Director of Product Development

Inked Brands is seeking a Director of Product Development who will lead and drive the end-to-end process of product innovation and development within our consumer products division. At Inked Brands, we are driven by our passion for delivering exceptional products that enhance the lives of our customers. As a leader in the consumer products space, we offer a dynamic, inclusive, and collaborative work environment where creativity and innovation are at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for a Director of Product Development who will make an impact and help shape the future of our product offerings.This role is responsible for overseeing the development of new products, enhancing existing products, and ensuring the product portfolio meets the needs of the market, customers, and business objectives. The Director will collaborate cross-functionally with design, marketing, supply chain, and operations teams to bring products to market, ensuring they align with the company’s vision, quality standards, and brand values. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO -

• Leadership & Strategy:
  • Develop and execute the product development strategy, aligning with the company’s overall business objectives and growth targets.
  • Lead, mentor, and build a high-performing product development team, fostering an environment of innovation, collaboration, and accountability.
  • Champion a culture of continuous improvement, leveraging data and insights to guide decision-making and optimize product offerings.
• Product Innovation & Lifecycle Management:
  • Oversee the product development lifecycle from ideation to commercialization, ensuring timely delivery of new products and enhancements.
  • Drive the ideation and concept development process, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders (e.g., design, brands, suppliers) to identify opportunities for new products and features.
  • Manage product roadmaps and timelines, balancing the needs of innovation with operational feasibility and market demands.
  • Ensure products are designed for manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and scalability while maintaining high-quality standards and unique brand aesthetics.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams (design, supply chain, marketing, and sales) to ensure alignment on product goals, timelines, and specifications.
  • Serve as a key point of contact for senior leadership regarding product development progress, challenges, and market opportunities.
  • Collaborate with marketing and sales to define go-to-market strategies and messaging for new product launches.
• Market & Consumer Insight:
  • Lead market research efforts to identify consumer needs, emerging trends, and competitive landscape, translating these insights into actionable product development strategies.
  • Maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, industry experts, and suppliers, to stay informed on market dynamics and technological advancements.
• Quality Assurance & Compliance:
  • Ensure that samples and finished products meet regulatory requirements, industry standards, and company quality expectations.
  • Oversee product testing and quality assurance processes to guarantee that all products meet the required performance, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Budgeting & Resource Management:
  • Develop and manage the product development budget, ensuring cost efficiency while meeting product development milestones.
  • Allocate resources effectively across various product development initiatives, ensuring optimal use of time, personnel, and capital.
• Performance Monitoring & Reporting:
  • Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and track product development performance, ensuring products meet business goals and customer expectations.
  • Regularly report on progress to senior leadership, providing updates on timelines, risks, costs, and market performance.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE TABLE -

• Experience:
  • 8 years of experience in product development or product management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role, preferably within the consumer products industry. Knowledge of stationery, puzzles, games, bags and giftables is a plus.
  • Proven track record of successfully managing product development teams and bringing new consumer products to market.
  • Experience with end-to-end product lifecycle management, from ideation to commercialization.
• Skills & Competencies:
  • Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders.
  • Deep understanding of product design, development, and manufacturing processes.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
  • Expertise in market analysis, consumer trends, and competitive intelligence.
  • Familiarity with regulatory requirements and quality standards for stationery, puzzles, games, bags and giftables.
  • Proficient in project management tools and methodologies.
    
• Personal Attributes:
  • Visionary Thinker: Ability to see the bigger picture and develop innovative products that anticipate market trends.
  • Results-Oriented: Focused on achieving goals and delivering results while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency.
  • Collaborative Leader: Works effectively across teams and departments to drive alignment and execute on product initiatives.
  • Customer-Centric: Deep understanding of consumer needs and behaviors, with a commitment to creating products that resonate with customers.
  • Agile & Adaptable: Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapts to changing business needs and market conditions.