Job Description
The Product Development Manager executes end-to-end product development in home accessories, housewares and utility storage across new seasonal collections, line extensions and category expansions. This role owns timelines from concept to launch, design execution, construction quality, BOM and a deep understanding of costing. In partnership with the cross-functional team of Creative/Design, Account Management and Supply Chain, the PDM performs a central function and operational role that turns insights and ideas into commercially viable, market-ready products. The PDM is responsible for direct communication with factories to ensure accurate and efficient product development, always with the goal of effective problem solving from concept to launch to production approval.
Responsibilities
· Work with cross-functional team to define target markets, price points and product formats for new product initiatives
· Work closely with cross-functional team to ensure new product innovation are compatible with and capitalize on manufacturing capabilities and strengths
· Manage daily communication with overseas factories and agents regarding design and development of new programs
· Utilize Power Point or In Design as visual tools to communicate key specification or design attributes with overseas engineering and production teams
· Drive key milestones from prototyping/sampling, testing, packaging/graphics, tooling and production
· Ensure projects stay on set TNA to ensure timely and accurate product launches
· Negotiate to meet cost and margin targets without compromising production quality or aesthetics
· Analyze factory cost and all import or production cost structures to calculate landed cost for account management team
· Create technical packs and bill of material (color approval, silhouette/construction approval, material breakdown and specifications) to ensure accuracy and completeness for all new awarded business
· Monitor and review all prototypes and final samples to ensure faithful execution to spec
· Communicate product and testing requirements and resolve project roadblocks
Qualifications
· 4-6+ years experience in product development, sourcing or design in a consumer goods environment, preferably in home décor, gift or housewares categories
· Familiarity with product costing and pricing structures in an import, wholesale and/or retail environment
· Ability to quickly develop extensive understanding of new product types, markets and manufacturing technologies
· Ability to drive projects forward in a collaborative environment, including working with cross-functional teams and colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds
· Experience working directly with overseas manufacturers
· High level of technical aptitude, including previous experience using remote collaboration tools and ability to learn new technologies quickly
· Knowledge base of additional manufacturing processes such as stamping, casting, injection molding, forging, extruding for rapid prototyping is a plus
· Some travel to trade shows, customer meetings and manufacturing sites as career progresses
Benefits
· Hybrid model with four days in office (located in Central, New Jersey)
· Benefits include Medical Insurance, Flexible Spending Account
· 401(k) Retirement Plan
Pay: From $70,550.13 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Dayton, NJ 08810
