Product Development Manager - Jewelry

We are looking for a Product Development Manager to be a key point person within our team for all product development & sourcing-related activities, primarily for our Mass Market Account. This role acts as a vital liaison between our home office, factory partners and our design team, bringing products to market efficiently and effectively.

Responsibilities

• Product Sourcing:  Working with our overseas partners to procure the best and newest materials available in market.
• Development:  Work cohesively with a cross-functional team in a fast-paced environment to bring products to market with the best vendor and most competitive price, based on product guidelines and specifications.
• Cost & Manufacturability Optimization: Negotiate costs to ensure margin targets are met for Sequin and the customer. Recommend alternative manufacturing techniques, materials, etc., to reduce price and/or improve manufacturability while maintaining design integrity.
• Timeline & Sample Management: Manage timelines and processes for required product samples, packaging, and other development milestones. Monitor progress against the calendar and partner with team members to bring issues to resolution.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure all products meet aesthetic and quality expectations. Be responsible for reviewing, approving, and communicating changes for all initial, preproduction, and production samples with the team.
• Market Awareness: Maintain extensive knowledge of the product and brand being developed, along with mindfulness of market trends and customer values.
• Collaboration & Best Practices: Assist the team in establishing best practices to ensure customer product and timeline needs. Work successfully in a cross-functional team setting, as well as independently.
• Project Tracking & Reporting: Develop and update detailed product development tracking grids. Prepare and circulate weekly status updates on ongoing projects and sample deliveries, ensuring clear communication.

• 3-5 years of product development experience within the Fashion Jewelry industry.
• Understanding of jewelry manufacturing along with the product development life cycle.
• Proficiency in setting priorities that accurately reflect team and company objectives.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the capability of working with a team and collaborating with coworkers.
• Ability to influence outcomes and lead, motivate, and direct the team while maintaining a professional atmosphere.
• Creative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to multi-task within a fast-paced, creatively charged environment.
• Proficient PC skills, including Excel spreadsheet skills and proficiency with Windows PC-based business applications (Word, Power Point).
• Be respected for having in-depth industry-related understanding of product development.
• Able to perform under stress and frequent interruptions/distractions.
• Can work independently and follow through on expectations with minimal direction.