We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Product Development Manager to oversee the sourcing, development, and full lifecycle of our hair accessory products. The ideal candidate will have excellent organizational skills, ability to pivot quickly and multitask, attention to detail, and provide support as needed. The Product Development Manager will oversee development and execution of industry-leading product strategy to support and elevate BBI's new product launches.
This role requires strong organizational skills, creative problem solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills.
Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities:
The Product Development Manager will report directly to the Director of Product Development & Sourcing and will be responsible for managing and developing new product development and executing day-to-day development activities.
Product Development: Lead the design and development of new hair accessories from concept to completion. Collaborate with designers, marketing teams, and suppliers to ensure products align with brand vision and market trends.
Sourcing & Supplier Management: Identify, evaluate, and establish relationships with new and existing suppliers. Ensure supplier performance in terms of quality, cost, and delivery.
Project Management: Create and manage development timelines, ensuring products are delivered on schedule. Track key milestones from initial concept through production and delivery.
Cost Negotiation: Lead cost negotiations with suppliers to ensure competitive pricing while maintaining product quality and margin requirements.
Quality Control: Work closely with suppliers to maintain quality standards, conducting product reviews and addressing any production issues.
New Supplier Research: Continuously explore and onboard new suppliers to improve product offerings, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
Lifecycle Management: Oversee the entire product lifecycle from ideation, development, and launch to post-launch analysis and potential discontinuation.
Market Research: Stay up-to-date with industry trends and consumer preferences to ensure product offerings are fresh and competitive.
Create Project Briefs for existing and future product launches.
Track product submissions, testing samples, FedEx shipments, production standards, competitive samples, vendor capabilities, etc. throughout the NPD lifecycle.
Maintain and keep organized in-house library of materials, swatches, creatives, competitive products, and benchmarks.
Calendarize & manage weekly/ bi-weekly meetings with, manufacturers, and/or suppliers and provide documented meeting agenda + recaps.
Oversee tracking, receiving, labelling, and shipping of samples, and benchmarks
Maintain and keep updated Department tracking reports.
Update internal Master Spec sheet to reflect specifications and development notes.
The Product Development Manager will also be provided on-going training in the end-to-end product development process to support opportunities for future career growth in Product Development.
Travel domestically & internationally to suppliers & trade shows as needed.
Other duties as required.
Essential Cross-Functional Responsibilities:
This role requires collaboration with cross-functional Beauty by Imagination teams, including but not limited to Brand Marketing, Packaging Development, R&D, Regulatory, Safety, Quality, Contract Manufacturers and Testing Laboratories.
Facilitate, manage, and participate in weekly cross-functional meetings for current and future developments and take meeting notes as needed.
Required Skills/ Qualifications:
Passion for the beauty industry with strong personal interests, especially hair accessories
Driven to learn and apply new ideas: passionate about growing and developing Product Development skillsets/acumen.
Proactive, self-starter mentality to act promptly with a sense of urgency and foresight.
Organized, with a strong attention to detail, processes, and team collaboration.
Resourceful and comfortable taking on projects with minimal guidance.
Extremely Detailed oriented, organized, with immense follow up skills.
Strong written and communication skills is a MUST
Excellent Time management skills
A team player with passion to succeed.
Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Proactive with the ability to work well both individually and in team environments.
Comfortable in an entrepreneurial structure
Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Research skills (ability to navigate web, magazines, trend books/resources etc.)
Ability to adapt to changing priorities.
Education/ Experience Requirements:
3+ years of experience in fashion accessory product development (Hair Accessory Industry a plus).
Bachelor's degree (B.A.) Required.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, demonstrating the ability to clearly communicate information to cross-functional audiences.
Must be highly organized, agile, detail-oriented, and execute on several projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.