Product Development Manager - Gables Search Group

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Job Summary:

This person will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including designers, suppliers, manufacturers, and sales, to ensure the successful conception, development, and launch of high-quality products that resonate with customers' needs and preferences.

Responsibilities for this role:

• Develop and maintain daily email summaries per project, recording and communicating all program details to the agents/factories such as: timing and action, consumer testing, sample requests, product information including color specifications, size, fabric details etc. This is also the repository of all change requests to the factory.
• Maintain approximately 20 summaries/projects daily depending on season.
• Evaluate all incoming samples for design, color, sizing, and quality etc.
• Organize and clearly label all samples in development.
• Arrange and expedite product samples for upcoming sales meetings.
• Work closely with the art department to facilitate uploading artwork to the factory for development.
• Provide links to location of artwork and spec sheets to the art department and overseas team.
• Review artwork for color limitations etc. prior to sending. Send prototypes and/or color standards to the factory as necessary.
• Work closely with the packaging department to ensure all packaging is correct.
• Work closely with Quality Control Manager ensuring product is tested at the correct retailer designated lab, following correct protocols.
• Work closely with the production department ensuring ship dates reflected in daily communications with the factory are correct.
• Review purchase orders and production forms for accuracy.
• Assist with sample reviews, organizing and tasks as requested.
• Manage and take responsibility for all deadlines, licensor approvals, retailer requirements per project.
• Troubleshoot and call out potential problems and offer solutions.
• Communicate with overseas teams.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Textile Design, Product Development, Merchandising, or a related field.
• Proven experience in product development, preferably within the home textiles industry.
• Strong understanding of textile materials, production processes, and quality control standards.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to multitask and manage competing priorities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail and a keen eye for design aesthetics.
• Proficiency in using relevant software tools such as Microsoft Office, project management software.
• Knowledge of sustainability practices and trends in the textiles industry is a plus.