What are the responsibilities and job description for the VP of Product Development position at Gorilla Commerce?
Gorilla Commerce is seeking a Vice President of Product Development to lead the evolution of our product strategy from an Amazon-first model to a true omnichannel, brand-driven product ecosystem. This role will be instrumental in building cohesive, innovative product lines that translate seamlessly across online marketplaces and physical retail environments. He/she will elevate design, engineering, and innovation, while preserving the speed that defines Gorilla’s success today. This is a high-impact leadership role with a clear runway for growth, partnering cross-functionally with merchandising, brand, sourcing, and operations teams.
About Gorilla Commerce
What We Do: We’re a leading e-commerce company focused on creating high-quality, affordable products that make everyday life easier.
Scale & Footprint: Headquartered in Norwalk, CT, Gorilla Commerce is a Top 10 Amazon U.S. seller with rapid growth and expanding into an omnichannel presence.
Industry Differentiator: Known for our flagship brand, Gorilla Grip, we combine creativity with data-driven insights to deliver obsession-worthy products.
Culture Highlights: Fast-paced, collaborative, and customer-focused environment where innovation and growth thrive.
Impressive Growth: We’re a rapidly growing e-commerce company with ambitious plans to expand our reach and evolve into a true omnichannel business.
What You'll Do
Own the end-to-end product development vision across hard and soft goods, driving new innovative product launches, quality, and profitability while building cohesive product lines with consistent design language, performance standards, and brand storytelling aligned to business objectives across marketplace and retail channels.
Continuously improve product development processes to enhance efficiency, accelerate launch timelines, and increase overall success rates of new product introductions.
Translate consumer insights, data, and market trends into long‑term product roadmaps.
Drive innovation beyond incremental attribute changes: introducing new materials, designs, and product concepts.
Bridge the gap between digital‑first product development and physical retail requirements, including packaging, shelf presence, and line reviews.
Partner closely with Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, Brand Creative, and the new CCO to ensure assortments meet retailer needs, pricing strategy, brand position, and channel differentiation.
Represent Gorilla Commerce in global trade shows and to identify emerging trends in design, materials, and manufacturing.
Participate in retailer line reviews and strategic conversations with key partners such as Walmart.
Lead, mentor, and build a growing product development organization, while assessing current capabilities and shaping the future structure across design, engineering, compliance, innovation, and product development.
Set clear standards, processes, and accountability across the PD organization.
What You'll Bring
Strategic, data-driven, product-minded leader, who can also be hands-on and tactical when needed
Proven experience leading innovative product development for both hard goods and soft goods
Experience with packaging, PLM systems, and package testing
Familiarity with working with Asian manufacturers primarily on R&D
Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-growth environment and build processes from the ground up.
Category experience in kitchen, home, pet, baby, toys, or adjacent consumer goods
Background working on a true consumer brand
Experience with high‑volume, relatively simple consumer products rather than low‑SKU, highly complex technical products.
Demonstrated success translating products from e‑commerce into omnichannel and physical retail environments.
Experience developing mass‑market, everyday household products.
Experience building and leading teams that include product developers, design, and engineering capabilities
Strong communicator with ability to influence cross-functionally.
Ability to travel approximately 15% per year to trade shows, factory visits, and retailer meetings.
What We Offer
At Gorilla Commerce, we believe great work deserves great rewards. Here’s what you can expect when you join our team:
✔ Competitive Benefits Package
Health Coverage: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, including a free medical option.
401(k) with Company Match: Supporting your long-term financial wellness.
Paid Time Off: Generous PTO, holidays, and “Birthday Your Way” – take a day off during your birthday month.
Parental Leave: Paid time off for new parents.
Wellness Support: Mental health resources, free gym in our Norwalk office, and Employee Assistance Programs.
✔ Flexible Work Arrangement
Hybrid schedule with three in-office days (Monday–Wednesday)
Remote Flex Week: One fully remote week per year—the week between Christmas and New Year
✔ Perks That Matter
Learning & Development: Professional development encouraged and opportunities provided annually.
Lifestyle Benefits: Commuter assistance, pet-friendly office, and wellness programs.
Culture Perks: Free snacks, coffee, and team events to keep our community strong.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We welcome teammates from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. If you think you’re a great fit, we encourage you to apply.