Product Development Manager – Hard Goods

Position Overview

We are looking for a seasoned Product Development Manager to oversee the creation and execution of a varied range of consumer hard goods, including pet accessories, toys, feeding items, travel gear, drinkware, stationery, seasonal goods, and other products. This role involves full ownership of multiple product categories from initial ideas to final production, collaborating closely with international factories and departments such as sourcing, packaging, compliance, licensing, sales, and operations to ensure delivery of innovative, quality products within schedule and budget.

Responsibilities

• Lead the complete product development cycle for multiple hard goods categories from concept to commercialization.
• Oversee product schedules, critical timelines, and launch planning, ensuring milestone targets are met.
• Collaborate with teams including Design, Licensing, Sales, Packaging, Sourcing, Compliance, and Operations throughout the process.
• Work directly with overseas manufacturers on development, costing, tooling, engineering, sampling, and production readiness.
• Review and approve product specifications, bills of materials, costing, packaging, testing requirements, and manufacturing documentation.
• Manage sample workflow, product assessments, approvals, revisions, and final production sign-offs.
• Identify and implement product innovations, value engineering, and cost reduction measures without sacrificing quality.
• Ensure conformity with retailer, licensing, safety, and compliance standards.
• Simultaneously manage multiple product categories in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.
• Support assortment planning through analysis of trends, competition, and customer demand.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain and Operations for smooth transition from development to production and delivery.

Requirements

• At least 5 years’ experience in product development within consumer hard goods sectors such as pet products, housewares, drinkware, stationery, or toys.
• Proven experience working with overseas manufacturers, especially in Asia.
• Thorough knowledge of sourcing, manufacturing processes, tooling, costing, packaging, testing, and compliance standards.
• Capability to manage multiple complex product launches and development schedules concurrently.
• Strong project management and effective cross-functional communication skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and familiarity with ERP or PLM platforms.
• Experience with licensed consumer products is highly advantageous.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is between $100,000 and $120,000 per year.