What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Product Developer position at Arhaus Recruiting?
Arhaus was founded in 1986 on a simple idea: Furniture and décor should be sustainably sourced, lovingly made, and built to last. Today, we partner with artisans around the world who share our vision, creating beautiful, heirloom-quality pieces that can be used—and loved—for generations.
The Assistant Product Developer reports to the Senior Product Developer and is responsible for development and execution of product for assigned categories. The Assistant Product Developer Works in concert with senior management, store operations management and merchandise manager to build and maintain the Arhaus product assortment. Responsible to source and select new products for the assortment that will support the brand, drive store traffic and meet or exceed assigned goals for category sales and profitability. Research competitive offerings and establish item-pricing strategies that will drive sales performance and preserve profitability.
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Maintain and report all product sales data for evaluation purposes as required by Product Development and Vice President of Merchandise and Design.
• Responsible for keeping well informed as to market trends in order to translate this information into new product in order to increase market share and margin.
• Work closely with Senior Product Developer and Vice President of Merchandise and Design for direction on new product that needs to be developed.
• Develop and provide product introduction information about new merchandise to the stores before merchandise is in stores. This includes Product Handouts, Sales Training Guides, and Product Training videos for the field.
• Identify opportunities to profitably expand the assortment or to increase sales penetration for segments of the assortment.
• Present quantitative and financial analyses and recommendations to a non-technical audience.
• Work closely with the Buying Department in regard to product distribution in stores, competitive shopping analysis, and store by store category performance goals.
• Responsible for assisting with sourcing new manufacturers both in the United States and around the world.
• Responsible to assist in the building and maintenance of vendor relationships to accomplish goals.
• Responsible for accomplishing goals set for product margin, quality, design and sales volume.
• Responsible for assisting in the negotiation of initial product cost with the manufacturer and determining the initial selling price.
• Responsible for specifying product packaging and ensuring compliance of product and packaging when initial shipment arrives into warehouse.
• Work closely with Quality Assurance and Customer Service to resolve any quality concerns with new and existing products.
• Responsible to write product information for store and company use.
• Responsible for training of Distribution Center staff and Buyer for assembly and care of product.
• Responsible for training Sales, Distribution Center and Buyer on new and current product.
• Responsible for product specification sheets and product information sheets.
• Other duties as may be determined by management to perform the necessary functions of the position on an as-needed basis.
REQUIREMENTS
• Four-year college degree in design, merchandising or related field.
• Previous buying or management experience in retail setting.
• Working knowledge of Word, Excel and Outlook. CAD a plus.
• Foreign language a plus.
• Able and willing to travel.
Arhaus is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind, Arhaus is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Arhaus are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or belief, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Arhaus will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Arhaus encourages applicants of all ages.