Product Development Manager

About the RoleOur confidential client, an established e-commerce company, is looking for a Product Development Manager to lead the development of physical products from concept to commercialization.
The role will oversee product strategy, market research, NPD, supplier collaboration, and team management, ensuring products meet customer needs, market trends, brand direction, and business objectives.
Key Responsibilities1. Product Strategy & NPD
Develop product strategies and quarterly development roadmaps.
Lead NPD across new products, collections, bundles, and product extensions.
Identify new product opportunities based on market trends, consumer insights, and commercial potential.
Manage the product lifecycle from concept through post-launch improvement.
2. Market & Consumer Insights
Monitor consumer trends and competitors across the US and European markets.
Analyze e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Walmart, Etsy, and TikTok Shop, particularly in Art & Craft, DIY, and Activity Kits.
Research new materials, production methods, and product finishing techniques.
Translate market insights into compelling product concepts and value propositions.
3. Product Development
Own the end-to-end development process: Research → Ideation → Design → Prototyping → Sampling → Validation → Launch.
Ensure products meet requirements for quality, functionality, cost, timeline, and manufacturability.
Manage multiple projects, timelines, resources, milestones, and risks.
Maintain product specifications and development documentation.
4. Supplier & Cross-functional Management
Work closely with Supply Chain, suppliers, factories, and internal teams.
Evaluate materials, packaging, manufacturing feasibility, supplier capabilities, and costs.
Ensure products meet relevant quality, safety, e-commerce, and IP requirements in target markets.
5. Launch & Continuous Improvement
Partner with Marketing on Go-to-Market plans and product materials.
Monitor post-launch performance including sales, conversion, reviews, returns, and margins.
Identify opportunities for product improvements, bundles, and product extensions.
6. Team & Process Leadership
Lead, coach, and develop the Product Development team.
Set goals, assign responsibilities, and monitor project progress.
Establish and improve SOPs, templates, and product development frameworks.
Drive process standardization and development efficiency.
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Business, Product/Industrial Design, Engineering, Supply Chain, Marketing, or a related field.
7+ years of experience in Product Development, Product Management, Category Management, or NPD.
3+ years of experience managing a Product Development team.
Proven experience developing physical products from concept to commercialization.
Hands-on experience working with factories, suppliers, and manufacturing partners.
Experience developing products for international markets and/or e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Shopify, Walmart, or TikTok Shop.
Strong knowledge of product development, manufacturing, materials, and cost optimization.
Strong ability to translate market and customer insights into product opportunities.
Good understanding of e-commerce requirements, market regulations, quality/safety, and IP.
Strong English communication skills.
Plus: Experience in Art & Craft, DIY, Stationery, Lifestyle, Creative Hobbies, or Home Décor, as well as Product/Project Management certifications.