Tuft & Paw

Product Development Specialist - Cat Litter

About the job

Reports to: Director of Consumables

Location: Canada (Vancouver/Toronto preferred)

About the Role

We’re looking for a hands-on Product Development Specialist who will play a critical role in advancing Tuft + Paw’s litter innovation pipeline. This role owns the R&D process end-to-end. From formulation and testing to production trials, working closely with manufacturers, labs, and academic partners. You’ll help turn science into real product performance and position Tuft + Paw as a science-driven authority in the litter category. The ideal candidate combines hands-on R&D expertise, strong analytical thinking, and clear cross-functional communication.

What You’ll Do

• Own litter formulation work, including specs, process flow charts, and technical documentation.

• Run a lean, fully operational R&D process with manufacturing partners, delivering validated improvements that directly impact customer satisfaction.

• Benchmark and test products against top competitors, using internal testing, sensory evaluation, and customer validation to drive category-leading performance.

• Lead hands-on internal workshops (Vancouver and/or Toronto), presenting samples and learnings ahead of product launches.

• Design and execute sensory evaluations, validated through third-party labs, smart devices, and analytical testing.

• Work with universities and external labs to develop white papers, technical content, or publishable studies.

• Support IP development, including invention disclosures and patent applications.

• Partner with the Director of Consumables to establish Tuft + Paw as a science-driven authority through research-backed insights, industry engagement, and innovation-led brand storytelling.

• Coordinate R&D trials with vendors and manufacturers. Scheduling tests, running production trials, and keeping communication simple, fast, and effective.

• Keep projects moving using lightweight project management tools and clear documentation.

What We’re Looking For

• 3+ years experience in R&D, formulation, or product development in food, chemical engineering, materials science, or related fields.

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or similar; MSc preferred.

• Strong experimental mindset with hands-on R&D experience (or strong interest) in applied science.

• Mandarin proficiency is a bonus.

• A love of cats is a bonus.

• Ability to read, interpret, and apply scientific literature; prior publications or research contributions are a plus.

• Clear, confident communicator who works well with vendors, labs, and cross-functional teams.

• Highly organized, comfortable running multiple projects in parallel using project management tools.

• Experience in pet, consumer goods, or adjacent industries is a plus.

• International travel. This role will require travel to China at least once a year, as well as attendance at relevant conferences and trade shows.

• Thrives in a fast-moving environment, comfortable with ownership, ambiguity, and execution.
  

Why This Role Matters

You’ll help define how litter innovation is built at Tuft + Paw. Scientifically credible, customer-validated, and execution-focused. This is a role for someone who wants real ownership, real impact, and the chance to help build a category-defining brand.

Location

• Remote-first role with optional occasional meet-ups in Toronto & Vancouver

• Must reside in Canada and be eligible to work here.

About Us

At Tuft & Paw, we're obsessed with cats. Our team spends way too much time thinking about feline quirks, resulting in products that cats actually use, and humans are proud to have in their homes. We're growing fast, which means everyone has the chance to shape what we build. We value resourcefulness, initiative, and people driven to make an impact (and who genuinely love cats).

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