careers.petco.com/us/en/key-benefits

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