What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate 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.
An Associate Product Developer is tasked with driving, along with the PD, all components of the product development process for assigned categories. The Associate will work in concert with senior management, store operations and merchandisers to build seasonal introductions of the Arhaus product assortment. This individual will also be responsible for delivering on-trend, brand-right product that delivers against the business and product strategy.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Work closely with Product Developer and Vice President of Product Development in establishing seasonal direction on new products for the Arhaus assortment.
- Develop and provide holistic category products seasonally by aligning with merchandising and planning teams to achieve company and category strategic goals.
- Identify opportunities to expand the assortment or to increase sales penetration for segments of the assortment.
- Work closely with the Buying Department in regard to product distribution to stores.
- Work with web team to ensure that product is launched in a timely manner and is well represented on the Arhaus website.
- Assist in the building and maintenance of vendor relationships to accomplish goals.
- Responsible for specifying product packaging with Sourcing & QC Teams and ensuring compliance of product and packaging when initial sample shipment and stock orders.
- Work closely with Sourcing and QC teams to resolve any quality concerns with new and existing products.
- Responsible for proofing product information for store and company use including collecting all product information from vendors for cross functional purposes. This includes inputting purchase orders for samples, marketing docs and inputting sku information into Product Information data base.
- Responsible for product specification sheets and product information sheets.
- Manage the assortment plan seasonally from start to finish for each season
Success Factors
- Take initiative to overcome obstacles to achieving results
- Display curiosity to understanding how things operate and how outcomes have played out to better inform self and to drive productivity
- Ask for synthesize findings and act on customer/business partner input
- Track record of implementation yields strong results
Requirements:
- Four-year college degree in design, merchandising or related field
- 3 years Design/Product Development/Merchandising experience in retail setting
- Experience with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and the ability to learn and retain new computer systems in a timely manner
- Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills
- Ability to think strategically with strong decision-making skills
- Ability to multitask effectively and to perform in a high-energy environment
- Previous experience in a retail space
- Passion for Interior Design and Product
- 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.