What are the responsibilities and job description for the Product Development Coordinator-HYBRID position at Designer Brands?
At Designer Brands, we are the proud parent company of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe Company, and Rubino, operating nearly 675 stores across North America and a billion-dollar digital commerce business. We lead the footwear industry with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, including Topo Athletic, Keds, Vince Camuto, Kelly & Katie, Jessica Simpson, Lucky Brand, Mix No. 6, Crown Vintage, and others. With expertise in design, production, and sourcing, we create on-trend footwear and accessories, delivered through a robust omni-channel infrastructure and national wholesale distribution. At Designer Brands, we are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, where each employee’s unique perspective contributes to our success. Anchored by our core values of “We Love What We Do,” “We Own What We Do,” “We Do What’s Right,” and “We Belong,” we continuously drive forward together, building a future where everyone can put their best foot forward.
The Opportunity
As a Product Development Coordinator, you’ll play a central role in bringing new product ideas to life across the Designer Brands portfolio. You’ll support the design team from concept through production, ensuring every style moves smoothly through each stage of development. This role connects the dots between design teams, factory partners, and cross‑functional teams—keeping projects organized, timelines clear, and product details accurate. If you enjoy problem‑solving, communication, and being part of the product journey from the very beginning, this is an opportunity to make meaningful impact every day.
What You’ll Be Doing
Product Data Spec Management
Required Skills
The Opportunity
As a Product Development Coordinator, you’ll play a central role in bringing new product ideas to life across the Designer Brands portfolio. You’ll support the design team from concept through production, ensuring every style moves smoothly through each stage of development. This role connects the dots between design teams, factory partners, and cross‑functional teams—keeping projects organized, timelines clear, and product details accurate. If you enjoy problem‑solving, communication, and being part of the product journey from the very beginning, this is an opportunity to make meaningful impact every day.
What You’ll Be Doing
Product Data Spec Management
- Enter pricing and pre‑confirmation specifications.
- Update CNF (confirmation) specs based on projection call outcomes.
- Keep accurate logs of market samples to ensure all deadlines are met.
- Review and approve material swatches in partnership with design.
- Unpack and assess PP samples against lot samples, identify discrepancies, and communicate findings to Sales and CGA.
- Send samples to customers and track feedback from merchants.
- Review TOP photos from CGA to confirm production accuracy and recommend adjustments when needed.
- Serve as a liaison between CGA, outside agents, and Sales for post‑market changes and approvals.
- Meet with pricing teams to review and communicate status updates across licensed brands.
- Capture and share feedback from buyers and merchants on style revisions, partnering with design to support updates.
- Communicate marketing or PDP sample needs to CGA and outside partners.
- Communicate tracking updates for TOP production samples to merchants.
- Follow up with CGA and agents regarding pending or past due CNF and APP deadlines.
- Offer recommendations to resolve delays or development issues.
- Participate in and recap discussions from post‑market reviews and risk assessments, sharing insights with factories.
Required Skills
- Strong organization skills and the ability to manage multiple moving parts.
- Clear, consistent communication skills and strong follow‑through.
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Microsoft Excel.
- Ability to lift and manage boxes up to 30 lbs.
- 1–3 years of relevant experience.
- Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Previous experience or education in design or production.
- Ability to lift up to 30 lbs occasionally.
- (Designer Brands provides reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities.)
- Your Sole Well-Being: Our benefits package is crafted with our associates in mind! We support you with benefits like free virtual health care, robust family/fertility benefits, 401(k) w/ match, and more. Explore our offerings at https://mymobilewalletcard.com/dbi.
- Stride with Flexibility: We offer hybrid and remote work opportunities, giving you the freedom to stay connected, productive, and inspired—wherever you do your best work.
- Stepping Up Your Career: Take advantage of training programs, professional development, and education assistance to advance your career with a company that celebrates bold ideas and fresh perspectives.