Research & Development Manager

At Chewy, it is our mission to become the most trusted and convenient online destination for pet parents and our partners – vets and service providers – alike. Our success is measured by the happiness of the people and pets we serve, not simply by the amount of pet supplies we deliver. That’s why we continue to think of outside-the-Chewy-box ways to delight, surprise, and thank our loyal pet lovers!

Your Opportunity:

Are you passionate about crafting the future of pet nutrition and developing industry-leading brands? Chewy is seeking an innovative Research & Development Manager to join our dynamic Chewy Private Brands team in Plantation, FL.

In this role, you will lead ground breaking innovation and product development for our consumable pet brands, driving growth through scientific expertise and strategic execution. You’ll be responsible for R&D initiatives, develop high-quality pet food and treats, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring groundbreaking products to market.

If you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and have a proven track record in pet food or treat development, we want to hear from you!

What You’ll Do:

• Lead the innovation and development of private-label pet food and treats, working closely with Supply Chain, Category Management, Quality Assurance, Regulatory, and Marketing teams, as well as external manufacturers.
• Formulate nutritionally optimized products, design experiments, conduct test runs, and analyze chemistry, feed study results, and statistical data.
• Oversee the entire R&D product lifecycle—from ideation to commercialization—ensuring alignment with cost, quality, feasibility, and consumer acceptance goals.
• Effectively communicate technical insights, project updates, and product specifications to internal customers and external partners.
• Troubleshoot product development challenges with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution.
• Maintain project timelines while ensuring compliance with regulatory, nutritional, and food safety guidelines.
• Assess shelf-life stability, recommend high-quality ingredients, and substantiate label claims with scientific rigor.

What You’ll Need:

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field (e.g., Food Science, Meat Science, Animal Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Packaging).
• 4–7 years of experience in product development for private label or branded pet products/CPG product.
• In-depth knowledge of USDA, FDA, and AAFCO regulations related to ingredient standards, nutrition labeling, and product claims.
• Strong scientific expertise in meat science, kibble, wet food, freeze-dried, jerky, biscuits, and other pet treat manufacturing processes.
• Ability to quickly adapt and gain deep expertise in the pet specialty category.
• Exceptional project management skills with a strong ability to collaborate cross-functionally.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills (both written and verbal).
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Willingness to travel up to 35% as needed.

Bonus Qualifications:

• Master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant scientific field.
• Advanced expertise in USDA and FDA regulations, particularly in ingredient identity, labeling, and nutrition standards.

Why You’ll Love This Role:

At Chewy, we’re more than just a pet company—we’re pioneers in pet health, nutrition, and innovation. This is your opportunity to be part of a passionate, fast-growing team that’s redefining the pet food industry. If you’re ready to make a real impact and take your expertise to the next level, apply today!