We are currently seeking an innovative creative to lead product design and development initiatives across all product categories : upholstery, lighting, soft goods, casegoods, occasional furniture, and textiles. This person will influence and affect the company product aesthetic by distilling diverse opinions into a cohesive, brand-aligned product strategy, creating connective lineage across our brands - Gabby, Summer Classics, and Wendy Jane, and delivering a consistent and elevated design ethos across all products.
Who We Are
Gabriella White is headquartered in Pelham, AL (Birmingham) and is home to our family of brands - Gabby, Summer Classics, and Wendy Jane. We are growing in all areas of the business and are proud to be family-owned and operated since 1987. Together, we furnish life's best moments, from the everyday to the exceptional. We are united by our vision as well as our collective spirit and our culture is shaped by our core values : Dedication – Enthusiasm – Synergy – Integrity – Goal-Oriented – Nimble, or simply put DESIGN.
As a premier innovator, manufacturer, and retailer of luxury furniture and accessories, our brands are loved by designers and design-minded consumers for creating timeless outdoor living and transitional, eclectic furniture and accessories for every part of the home. We’re always looking for talented people to join our team and grow together.
What We Offer
- Competitive health, dental, vision plans, and short and long-term disability.
- 401(k) plan with match after 12 months.
- Employee Assistance Program and Chaplain Services to support mental and emotional well-being.
- Paid sick, vacation, holidays, and paid parental time.
- Annual incentive bonuses.
- Generous Employee Product Purchase discount.
What You Do
Oversee the creative product development process, from concept to market launch, across all categories, serving as curator and creative eye for the company.Collaborate closely with executive leadership brand ambassadors – Gabby, Summer Classics, and Wendy Jane, on overall product development strategies.Ensure the development of products that align with the brand’s aesthetic, quality, and design ethos.Collaborate with the merchandising team to identify assortment gaps and opportunities for new product introductions that are both innovative and market driven.Act as arbiter of taste by partnering with marketing to formalize our brand voice and guidelines, ensuring that our content and materials appropriately reflect our design and aesthetic ethos.Function as voice of customer by developing key customer relationships and gathering insights from field staff and customers.Maintain and elevate the visual and design standards across all brands under the Gabriella White umbrella.Ensure consistent brand messaging and design language across all product lines.Lead the design team in creating innovative, trend-forward products that resonate with our target customers.Execute and oversee the creation of mood boards, concept development, technical sketches and details, visual renderings, specifications, product reviews, and quality control documents that are clear and actionable.Manage the holistic process in an intimate and interactive fashion to perfect the frame, pattern, scale, shape, and comfort of the product prior to samples being produced.Incorporate new materials, technologies, and construction techniques into product development.Stay abreast of industry trends, competitor activities, and customer preferences to inform product development.Travel to applicable shows and fairs annually to identify emerging trends and design inspiration.Travel to Asia and other key regions for sourcing, manufacturing oversight, and inspiration.Collaborate with the sourcing team to identify materials and manufacturing capability needs, having a working knowledge of various material types, finish compositions, and their unique properties.Collaborate with international suppliers and provide real-time feedback on samples to ensure an efficient product development process.Foster strong relationships with suppliers and manufacturers to facilitate quality, cost effectiveness, and timely product development.Partner with sourcing on contracts and terms with vendors to secure favorable agreements for the company.Actively problem solve and seek solutions by working across the organization to ensure product quality and safety from inception through commercialization.Work closely with the merchandising, marketing, and operations teams to ensure product alignment with business objectives.Partner with creative services and social media teams to ensure cohesive storytelling and product promotion.Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of designers, developers, and creatives.Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment that encourages creativity and high performance.Oversee multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.Utilize productivity tools and methodologies to streamline the product development process.Develop and execute a long-term product development strategy that aligns with the company’s growth goals.Drive the creative vision and roadmap for product launches and seasonal collections.Develop and manage the budget ensuring financial targets are met.What You Bring
Bachelor's degree in design, product development, business, merchandising, or a related field; MBA is a plus.10 years of experience in furniture, upholstery, soft goods, and / or lighting design required.5 years leading and managing a team required.Demonstrated ability to drive product innovation and successfully bring products to market.Strong understanding of market trends and consumer behavior in the home furnishings industry.Strong understanding of furniture construction, materials, and manufacturing processes.Proven track record of successful product launches and brand building.In-depth knowledge of manufacturing furniture, upholstery, soft goods, and lighting including but not limited to production, engineering, CAD, materials, fabrications, hardware, and packaging.Strong ability to sketch and produce visual representations using Adobe Creative Suite or applicable technologies.As brand ambassador, must possess exceptional communication skills with a command of public speaking, rep training, media / PR relations and outreach when appropriate.Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.Exceptional negotiation and vendor management skills.Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.Experience with navigating project workflows systematically.Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously and pivot seamlessly as necessary.Creative and critical thinker with attention to detail.Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 30%.J-18808-Ljbffr
