Product Development Specialist - Artistree

Product Development Specialist

The Product Development Specialist (PDS) reports to the Sourcing Manager to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the product development process. The PD Specialist works closely with the Category Manager, as well as cross-functional partners in manufacturing and marketing. The PDS maintains up-to-date knowledge of all products and services supported by Artistree. In some cases, the Product Development Specialist may also be managing a Product Coordinator who will assist with these activities.

Product Development

• Trend Management: Attends industry and home furnishing markets to identify and adapt design, style, and finish trends. Makes scheduled visits to competitors to monitor merchandise activity. Aggressively appropriates competitor best items/ideas. Aggressively exploits new items, hot merchandise trends, and new merchandise category development by thorough testing and implementation into the line.
• Product Development Strategy: Define and implement product development strategy for in-store and online custom framing categories. Identify and scope new products and services. Coordinate product development between design team and manufacturers.
• Product Development Management: Partners with the Category Manager to develop assortment milestone calendars. Coordinates vendor sample review, New Item Verification and Master Control Sample processes.
• Sourcing Manager Partnership: Works closely with the Sourcing Manager to ensure alignment of Product Development activities with sourcing strategy. Manages business continuity sample process and contingency planning. Identifies and resolves vendor product quality and regulatory compliance issues.

Planogram and Marketing Samples

• POG Room Management: Maintain organization and contents of the Artistree Planogram and Product Development rooms.
• Marketing and Display Samples: Partner with Category Manager and Marketing Manager to design and produce custom framing and product samples for use in print and digital marketing and in-store display. Maintain documentation of contents and specifications of all items produced.

Business to Business

• B2B Product Development: Develop B2B assortment of products and services. Coordinate development of products to meet B2B client specifications.
• B2B Samples and Presentations: Design and coordinate production of samples and assist in creation of content for B2B sales presentations. Coordinate production and shipment of any samples required to secure B2B bids.
• Cross-Functional Support: Manages relationship with merchandising categories supported by Artistree production (Precut mats, adhesive vinyl, etc.). Mediates interaction between merchants and manufacturers.

Other duties as assigned

Minimum Education

• High School Degree or equivalent

Minimum Special Certifications or Technical Skills

• Thorough understanding of MS Office including Excel, Power Point and Word

Minimum Type of Experience the Job Requires

• Minimum 4 years product development, merchandising or project management experience with a major retailer, brand or product development/sourcing company

Preferred Education

• Bachelor's degree in a Business-related major is highly preferred

Preferred Type of Experience the Job Requires

• Experience working with custom framing, photo, or home décor products preferred
• Previous buying experience a plus

Applicants in the U.S. must satisfy federal, state, and local legal requirements of the job.