Logo of Huzzle

Product Expert - Own Brands (all genders)

image

zooplus

1mo ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Senior Level
  • Research & Development
    Product
  • Munich
  • Quick Apply

AI generated summary

  • You need 5 years in pet retail/product development, a Food Tech degree, NPD experience, stakeholder management skills, pet industry knowledge, and expertise in Microsoft Office.
  • You will manage product specifications, liaise with suppliers, ensure quality, analyze customer data, support marketing claims, and collaborate on product development and quality assurance.

Requirements

  • Ideally 5 years of relevant work experience in pet retail or product development for a pet food manufacturer / retailer within private label
  • Must-have Food Technology / Nutrition / Life Sciences degree
  • Familiar with NPD processes
  • Experience in the cooperation and management of external stakeholders
  • Knowledge of the pet industry as well as animal nutrition according to common standards (FEDIAF, AAFCO)
  • Good knowledge of feed regulations and their implications on marketing claims
  • Expert knowledge in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Responsibilities

  • Undertakes completion of product briefings / specification sheets so that accurate pricing / pre production samples can be made by suppliers / manufacturers / buying office. Uses the product briefing document / specification sheets to check quality level and fitness for use of supplier initial pre production samples prior to production
  • Explains specification of product verbally / in person to supplier / manufacturer / buying office dependent on complexity of product
  • Gives manufacturer / supplier / buying office permission for full production based on assessment of pre production sample
  • Communicates with supplier / manufacturer / buying office to monitor production and check it is within set timeframes and takes appropriate actions in case of late delivery
  • Communicates with Procurement Manager on status of production / quality of samples and raises and relevant issues for resolution
  • Continuous monitoring of customer satisfaction data / indexes and quality assurance reports & takes appropriate action internally and in conjunction with Procurement manager / supplier / manufacturer / buying office
  • Checks & validates marketing claims that may conflict with EU consumer-rights policies
  • Approves each development sample and communicates with supplier to proceed with main production
  • Works with suppliers / buying office to continually ‘cost out’ products to achieve margin growth based on margin targets given
  • Consider impact of taxonomy of products in regards to recipes
  • Directs and clarifies the testing needs of items/ranges. Liaises with internal / external stakeholders for the execution
  • Fosters cross functional collaboration in internal departmental projects
  • Supports Procurement Managers / Sourcing Cost Analyst / Senior Product Development experts in ad hoc supplier related topics
  • Assessing Nutritional, digestibility & palatability aspects of pet food ingredients
  • Understands the impact of ingredients on the organoleptic parameters and COST of the product
  • Analysis of top-selling products/flavors/trends
  • Demonstrate a clear understanding of the Own brands within his/her category of expertise
  • Supporting Quality statements & QA requests
  • Supporting Customer Care requests
  • Supporting the Innovation team
  • Orders sampling of existing and new products
  • Operational execution of quality assurance aspects with regards to product safety, marketability, labeling and language information

FAQs

What is the role of a Product Expert - Own Brands at zooplus?

The Product Expert - Own Brands is responsible for overseeing product briefings, monitoring production quality, ensuring compliance with specifications, and enhancing customer satisfaction through effective communication with suppliers and internal teams.

What qualifications are required for this position?

Candidates should ideally have 5 years of relevant work experience in pet retail or product development, a degree in Food Technology, Nutrition, or Life Sciences, and familiarization with NPD processes and pet industry standards.

Is experience in the pet industry necessary?

Yes, knowledge of the pet industry as well as animal nutrition according to common standards (FEDIAF, AAFCO) is required for this position.

What kind of work environment can I expect?

You can expect to work in a hybrid environment, collaborating with colleagues in different locations both in-person and remotely.

How many vacation days do employees receive?

Employees receive 28 vacation days along with days off on December 24th and 31st.

Are there training opportunities available?

Yes, internal and external training opportunities are provided for employees.

What benefits does zooplus offer?

Benefits include a 20% discount in the zooplus shop, team events, corporate gym rates, a company mobile phone for work and personal use, and more.

Will I be collaborating with other teams?

Yes, the role requires fostering cross-functional collaboration across internal departmental projects.

What is the primary focus of the Product Expert role?

The primary focus is to assess product quality, manage supplier relationships, and support product development while ensuring compliance with industry regulations and customer satisfaction.

What software skills are needed for this role?

Expert knowledge in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required for the Product Expert position.

Europe's leading online pet supplier

Retail & Consumer Goods
Industry
1001-5000
Employees
1999
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

More than 20 years ago, zooplus was one of the first to bring the pet category into the world of eCommerce. Today, we stand strong as Europe’s leading online pet platform, delivering moments of happiness to more than 9 million pet parents each year.