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Product Development

New York, New York
Full Time
Product Developer 

Location: New York
Employment Type: Full-Time
Schedule: Monday–Friday
Salary: Based on Experience
Industry: Home Décor / Consumer Products / Retail

Job Description

An established home décor and consumer products company is seeking a highly motivated, creative, and results-driven Product Developer / Merchant to join its growing Product Development team.

The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of retail trends, product development, overseas manufacturing, sourcing, and merchandising, with the ability to move products quickly from initial concept to retail shelves.

This position focuses on developing trend-forward home décor, soft goods, and apparel collections for major U.S. value retailers.

The company is seeking someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can identify emerging trends, communicate directly with overseas factories, and develop attractive, cost-effective products that appeal to retail buyers.

Key Responsibilities Product Development & Trend Research

  • Identify emerging trends in home décor, soft goods, apparel, and consumer products.

  • Develop innovative, trend-driven product collections for major U.S. retailers.

  • Manage the product development process from initial concept through production.

  • Research market trends, competitor products, pricing, and consumer preferences.

  • Collaborate with design and merchandising teams to develop commercially appealing collections.

  • Ensure products meet quality, design, pricing, and retailer expectations.

  • Identify opportunities to expand into new product categories.

Overseas Vendor & Factory Coordination

  • Communicate directly with overseas factories and manufacturing partners.

  • Coordinate product development timelines, sample requests, revisions, and approvals.

  • Manage communication across international time zones to ensure projects remain on schedule.

  • Negotiate product costs and work with vendors to achieve competitive pricing.

  • Monitor sample development and resolve production-related challenges.

  • Maintain strong relationships with suppliers and manufacturing partners.

  • Ensure timely execution of product development projects.

Cost Engineering & Product Strategy

  • Develop high-perceived-value products while maintaining competitive costs.

  • Analyze product pricing, materials, and manufacturing expenses.

  • Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising product quality or appearance.

  • Work with factories to optimize materials, construction, and packaging.

  • Ensure collections align with the pricing requirements of major value retailers.

  • Balance product design, quality, and profitability throughout the development process.

Merchandising & Showroom Management

  • Assist with merchandising and presenting product collections in the showroom.

  • Organize and display samples, fabrics, and finished products.

  • Prepare collections for retail buyer presentations and line reviews.

  • Ensure showroom displays reflect current trends and product development priorities.

  • Collaborate with sales teams to present commercially appealing assortments.

  • Maintain organized product samples and development materials.

Project Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Manage multiple product development projects simultaneously.

  • Track product samples, approvals, production timelines, and deadlines.

  • Coordinate with Sales, Design, Sourcing, and Production departments.

  • Ensure products move efficiently from concept to finished collections.

  • Identify potential delays and proactively implement solutions.

  • Support rapid product launches and seasonal collection development.

Qualifications

  • Previous experience in product development, merchandising, sourcing, or related consumer product roles preferred.

  • Strong understanding of home décor, soft goods, apparel, or related retail product categories.

  • Experience communicating with overseas factories and vendors.

  • Knowledge of product costing, pricing strategies, and manufacturing processes.

  • Ability to identify trends and translate them into commercially successful products.

  • Strong organizational and project management skills.

  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities.

  • Ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.

  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

  • Strong attention to detail and understanding of retail buyer expectations.

  • Ability to work independently and collaborate with internal teams.