Product Development Manager - Dog & Cat Regulated Products

Product Development Manager - Dog & Cat Regulated Products Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ:CENT and CENTA), is a leading innovator, marketer and producer of high-quality branded products for the pet, lawn and garden markets. We are seeking a creative, driven and forward‑thinking R&D Product Development Manager to help shape the future of our Pet Health & Wellness portfolio, including the ADAMS (adamspetcare.com), Comfort Zone (comfortzone.com), and Sulfodene (sulfodene.com) brands. In this role, you will lead and coordinate the development of new products focused on dog and cat health, nutrition and behavior, guiding projects from initial concept through completion. You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to prepare each product for federal or state regulatory approval, licensing or registration. While we are open to all candidates who live within 30 miles of a Central location, we do prioritize candidates in Chicago, where many of the marketing team is located, or Dallas where most of the Research & Development team is located. We operate in a hybrid work environment that balances in‑person collaboration with workplace flexibility. Employees are currently expected to work from the office at least three (3) days per week. Beginning in September 2026, our hybrid model will transition to four (4) in‑office days per week to support greater collaboration, learning and team connection. If you are ready to take the next exciting step in your research and development career, we’d love to hear from you! Please see our website for additional company information –

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead the development of new Pet Health & Wellness products from concept through commercialization, partnering with cross‑functional teams including R&D, Regulatory, Quality, Marketing, Legal, Procurement and Manufacturing. Develop and manage project plans, timelines and milestones to ensure on‑time execution and clear communication across all stakeholders. Design and oversee stability studies to validate product shelf life, ingredient stability and label; select and manage external testing laboratories as needed. Provide technical expertise to support product claims, labeling and marketing materials before and after product launch, in collaboration with Marketing, Regulatory and Legal teams. Conduct literature reviews on active ingredients to support product development and substantiation of claims, particularly for supplement and/or pheromone products. Collaborate with New Business Development and Marketing to investigate new product concepts and innovation opportunities for U.S. and international markets. Ensure products meet internal quality standards and comply with applicable federal, state and international regulatory requirements by partnering closely with Regulatory Affairs and cross‑functional teams, and by supporting quality and compliance initiatives, including SOP development and continuous improvement efforts. Stay current on scientific, regulatory and industry trends through professional publications, continuing education and scientific conferences. Provide technical support to Consumer Care by assisting with responses to customer inquiries related to product efficacy, usage and concerns; develop accurate, science‑based guidance and leverage consumer feedback to inform continuous improvement, quality enhancements and future product innovation.

QUALIFICATIONS

Technical & Regulatory Expertise Familiarity with AAFCO and NASC regulations governing animal feeds, supplements and feed ingredients strongly preferred. Experience supporting regulated products, including labeling, claims substantiation and compliance activities. Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment. Demonstrated ability to influence cross‑functional stakeholders, including non‑technical teams, to achieve project objectives. Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and database systems. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external partners. Highly detail‑oriented, organized and results‑driven, with a strong commitment to quality and compliance.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

Master of Science (MS) in Animal Science or a related discipline required; PhD or DVM preferred. 5–10 years of relevant experience in research, product development and/or project management within regulated animal health, nutrition or pet care industries, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Working knowledge of pet nutrition and/or animal behavior.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Comfortable, office environment; frequent use of phone and PC; required overnight business travel approximately 10% of the time after onboarding. Laboratory and on‑location field sites. Safety apparel is required in the laboratory or production areas, i.e. safety glasses (always), lab coat, gloves, respirators or dust masks (as appropriate).

POSITION INFORMATION

This position pays approximately $110,000 – $140,000 annually, based on prior related product development experience in animal health, nutrition & behavior, geographic location and academic background. This position may also be eligible for an annual discretionary management incentive.

BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS

Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance Free Life and Disability Insurance Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts 401k with 3% company match Paid vacation, holidays and sick time Employee Assistance Program Access to thousands of free online courses Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships and more! Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications) Referral Program with cash bonus Access to on‑demand pay Paid parental leave We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Central Garden & Pet Company