About Us

Earth Rated is driven by the knowledge that we can make things better — better for dogs, better for the people who love them, and better for the world they live in. We make products that are simple, thoughtful, and worth caring about. We're a team that shows up with intention, sweats the details, and genuinely believes that how you do things matters as much as what you do.

Position Overview

As Product Development Specialist, you will be the engine behind Earth Rated's portfolio evolution - identifying, prioritizing and executing product renovations, extensions and high-impact improvements that keep our products competitive, relevant and best-in-class.

You are a hands-on executor and project driver who moves fast, leverages AI-powered tools to accelerate decision-making and works directly with our manufacturing partners – primarily in China – to turn ideas into tangible outcomes quickly and efficiently.

Reporting to the VP Product Commercialisation & Innovation, you will embed strong project governance while maintaining the speed and agility needed to deliver multiple initiatives simultaneously without sacrificing quality or attention to detail.

Responsibilities – What you own

Portfolio Renovation & Product Evolution

- Lead the identification and execution of portfolio renovation opportunities - including line extensions, functional improvements, cost optimizations and quick-win adjustments - that deliver measurable consumer and commercial impact
- Leverage AI tools and data-driven insights to rapidly evaluate renovation opportunities and accelerate development cycles
- Maintain a prioritized renovation pipeline based on effort vs. impact,



ensuring alignment with the Product Management team for inclusion in the product roadmap
- Continuously monitor consumer feedback and listening tools to synthesize signals quickly and translate them into actionable renovation opportunities
- Earth Rated’s main Co‑manufacturing suppliers are in China/Asia. In collaboration with them, you will work diligently with them to renovate and execute product changes. With that in mind, it is expected that you will need, fairly regularly, to work outside of regular working hours to clarify and coordinate activities with co‑manufacturing vendors.

Project Management

- Own end-to-end project management for all renovation and extension initiatives – driving tight timelines, explicit milestones and accountability across all stakeholders
- Work closely with Project Manager to flag risks early and maintain real-time visibility on deliverables, costs and schedules
- Operate with a bias for speed – always finding the fastest viable path to launch without compromising quality or compliance
- Conduct ongoing risk assessments for all assigned projects, implementing proactive solutions to ensure on-time delivery

Manufacturer & Supplier Management

- Build and maintain strong working relationships with Chinese manufacturers and co‑manufacturers, acting as the primary technical point of contact for renovation and extension projects




- Navigate cultural and time‑zone complexities with confidence – ensuring clear communication, fast feedback loops and supplier accountability throughout the development process
- Negotiate timelines, sampling schedules and tooling requirements to meet aggressive go‑to‑market targets
- Work closely with Contract Manufacturing and Supply Chain teams to coordinate suppliers and partners for modified product launches
- Ensure scope changes are assessed, approved and communicated before impacting timelines or budgets

Cross-Functional Collaboration

- Act as a highly effective cross-functional connector, aligning internal stakeholders including Product Management, Contract Manufacturing & Quality, Supply Chain and Marketing around shared project goals and timelines
- Translate complex technical or manufacturing realities into clear, actionable updates for internal teams and senior stakeholders
- Proactively manage stakeholder expectations – communicating risks, changes and wins with transparency and confidence
- Foster a collaborative team environment that embraces innovation, continuous improvement and new ideas

Stage Gate Management

- Champion and actively drive the stage gate process for all renovation and extension projects – ensuring gates are meaningful checkpoints that accelerate decision-making rather than creating unnecessary delays
- Champion streamlined, fit-for-purpose stage gates on faster renovation tracks, distinguishing these appropriately from full innovation project requirements
- Ensure cross-functional alignment and accountability at every gate

AI-Augmented Development

- Actively integrate

📌 Product Development Specialist (Montreal)
🏢 Earth Rated
📍 Montreal