JOB SUMMARY:
The Senior Manager of Product Development is responsible for driving the development and delivery of innovative bedding products across the Company's assigned brand portfolio, including company owned and/or store brands. This role leads cross functional collaboration with U.S. and global teams to define product specifications, manage costing, and deliver products that meet quality, timing, and profitability targets. Through a blend of product expertise, process leadership, and operational rigor, the senior manager plays a critical role in supporting company growth and performance.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Product Design and Development
• Oversees the product development lifecycle from ideation to commercialization for various bedding products, including pillows, mattress pads and protectors, sheets, and comforters.
• Utilizes existing knowledge of bedding products to inform product design, construction, and manufacturing, while continually elevating product knowledge.
• Studies industry trends, researches new technologies, partners with suppliers, and collaborates with Marketing and Merchandising teams to develop innovation.
• Builds, issues, and maintains tech packs used to secure accurate costing from component and finished goods suppliers.
• Initiates quoting, sampling, and quality testing activities, including prototyping and review of fabric, design, and fiber or fill options.
Product Sampling and Tracking
• Works with the sample team, Quality Control, and suppliers to ensure initial and production samples meet design and performance requirements.
• Ensures revisions and corrective actions are addressed as needed to maintain compliance with product standards.
• Partners with suppliers on Timing and Action Calendars for all products that move to production.
• Represents Product Development in product launch meetings to ensure on-time delivery.
• Tracks PP and TOP samples and addresses issues in a timely manner.
Product Costing
• Utilizes understanding of cost drivers to optimize product performance and margin for domestically manufactured and imported products.
• Oversees quote requests, ensuring accuracy of costs, volumes, and other details provided to the Pricing team.
• Partners with Sales, Merchandising, Packaging, Engineering, Sourcing, and other teams to analyze price files and support margin targets.
• Works with cross-functional partners including China and El Salvador teams to identify and drive margin improvement initiatives.
Sales Support
• Leads retailer specific development as assigned, supporting domestic and international customers including Mass, Club, eCommerce, Off Price, and other trade channels.
• Provides product recommendations for sales opportunities in partnership with Merchandising and Product Development leadership.
• Leads cross functional meetings and tracks projects by customer.
Systems and Special Projects
• Supports Digital Transformation initiatives by developing expertise in Centric PLM.
• Works closely with IT and cross functional teams to drive continuous improvement in PLM functionality.
• Supports integration of Centric PLM with Salesforce CRM and other systems.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor's degree in Product Development, Project Management, or related field
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in home textile or apparel Product Development
• Experience with Centric PLM or similar Product Lifecycle Management systems preferred
• Ability to lead by establishing clear objectives and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work independently and effectively prioritize responsibilities across multiple projects
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and operational rigor
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain urgency, and work under pressure to meet deadlines
• Strong cross-functional communication skills with the ability to partner, influence, and drive alignment across teams
• Experience collaborating with global teams and external suppliers
• Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to navigate ambiguity and make sound decisions
• Proficient in Microsoft Teams, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Ability to foster an inclusive, collaborative team environment
• Curious, continuous improvement mindset
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
• Ability to withstand prolonged periods sitting at a desk
• Frequent use of upper extremities to perform keyboard functions and work on a computer
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds
