Product Development Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Vision insurance

Product Development Coordinator (English/Mandarin Bilingual Preferred)
 
Location: Ontario, CA 91764 (Onsite)
Job Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Travel: Up to 5% for trade shows, customer visits, and industry events.
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, and 401(k)

About Petpals Group Inc.
Petpals Group Inc. is a leading pet products company specializing in innovative cat furniture, scratchers, toys, pet accessories, and other pet-related products. We are committed to designing high-quality, functional, and appealing products that enhance the lives of pets and their owners. Our team combines creativity, market insight, and operational excellence to bring new ideas from concept to market. 

Position Summary
The Product Development Coordinator supports the development, sourcing, market analysis, testing, and launch of new pet products, with a primary focus on pet accessories, toys, and other small-format pet products. This role plays a key part in identifying market opportunities, analyzing consumer trends, evaluating competitive products, coordinating supplier communications, and managing product development projects from concept through commercialization. The position works closely with Product Development, Sales, Marketing, Operations, and overseas suppliers throughout the product lifecycle. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, analytical, and passionate about product innovation. Experience in the pet industry, consumer products, home goods, or retail products is strongly preferred. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
New Product Development & Market Analysis ·        .

• Research market trends and identify opportunities within the pet accessories category, including toys, grooming accessories, feeding accessories, travel accessories, and other small-format pet products
• Conduct comprehensive product and market analysis to identify new product opportunities, category trends, competitive advantages, and potential business growth areas.
• Analyze sales performance, market demand, pricing trends, customer reviews, and competitor offerings to support product development decisions.
• Evaluate product categories and recommend new product concepts based on market data, customer insights, and industry trends.
• Conduct competitor benchmarking, feature comparisons, and pricing analysis.
• Identify product gaps and improvement opportunities through customer feedback and market research.
• Assist in the development and design of new products from concept through commercialization. 
• Create product presentations, development briefs, and supporting documentation for internal review and supplier communication. 
• Coordinate with domestic and overseas manufacturers regarding product specifications, materials, functionality, samples, costs, and production timelines. 
• Support supplier sourcing activities and vendor evaluation.
• Assist in calculating target costs, MSRP, pricing strategies, and margin opportunities. 

Sample Review, Testing & Product Improvement

• Coordinate product sample requests, evaluations, and testing activities. 
• Test and evaluate product samples for quality, functionality, durability, and user experience.
• Document testing results and provide recommendations for product improvements. 
• Monitor customer feedback, product reviews, and trial sales results to identify opportunities for product enhancement. 
• Work with suppliers and internal teams to implement product modifications and improvements.
• Support quality improvement initiatives through product performance analysis and documentation. 

Packaging & Product Launch Support

• Assist with packaging development and packaging review processes. 
• Review packaging layouts, artwork, product specifications, and product information for accuracy and consistency. 
• Coordinate product information required for new item setup and product launches. 
• Maintain product specifications, packaging files, development records, and approval documentation. 
• Support Sales, Marketing, Ecommerce, and Operations teams by providing accurate product information and launch materials. 

Project Coordination

• Track product development milestones, timelines, and project deliverables. 
• Follow up with suppliers and internal departments to ensure timely completion of projects. 
• Maintain development checklists, project trackers, and progress reports. 
• Organize product files, sample records, packaging files, approvals, and development documentation. 
• Prepare meeting notes, project summaries, and management updates. 

Trade Shows & Product Promotion Support

• Assist in planning and coordinating trade shows, industry events, and product launch activities. 
• Coordinate product samples, displays, and supporting materials. 
• Attend trade shows, supplier meetings, and industry events as required. 
• Support post-show follow-up activities and evaluation of new product opportunities. 

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Sales, Marketing, Ecommerce, Customer Service, and Operations teams. 
• Ensure product information, specifications, packaging updates, and launch timelines are communicated accurately across departments. 
• Support product training and internal communication as needed.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Product Development, Merchandising, Industrial Design, Supply Chain, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in product development, sourcing, merchandising, purchasing, category management, or a related role.
• Experience in consumer products, pet products, retail products, home goods, or related industries preferred.
• Experience developing, sourcing, or managing pet accessories, toys, or other small consumer products is preferred.  .
• Strong understanding of product market research, competitive analysis, and product opportunity assessment.
• Experience conducting product market analysis, customer review analysis, and trend evaluation.
• Experience working with domestic and overseas suppliers is preferred.
• Knowledge of materials, packaging development, manufacturing processes, and import/export logistics is a plus. 
• Experience with product testing, sample evaluation, and new product launches is desirable. 

Skills & Competencies

• Strong product and market analysis skills, including sales trend analysis, pricing evaluation, customer review analysis, and competitive research.
• Ability to identify consumer trends and translate market insights into actionable product recommendations.
• Strong project coordination and organizational skills.
• Excellent analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook). 
• Experience with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Canva, or other graphic design software is a plus. 
• Ability to review packaging artwork, product graphics, and marketing materials for accuracy and consistency. 
• English/Mandarin Bilingual Preferred. 
• Cat owner or hands-on experience caring for cats and dogs is highly preferred. 

Why Join Petpals Group?

• Be part of a growing and innovative pet products company.
• Contribute directly to the creation and launch of new products.
• Gain exposure to product development, sourcing, market research, packaging, and commercialization.
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.