Director of Product Development

Primary Function:

Responsible for providing leadership in the development of new products. Directs the team responsible for new product development from the designer’s sketch to approval of prototype model and then into production.  

Duties and Responsibilities:

Recognizes and values customers and fellow associates by:  

  A)  emphasizing teamwork

  B)  possessing a customer-driven attitude

  C)  effectively achieving results by meeting mutually agreed-upon goals

Manages and performs the following for the Product Design function:

• Reviews and prioritizes new projects and establishes a development program including a timeline for each new design.

• Coordinates preliminary costing, development and sample making for new product introductions

• Provides input to our designers as needed in the development and finalization of new product styling

• Good understanding of process flow for fully upholstered goods

• Evaluates prototypes with the designer and merchandising team

• Researches materials and/or methods and techniques to improve and update our products

• Assist in designing and approving frames developed in 3D

• Works with our suppliers for proper application of materials and components

• Selects and develops new and existing associates in order to grow our capabilities and bench strength

• Ensure each brand quality, comfort, and seating standards are adhered to

• Responsible for the production of all market samples per applicable timelines

• Test new materials & production techniques for ways to improve quality, productivity, and profitability

• Lead the project of digitizing engineering & manufacturing documents, work instructions, and procedures; to replace manual hand-written documents

• Seek to create continuous improvement of process and speed to market

• Insure a smooth transition from development to production for all new product

• Other duties as assigned by upper management

Education and Experienced Required:

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or a minimum of 8 years of experience with custom high-end upholstery in product development and manufacturing.

• Demonstrated ability in project management leading multiple projects simultaneously

• Proficient in Google Suites 

• Experience in solid modeling using a Solidworks or 3D CAD program

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with other departments

• Strong problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10+ years of leadership experience in a fast-paced product development or manufacturing environment

• 8+ years experience in the furniture industry

• Experience using SolidWorks (3D CAD)