Product Development Manager - Napa Home & Garden

Napa Home & Garden, a dynamic home décor wholesaler, with its headquarters in Norcross, GA is searching for a driven, energetic team player to join our growing team. We provide sophisticated products for the home, selling to style-conscious retailers via a best-in-class shopping experience. Napa is well-recognized within the home décor industry and is one in a family of highly regarded brands. 

Job Purpose

Based in the Atlanta region, the Product Development Manager is responsible for shepherding new products through the development process, from initial costing stage to final sample approval. 

This role is essential in growing the ever-evolving Napa product line and achieving business objectives. This is a fast-paced, deadline-driven role that integrates with the entire product team as well as cross-functional teams to support new assortment launches twice annually.

We are looking for an energetic individual who is passionate about product and process, with a keen interest in home décor and interior design. The ideal candidate is:

• Extremely organized and a master of details, with exceptional multi-tasking and time management skills
• Adept in cost calculations, data analysis and market research
• An articulate and coherent communicator, both written and verbal
• Forward-thinking with propensity toward anticipating and trouble-shooting potential challenges
• Confident with a positive, “can-do” attitude and a strong work ethic
• Interested in home décor trends with an eye and appreciation for materials, finishes, colors

Duties and responsibilities

Product Development

• Manage daily communications with agents and factories specific to new product developments as outlined by VP Creative and Buyer
• Process cost of goods and assess viability of products within target cost structure; negotiate as necessary
• Determine applicable HTS codes for new products
• Maintain development updates in master Work in Progress ppt by season
• Communicate seasonal timeline expectations with agents and factories and track developments to these timelines, flagging at-risk items
• Ensure all product details (design/cost/pack details) are solidified for clean hand-off to product management team for PO generation
• Review Final Sample PPTs against product criteria (dimensions, finish, quality)
• Occasionally conduct market research and competition evaluation
• Evaluation of physical samples on site in Norcross office as needed
• Learn and become well-versed in vendor capabilities
• Manage the onboarding process for new suppliers

Other Responsibilities

• Assist with proofing catalogs to ensure integrity of new product information
• Assist with pre-show prep in showroom twice annually
• Participate in Sales Meetings, Product Training Meetings and Trade Shows
• Manage special projects as assigned

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Impeccable time-management and prioritization skills and a keen attention to detail
• Ability to remain calm and composed in high-pressure situations, demonstrating patience and professionalism.
• A pro-active, detail- and solution-oriented mindset with excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• A flexible and adaptable approach to work, readily adjusting to changing needs, priorities, and business requirements.
• Capacity to work well independently and in a team environment, actively contributing ideas and insights while respecting diverse viewpoints.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Exhibits leadership qualities in approach to work

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant industry experience preferred
• Proficient cost-of-goods and wholesale/retail pricing skills
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft office applications (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) as well as Adobe; V-Lookup and Pivot Table applications in Excel are required
• Bachelor Degree in related field

Physical requirements

• Sitting, Standing, Walking
• Carrying, Pushing, Pulling boxes and sample orders up to 25 lbs.
• Prolonged use of computer involved; use of hands and finger coordination; specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision. Color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus as needed.
• Extended hours and weekends during peak show times, twice annually in flagship showroom
• Working at trade shows for 12 hours during Market to include standing and walking

The successful candidate must be able to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening.