Product Development Assistant

Job Title: Product Development Assistant

Design Lab Inc. is a fast-paced company specializing in private-label design and manufacturing within the pet and theme park retail space. We pride ourselves on innovation and compelling collections that not only meet buyer expectations but delight customers as well. The Product Development and Merchandising Coordinator role will support our Retail and Parks team in Nashville, TN. We are looking for a dynamic individual with the ability to jump in and help get the job done. We need a self-starter that is able to manage multiple tasks with an eye for detail and urgency. This role manages critical processes that bring products to life for top retailers not only in the US but across the globe!

This role's perfect candidate will be critical thinker, self-motivated, and detail oriented with a passion for pets and people. In our fast-paced environment, this individual must be highly organized and able to work on multiple projects at a time. Organization will be a key component to this role's success.

We are a lean and mean team passionate about what we do and what we provide our customers. Therefore, this is a hands-on role that requires top-to-bottom project coordination and execution to bring innovative products to market.

Key Responsibilities

• Purchase Order Management – Oversee the end-to-end purchase order process, including processing, tracking, and reviewing all customer purchase orders for accuracy. Collaborate closely with account managers, accounting teams, factories, and customers to ensure timely and accurate order fulfillment.
• Sample Management – Organize, track, tag, and photograph factory samples. Coordinate and distribute all contractual samples to customers in a clear, professional, and timely manner.
• Testing Documentation & Tracking – Prepare and manage testing documentation for both Retail and Park teams. Maintain accurate logs of all outgoing and incoming testing results by customer and product category.
• Costing Management – Create, maintain, and update product costing forms, ensuring all information is accurate, current, and properly documented.
• Artwork Request Coordination – Support artwork and packaging requests by helping develop detailed briefs, coordinating updates, and ensuring alignment with product specifications and requirements.
• Team Support & Collaboration – Contribute across departments as needed to support team goals and ensure projects and operational needs are completed efficiently and successfully.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Experience working in a professional corporate environment
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Proven time management and prioritization skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with the ability to analyze information and make sound independent decisions
• Dependable team player with strong integrity, accountability, and a sense of urgency
• Positive, proactive attitude with a willingness to step in and get the job done
• Full-time, in-office attendance required