Product Development Coordinator

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Position Summary

We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Product Development Coordinator to join our team. This role will report directly to the Vice President – Strategy and Merchandising to support all aspects of the product lifecycle from market research to product launch and beyond. Your primary focus will be assisting the Director of Product Experience and Director of Design & Engineering and their teams with the duties and tasks necessary for timely new product development in addition to maintenance of existing 200 product portfolio.

You will be responsible for scheduling and prepping for all key development meetings. Prep work responsibilities will include managing products and swatch samples, creation of documents to support needs of individual meetings, and new item set up and maintenance. The Product Development Coordinator will work in varying ERP and PDM environments to assist in these duties. You will also be responsible for various assistance in our Design/Photo Studio and Marketing department from administrative tracking responsibilities to physical help on-set during photo/video shoots.

Essential Functions

Item Setup/Maintenance

• Lead the onboarding and release of new products by collaborating with Product Development team on product specifications
• Use NetSuite to input product set up information
• Assist in auditing the Item Master information to ensure it matches engineering files using PDM contributor
  
  

Technical Design

• Work in the Adobe suite to create supporting documentation such as instruction manuals, control panel artwork, package labeling, etc.
  
  

Product Development

• Help maintain product lifecycle calendars for Real Flame Indoor, Real Flame Outdoor, and Jensen Co. Outdoor new product launches and product quality maintenance activities
• Send frequent reminders/updates on key deadlines for Design and Engineering team members to ensure new product launches hit key milestone timing
• Participate in team product reviews and take detailed meeting notes to share out
• Product sample and swatch management: work with sourcing staff and vendors to obtain parts and samples in a timely manner and organize into libraries with accurate lists and tracking status designations
• Problem-solve and assist with creating alternative solutions if a product falls behind and is at risk of not launching on time
• Participate in market and trend research to identify competitive insights and opportunities in product categories
• Be liaison between customer service and quality teams to address product-related issues/complaints and assist in troubleshooting solutions
• Gather and analyze customer feedback to identify areas for product improvement and enhancement
• Contribute to product pitch decks created in Canva for sales account support
  
  

Requirements

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and project management skills
• Occasional visits to local factory and distribution center
  
  

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, retail merchandising, or a related field
• 2 years of experience in product management, project management, marketing, or related roles preferred
• Knowledge of the fireplace or outdoor living industry is a plus
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Canva, Air Table, and other project management tools
  
  

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Requires the ability to read written instructions, reports, and other documentation
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
• The employee frequently is required to talk or listen
• Required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms
• Must be able to lift-up to 25 pounds at times
  
  

Work Environment

• Collaborative office environment
• Flexible work arrangement policy in place to accommodate needs to work outside of the office environment