Product Development is responsible for translating category strategy into fully executable, production-ready products. This role owns product execution end-to-end - including specifications, PLM accuracy, sampling, and development timelines - ensuring products meet design intent, quality standards, cost targets, and delivery requirements. The PD partners closely with the GM, Design, and Sourcing to enable on-time, on-cost, and on-quality product launches that aligned with the overall product strategy.
Requirements
Product Execution & PLM Ownership- Own PLM accuracy and completeness, ensuring all product specifications, tech packs, and packaging details are correct and up to date, working with Product Coordinators to ensure is updated accurately
- Translate GM line plans and strategy into clear product briefs for Design and Sourcing.
- Ensure tech packs meet defined completeness and readiness standards prior to sampling.
- Proactively identify execution risks related to materials, construction, quality, or lead times and escalate with clear options.
- Own daily vendor follow-up through WFX/PLM (agents and makers), ensuring development milestones, sample submissions, and production timelines stay on track.
Design & Development Coordination - Partner with Design to develop products that align with category strategy, brand standards, and customer requirements.
- Support the line planning process by identifying trends and new constructions, problem-solving the overall product strategy to ensure we have the right products for each customer to drive market share.
- Manage the development calendar from concept through sample approval.
- Iterate designs based on customer, sales, and internal feedback while maintaining design integrity.
- Regularly shop the market to identify and understand product and retailer trends; support creation of trend boards
- Review art files, make minor adjustments as needed, and authorize release to overseas agents.
- Direct pantone/CSI ordering and maintain color reference standards to support design team execution.
Sampling & Quality Execution - Coordinate with Sourcing to request, receive, and review samples against specifications.
- Conduct initial quality and construction reviews prior to GM approval.
- Ensure samples meet functional, aesthetic, and quality expectations.
- Complete and submit brand product approval forms for required brands; follow up with brand and PD contacts to secure timely approvals.
Cost & Margin Support - Support Sourcing in cost development by ensuring specs are optimized and manufacturable.
- Flag cost or feasibility risks early to the GM.
- Validate that product execution supports GM margin targets.
- Develop first cost where possible with input from Sales.
Go-to-Market Support - Prepare finalized product information and samples for customer presentations.
- Support Sales and the GM with product knowledge, specs, execution details, and presentations. Join customer meetings as requested
- Ensure final approved SKUs are correctly entered and locked prior to production.
- Prepare materials for line reviews, including product summaries, sample staging, and supporting data for GM-led presentations.
- Prepare for, attend, and recap internal and external meetings; ensure action items are documented and followed through.
Cross-Functional Program Management - Drive cross-departmental collaboration across CAD, design, packaging, sourcing, sales, and QC to ensure program status progression stays on track.
- Serve as the single execution thread for the category, proactively identifying and resolving cross-functional bottlenecks before they impact timelines.
- Direct and oversee Coordinator resources for sample logistics, library management, and administrative support tasks.
Success Measures - On-time development milestones and sample readiness
- PLM and tech pack accuracy
- Product quality and execution consistency
- Smooth handoff from development to sourcing and production
Qualifications - Strong product development and execution expertise.
- Highly detail-oriented with strong process discipline.
- Ability to manage multiple SKUs/collections and timelines concurrently.
- Collaborative mindset with strong cross-functional communication skills.
- Ability to travel, including overseas.
Education & Experience - Bachelor's degree required.
- 5-8+ years of experience in product development, preferably in home goods, textiles, or consumer goods.
- Direct experience working with PLM systems, tech packs, and overseas sourcing partners.
Salary Description
$100,000 - $135,000
