Kroger

Sr. Product Developer, Housewares (Home)

Kroger$80K — $110K *
Retail & Consumer Goods
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BA/BS in business, merchandising or related field required
  • 4 years product development experience
  • 2 years fashion buying/planning in import retail with strong financial performance
  • Experience with U.S. Customs and global product transportation
  • Familiarity with consumer product safety lab testing
  • Ability to travel internationally up to 20% annually
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Responsibilities

  • Authorize factory changes or subcontracting for development programs
  • Design products from inspiration to profitable market-ready items
  • Attend prototype sessions to ensure alignment with standards
  • Identify engineering opportunities to meet markup and speed-to-market goals
  • Align category design with creative direction from coordinators
  • Establish brand perspective through competitive analysis
  • Communicate creative strategies and consumer insights to stakeholders

Benefits

  • Opportunity for international travel and exposure to global markets
  • Engagement in a creative and collaborative design process
  • Ability to influence product offerings in a leading retail brand
  • Participation in competitive analysis to shape brand positioning
  • Access to professional development opportunities through industry events
  • Work environment that values diversity, integrity, and safety
Full Job Description
Job Description

Responsible for the end-to-end design, development, and sourcing of complex Private Label home merchandise. Accountable for sales/gross margin performance, driven by negotiating cost of internationally sourced merchandise. Create go to market strategy including product financial goals, marketing opportunities, packaging, and assortment. Create technical specification guides for corporate brand product. Manage social compliance regulations in regards to factory execution. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

Responsibilities

  • Authorize factory change or subcontracting of product development-initiated programs.
  • Design translating inspiration and creative ideas into viable, profitable and marketable product.
  • For merchant-initiated development programs, attend prototype sessions to final approved samples, confirming domestic imported product aligns with Kroger standard.
  • Identify product engineering opportunities to meet initial mark up and speed-to-market goals.
  • Align the category design point of view with creative direction from Trend and Product Development Coordinator.
  • Establish, maintain and nurture brand point of view through competitive analysis.
  • Determine necessary product artwork needs.
  • Communicate creative strategies, product concepts, and consumer insights to internal & external audiences.
  • Identify marketing and merchandising opportunities consistent with brand guidelines to drive market share and household penetration.
  • Execute product details including: construction, color, form, style, detail, graphic application, trim placement, and approve all final production.
  • Mange quotation process.
  • Manage seasonal development calendars.
  • Manage weekly/seasonal development meetings.
  • Review corporate brand financial performance assessing profitability on a seasonal /annual basis.
  • Serve as liaison between overseas agents, manufactures and the merchandising group communicating aspects of development.
  • Communicate and hold manufacturers accountable for social compliance ratings; authorize factory change or subcontracting of product development-initiated programs.
  • Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.


Qualifications

Minimum
  • BA/BS in business, merchandising or related field
  • 4 years of product development experience
  • 2 years of fashion buying or planning experience in import driven retail categories demonstrating strong financial performance
  • Experience in United States Customs and transportation of product on a global scale
  • Experience in consumer product safety commission lab test analysis
  • Ability to work weekends on an occasional basis
  • Ability to travel internationally and to major domestic markets up to twenty percent annually.
  • Ability to organize and prioritize a variety of tasks/projects
  • Familiarity with retail industry/technical terms and processes
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite


Desired
  • Master's Degree in interior design/merchandising or related discipline
  • 4 years in one of the following development industry categories: Textile Design, Production Development, International Sourcing, Creative Direction, Fabric Technology, Pattern Design, Furniture Engineering

About Kroger

Kroger serves customers and the community, how we innovate, and who we hire.

Kroger Careers

Joining Kroger means becoming part of a historic company committed to transforming the grocery industry. As one of America's largest retailers, Kroger offers unparalleled job opportunities, fostering a culture of innovation, leadership, and diversity.

Work You'll Do

At Kroger, every position contributes to our mission of feeding the human spirit. We are looking for professionals who are eager to drive change and master their career journey through various employment paths, from in-store roles to corporate positions.

Innovate and Lead

Embrace the chance to be at the forefront of industry innovation with Kroger. Our team is dedicated to implementing sustainable practices and technologies that enhance customer experience and community well-being. Your skills in leadership and innovation will find a nurturing home here, pushing the boundaries of what a grocery company can achieve.

Grow with Us

Kroger is not just a company; it's a place where you can grow. We invest in our team's growth through comprehensive training programs, leadership development, and opportunities for advancement. Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our culture, ensuring every team member can thrive.

Be Part of a Great Team

Our team at Kroger is diverse, skilled, and driven—united by a shared commitment to our customers and each other. Working here, you'll engage in meaningful work that directly impacts communities, supported by a network of colleagues who are as passionate about their careers as you are.

Internship and Training Opportunities

Start your professional journey with Kroger through our internship programs or dive into our diversity training initiatives that prepare you for a long-term career with us. These programs are designed to enhance your skills and ensure you are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Benefits That Matter

Kroger offers a competitive benefits package that supports the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. From healthcare to retirement plans, we provide the benefits you need to secure your future.

Explore Job Opportunities

Whether you're starting your career or looking to make a change, Kroger offers positions that match your skills and interests. From part-time jobs to full-time careers, our hiring process is designed to find the best fit for both you and our company.

Stay Connected

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Learn more about Kroger
Size
420,000 employees
Market Cap
$32.4 billion
Industry
Net Income
$2.5 billion
Founded
1883
5 Year Trend
+3.6%
Revenue
$132.4 billion
NASDAQ

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