Job description
The Product Development/Production Manager will own the product development and production process from concept/development through finished production. They will source and partner with qualified factories to ensure on-time delivery of high-quality products across a variety of categories. They will negotiate pricing, set quality standards, lead day-to-day vendor communications, manage WIPs, and build strong relationships. They will develop strong and collaborative relationships with cross-functional teams. They will manage the in-line and final QC inspections for all products and will constantly work to ensure that any potential risks are mitigated. This position requires a high level of detail-orientation and the ability to work and collaborate with different teams and 3rd party vendors domestically and internationally.
• Source and ensure that the highest level of quality standards are being met for the company’s product portfolio.
• Oversee entire product development and production cycle from concept to delivery.
• Own all WIPs and time & action calendars
• Daily tracking & managing of records for production.
• Issuing POs
• Communicate with domestic and overseas vendors to ensure deadlines, standards, and expectations are met
• Negotiate costing, quality, and delivery with all vendors.
• Oversee Quality control
• Strong understanding of product testing requirements and management
• Create approved vendor matrix, with costing and production capacity portfolio
• Collaborate with suppliers and identify key opportunities to reduce environmental impact, co-creating reduction plans and tracking progress over time.
• Domestic or global sourcing, manufacturing, product development, production and costing background.
• Detail-oriented with strong follow-through
• Demonstrated success defining and launching excellent sourcing strategies
• Strong negotiation skills
• Proactive problem-solver
• Ability to think outside the box
• An entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to work independently to deliver results
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong communicator with the ability to contribute and work with a cross-functional team.
• A breadth of technical knowledge and a keen interest in learning from others.
• A passionate ambassador of the brand