Back to Job Listings
DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT (INDUSTRIAL DESIGN) Submit Resume
Job Title:
Director of Product Development (Industrial Design)
Job Location:
Southeast
Relocation:
Yes
Position Level:
Director
Position Report To:
VP
Position Responsibilities:

The Director of Product Development plays a key role in ideating and directing the ideation of new products to meet the short and long term growth strategies.  Guide the product development process both through a creative vision and through sound business judgement.  This position is responsible for overseeing and managing product design and specification from concept ideation through production, ensuring that designs meet brand standards and guidelines. In conjunction with Project Management, develop and oversee the product development calendar to ensure successful and timely product launches, manage 4 industiral designers, oversee tracking and documentation of product development processes and facilitate activities and communication with vendors.  

Develop and implement business rationale to support the product development strategies; create and maintain the department’s budget and developing 3-Year plans.
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Lead the new product concept development activities including
  • Lead the ideation, design and specification process of new product development including internal and external consumer oriented idea generation and prioritization
  • Product key quality characteristics and specification development
  • Target trade and consumer identification and positioning
  • Compare and contrast various design alternatives and costs
  • Embrace the Product Life Cycle process and foster a continuous improvement environment to ensure the consistent, timely and successful introduction of new products.
  • Lead the processes for preliminary concept validation, design and product testing services.
  • Provide direction to the Creative team in all color palette and design development.
  • Develop pricing strategies to achieve long-term profitability goals.
  • Develop, manage and oversee the new product development budget.
  • Research and align best practices that can be utilized in new product development;
  • Oversee trend research and industry developments which may impact new product development;
  • Lead product development meetings and projects to ensure deadlines and key benchmark dates are met;
  • Manage, oversee and help create all new product specifications;
  • Manage the creation of product development samples for both product and packaging aspects of products;
  • Develop and lead the preparation and presentations for Product Review and Stakeholder line review process;
  • Communicate with vendors on the status of product samples;
  • Creates and delivers on 3-Year department plans;
Percent Travel:
Direct Reports:
Yes
Experience Required:
  • 10+ years of experience in Industrial Design product design/development;  5+ years of management experience preferred;
  • Experience in toys / children’s products/Gift/Décor preferred;
  • Knowledge of the new product development process, consumer behavior, retail management and merchandising, promotional practices and manufacturing operations is required.
  • Strong leadership skills with the experience and the ability to direct a team of Industrial Designer
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office required;  Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Adobe Suite, 3D Modeling software is a plus (Rhino, Solid Works, CAD);
  • Knowledge of end-to-end product development process;
  • Knowledge of product ideation and design development
  • Working knowledge of materials and suppliers common to the toy, printing and/or children’s products industry, including packaging;
  • Ability to analyze product requirements to develop and oversee design specifications;
  • An eye for consistency and detail; knowledge of design techniques, tools and principals;
  • Powerful portfolio of creativity that demonstrates originality, innovation, problem-solving, and personal expression;
  • Ability to strategically plan all new product initiatives and create a long-term vision and goals for the Product Development department, including creating and maintaining the department’s budget;
Education Required:
BS/BA
Other Remarks: