Wunderman Thompson

VP of Product Development

Wunderman Thompson$150K — $200K *
Retail & Consumer Goods
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Strategic, data-driven product leader with hands-on capabilities.
  • Proven experience in innovative product development for hard and soft goods.
  • Knowledge of packaging, PLM systems, and package testing.
  • Experience collaborating with Asian manufacturers for R&D.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
  • Category expertise in consumer goods such as kitchen, home, or toys.
  • Strong track record in translating products from e-commerce to retail.

Responsibilities

  • Own end-to-end product development for cohesive product lines.
  • Continuously enhance product development processes for efficiency.
  • Translate market trends and data into product roadmaps.
  • Drive innovation with new materials and concepts.
  • Bridge digital and physical retail product development needs.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams on product assortments.
  • Represent the company at trade shows to identify design trends.
  • Lead and mentor the product development team for future growth.
  • Set standards and accountability within the product development organization.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health coverage including a free medical option.
  • 401(k) plan with company matching contributions.
  • Generous paid time off and flexible birthday leave.
  • Paid parental leave for new parents.
  • Wellness support including mental health resources and gym access.
  • Hybrid work schedule with specified in-office days.
  • Annual fully remote week between Christmas and New Year's.
  • Professional development opportunities and lifestyle benefits.
Full Job Description
Position Snapshot
Gorilla Commerce is seeking a Vice President of Product Development to lead the evolution of our product strategy from an Amazon-first model to a true omnichannel, brand-driven product ecosystem. This role will be instrumental in building cohesive, innovative product lines that translate seamlessly across online marketplaces and physical retail environments. He/she will elevate design, engineering, and innovation, while preserving the speed that defines Gorilla's success today. This is a high-impact leadership role with a clear runway for growth, partnering cross-functionally with merchandising, brand, sourcing, and operations teams.

What You'll Do
  • Own the end-to-end product development vision across hard and soft goods, driving new innovative product launches, quality, and profitability while building cohesive product lines with consistent design language, performance standards, and brand storytelling aligned to business objectives across marketplace and retail channels.
  • Continuously improve product development processes to enhance efficiency, accelerate launch timelines, and increase overall success rates of new product introductions.
  • Translate consumer insights, data, and market trends into long-term product roadmaps.
  • Drive innovation beyond incremental attribute changes: introducing new materials, designs, and product concepts.
  • Bridge the gap between digital-first product development and physical retail requirements, including packaging, shelf presence, and line reviews.
  • Partner closely with Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, Brand Creative, and the new CCO to ensure assortments meet retailer needs, pricing strategy, brand position, and channel differentiation.
  • Represent Gorilla Commerce in global trade shows and to identify emerging trends in design, materials, and manufacturing.
  • Participate in retailer line reviews and strategic conversations with key partners such as Walmart.
  • Lead, mentor, and build a growing product development organization, while assessing current capabilities and shaping the future structure across design, engineering, compliance, innovation, and product development.
  • Set clear standards, processes, and accountability across the PD organization.

What You'll Bring
  • Strategic, data-driven, product-minded leader, who can also be hands-on and tactical when needed
  • Proven experience leading innovative product development for both hard goods and soft goods
  • Experience with packaging, PLM systems, and package testing
  • Familiarity with working with Asian manufacturers primarily on R&D
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-growth environment and build processes from the ground up.
  • Category experience in kitchen, home, pet, baby, toys, or adjacent consumer goods
  • Background working on a true consumer brand
  • Experience with high-volume, relatively simple consumer products rather than low-SKU, highly complex technical products.
  • Demonstrated success translating products from e-commerce into omnichannel and physical retail environments.
  • Experience developing mass-market, everyday household products.
  • Experience building and leading teams that include product developers, design, and engineering capabilities
  • Strong communicator with ability to influence cross-functionally.
  • Ability to travel approximately 15% per year to trade shows, factory visits, and retailer meetings.


What We Offer

At Gorilla Commerce, we believe great work deserves great rewards. Here's what you can expect when you join our team:
Competitive Benefits Package
  • Health Coverage: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, including a free medical option.
  • 401(k) with Company Match: Supporting your long-term financial wellness.
  • Paid Time Off: Generous PTO, holidays, and "Birthday Your Way" - take a day off during your birthday month.
  • Parental Leave: Paid time off for new parents.
  • Wellness Support: Mental health resources, free gym in our Norwalk office, and Employee Assistance Programs.

Flexible Work Arrangement
  • Hybrid schedule with three in-office days (Monday-Wednesday)
  • Remote Flex Week: One fully remote week per year-the week between Christmas and New Year

Perks That Matter
  • Learning & Development: Professional development encouraged and opportunities provided annually.
  • Lifestyle Benefits: Commuter assistance, pet-friendly office, and wellness programs.
  • Culture Perks: Free snacks, coffee, and team events to keep our community strong.

About Wunderman Thompson

Wunderman Thompson is a creative, data and technology agency built to inspire growth for ambitious brands. We provide end-to-end solutions that deliver transformational outcomes for clients. With over 20,000 people in 90 markets around the world, we combine creativity and data to drive innovation and growth for our clients. We are part of WPP, a creative transformation company.
Learn more about Wunderman Thompson
Size
20,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1958

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