Founding General Manager - Direct-to-Consumer Pet Wellness

About Pepstep

Pepstep brings cutting-edge peptide nutrition, inspired by human longevity science, to pet wellness through soft chews dogs eagerly consume. Built on our exclusive Pepcore™ complex, the brand is fully developed with a comprehensive business strategy. Founded by a successful entrepreneur known for creating a top luxury resale business via Instagram-native sales, Pepstep applies that same premium, clinically credible, audience-first approach to the fast-growing pet wellness market.

Role Overview

As our first employee and chief operations leader, you will initially work part-time (~20-25 hours weekly), transitioning to full-time upon official launch. Your mission over the coming 12 months is to evolve Pepstep from a finalized brand concept into a thriving subscription-based revenue business.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage product and supply chain by selecting and supervising a NASC-approved co-manufacturer, overseeing formulation, taste, and stability testing; oversee packaging development from dielines through final production; establish 3PL fulfillment.
• Handle regulatory compliance and brand credibility, including managing NASC membership, state feed registrations, claims reviews; assist in building and managing a scientific advisory board; develop batch testing and certificate of analysis (COA) publication programs.
• Lead go-to-market efforts executing an audience-driven launch plan including waitlist growth campaigns, influencer seeding with 75-100 accounts, launch-week coordination, and paid media consistent with target customer acquisition costs, while supporting the founder as the brand face.
• Control commerce platforms including Shopify and subscription management tools (Skio/Recharge, Klaviyo), develop launch promotions, analyze post-purchase data, and monitor retention metrics guiding product line expansion.

Candidate Profile

• 4-8 years of experience in direct-to-consumer (DTC) consumer goods, preferably within pet care, supplements, or functional foods/beverages.
• Demonstrated success launching physical products with practical understanding of COAs, dielines, minimum order quantities, and first production runs.
• Ability to operate independently with strategic oversight for P&L management and hands-on execution, including shipping initial product batches personally.
• Proficiency in contemporary DTC technology stacks and social media-driven brand growth.
• Knowledge or aptitude to rapidly learn pet supplement regulatory frameworks such as NASC, AAFCO, and related claims.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with desire for equity, accountability, and ownership of a brand’s success.
• Bonus qualifications include existing relationships with soft-chew co-manufacturers, experience at admired pet supplement brands, and being a dog owner with personal insights.

Compensation Details

Initially part-time at a competitive monthly rate, the role shifts to a full-time position with an annual salary ranging from $110,000 to $160,000, supplemented by performance bonuses and significant equity with standard vesting terms.

Additional Information

This is a fully remote position in the United States, with company headquarters in Miami and occasional in-person workweeks required.

Application Guidance

Submit a brief introduction covering: (1) your proudest product launch and role in it, (2) an innovative idea you would bring to pet supplement brands, and (3) your resume or LinkedIn profile. Candidates with pet or supplement industry familiarity will be prioritized.