Product Development Merchandiser

We are seeking a detail-oriented and organized Product Development Merchandiser to assist in the development and production of our diverse range of products. This role will involve coordinating with internal teams and external suppliers to ensure smooth and timely execution of product development projects.

· Product Category Development – Define the category direction and development through research, planning, execution and analysis.

· Research Analysis (R/A) –

•  Complete analysis of product and category sales performance – top selling products, price points, sub categories, attributes, and lifecycles.
• Research retail-related product and category trends – understand and plan for tomorrow, colors, designs, creativity, functionality, concept and uniqueness.
• Research and analyze industry competitive products – based on price points, features, functions, design, color ways and depth of line
• Analyze overseas factory capabilities and performance – determine which factories can support which product requirements/ needs.

· Planning –

• Define goals and direction of the category based on R/A – the development of the line must support consumer needs, trends, price points, uniqueness and relevance to our corporate character.
• Plan with a sense of purchasing and fiscal responsibility – taking into account the number of items, tooling, color ways, samplings, vendor choice, etc....
• Determining and utilizing resources for core development types – general market products with minor to no change, general market products with minor to major change and new products developed from concept to reality.
• Creating and following a product development schedule and calendar that delivers a well balanced and on time offering of new products.

· Execution –

• Product selection process – organize and evaluate feedback from Inside/Outside Sales, Purchasing, Production, Marketing. Present to the Executive team for final product approval.
• Sales forecast – collaborate with Sales and Purchasing to forecast larger inventory needs for potential best sellers; marketing, specials, giveaways, etc....
• Vendor communication – communicate each step of the way to insure the schedule is maintained and delivered.
• Inter-departmental communications – notify internal departments of new product detail information, new product approval process and new product releases

· Analysis

• Complete analysis of product and category sales performance – top selling products, price points, sub categories, attributes, and lifecycles.

· Product and Category Expert – learn, know and understand all products attributes, features and functions as it relates to specific category responsibilities. Must be able to teach and/or train about the products and categories.

Job Description:

· Follow-thru marketing – collaborate with marketing and web teams to complete new product marketing campaigns in fulfillment of new product development cycle

· Overseas vendor communications – communicate daily with overseas vendors on new product development, new product sourcing and relationship building

· Inter-departmental communications – notify internal departments of new product detail information, new product approval process and new product releases

· Product database and samples – maintain and organize all new product information and samples

· Presentation – properly and confidently present new product ideas and direction to upper management team

· Business Travel - Able to travel for tradeshows

 

· Qualifications: To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

· Education and/or Experience: Associates Degree (AA) or Bachelor Degree (BS) from a university or college in Business related field is preferred. This position requires minimum of 5 years work experiences as a buyer or any combination of experience, education, or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skill, and ability required. Ability to communicate effectively with sales representatives and vendor/suppler from overseas or local areas by telephone, in person, or through written communication; assimilate information and make decisions; work under pressure in a detailed, organized manner; and operate or learn to operate a computer terminal and hand-held order entry device. Knowledge of fabrication/sewing, plastic and metal material products is preferrable.

 

· Language Skills: Able to speak, write and read English fluently and articulately. Ability to speak and listen and respond effectively with and from managers, customers and the general public, ability to write letters, faxes, reports and other correspondence.

 

· Mathematical Skills: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, totals, percentages, weight, and volume, ability to apply the basic concepts of algebra and advanced math.

 

· Reasoning Skills: Ability to resolve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited information exists, ability to interpret data and/or instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, and bid and schedule form.

 

· Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: None

 

· Other Skills and Abilities: Able to work overtime as needed. Knowledge of basic typing skills with emphasis on accuracy and legal aspects of purchasing and in software applications for customer input, billing and shipping is preferred.

 

· Exempt Employee: The normal work schedule for salaried/exempt employees encompasses a work schedule that may exceed 35-45 hours each week. The nature of employment and position as a salaried/exempt employee requires full time execution of professional responsibilities and does not allow for limited hours. Labor code 515 mandates a salaried-exempt employee must be employed as a "full-time," 35-hour employee and provides for employers to determine a generally required exempt workweek. When

overtime work is expected, failure to work overtime may result in disciplinary action, up to and possibly including immediate termination of employment.

 

· Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

· While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools and/or controls; talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach using feet, legs, back, arms and hands. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

 

· Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Moderate to high stress work pace and environment. Most individuals in fast-paced sales and marketing environment must perform multiple tasks. Noise level is low to moderate.


Snugzusa LLC is an equal opportunity employer and is a supporter of diversity and inclusion. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.