Spinrite is the largest craft yarn and sewing thread company in North America. As an industry leader focused on driving growth and execution excellence, we are looking for a Product Development Lead to join our growing Product Development team.
Reporting to the Director of Product Development, the Product Development Lead is responsible for developing innovative new products in the yarn & craft category, in their assigned brands directly to launch on ECom and new retail channels.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Responsible for the delivery of consumer centric product ideas and solutions that are unique and meaningful with a differentiated message and are aligned to the overall strategic growth plan for the business.
- Lead collaborative teams, from Insights Meeting through to Implementation of new products.
- Lead and champion development of approved product concepts and prototypes that deliver Corporate and Brand Objectives, presented and confirmed at key stakeholders' meetings, or on agreed SPRINT projects to build on quick wins opportunities.
- Lead requests on new product development for 1st manufacturing cost to suppliers and negotiate/set initial target cost with the active collaboration of the internal Sourcing team.
- Contribute to building the pipeline of new products from ideation through observing and understanding the consumer and retailer landscape. Assist in identifying compelling opportunities through consumer research, concept screening, category analysis, competitive threats, and fulfillment of key trends.
- Brief suppliers with a Product Specification, source and collaborate on sample feedback and reiterations of desired product and manage full prototyping process with supplier on agreed final approved specs.
- Collaborate with multiple teams to develop from concept to completed packaging – Brand, Creative, Design & Sales.
- Execute pre-production development by working closely with suppliers and QA to ensure quality consistency, with PQP’s.
- Final approval of product specification and samples on relevant sourcing changes proposed by our internal Sourcing team on existing products (change of supplier that impact quality or product consumer experience)
- Attending, as needed, trade shows, industry functions, retail reviews and subscribe to relevant publications to be able to contribute to the development of innovative & new products.
- Build partnerships with suppliers that ensure Spinrite as the first approach on ideas and build the supplier base with value-add suppliers.
- Develop all necessary new product information and initial vision, specifically the reasoning for the new product and its features and benefits, that are used on internal teams' presentations and handoff briefings.
- Inform and educate the key internal teams, to ensure the product is presented and communicated in a consistent manner at Sales Meetings.
Qualifications:
- Undergraduate degree in Industrial Design, Fashion design, or relevant field an asset
- Trade school or diploma in product development, design with relevant experience
- Excellent eye for aesthetic design and customer appeal, with a keen attention to detail, meticulous & diligent
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
- Able to effectively manage their time and their network of developers.
- Knowledge of the industry and market trends is beneficial.
- Knowledge of color theory,
- Thorough understanding of product development cycle
- 3-5 years of experience as a Product Development specialist or similar role, preference given to CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) and Fashion related fields.
- Previous experience in product design, graphic design, or related marketing an asset
- Rapid prototyping or previous experience working in an industrial facility an asset.
Spinrite is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and all applicants for employment without regard to any status protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code, US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and applicable state law. If you need assistance or accommodations during any part of the application or interview process, please contact us at 519-291-3780 and ask to be transferred to HR.