Product Development Manager - Hestan Culinary

The Product Development Manager will lead the design, development, and successful launch of innovative kitchenware products, driving the expansion of the company’s portfolio. This role combines creativity, technical proficiency, and project management expertise to deliver high-quality products that meet market demands and enhance the customer experience.

The ideal candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, design, engineering, sourcing, factories, and quality assurance, to ensure product concepts are seamlessly executed from ideation to production and delivery. Additionally, the role involves developing a strategic product roadmap to maintain a consistent pipeline of impactful and meaningful product introductions that align with the company’s long-term goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Product Development:

• Lead the end-to-end product development process, from initial concept and design to prototyping, testing, and production​ in conjunction with our factories
• Collaborate with internal teams (​sales, marketing, design, R&D, engineering) to create innovative cookware solutions that meet consumer needs and market trends.
• Ensure that new products meet high standards of ​design, innovation, functionality, quality, and durability, while also being manufacturable at scale.
• Manage the development of product specifications, materials, and finishes, with a focus on ​quality, performance, and user experience.

Project Management:

• Oversee product development timelines, ensuring projects stay on schedule, within scope, and on budget.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure smooth communication and collaboration throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Track progress and provide regular updates to leadership on project milestones, risks, and opportunities.
• Troubleshoot issues that arise during development, making quick, effective decisions to keep the project moving forward.

Market Research & Trend Analysis:

• Conduct market research to identify emerging trends, consumer preferences, and competitive landscape within the cookware industry.
• Develop and maintain a competitive analysis ​for all product ​categories
• ​Analyze consumer feedback and data to inform product development and improve existing products​,​ working with the Cookware Concierge.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation in the cookware​ and related categories

SKU management

• Review inventory and sales to determine the lifecycle of products. Conduct  SKU rationalization evaluations.  Make recommendations on SKUs to discontinue.

​Supplier & Manufacturer Coordination:

• Establish and maintain relationships with ​our factories and manufacturers to ensure high-quality materials and production processes.
• Work with sourcing and supply chain teams to ensure the successful and timely launch of products.
• Negotiate cost-effective and sustainable sourcing strategies while maintaining product quality standards.

Testing & Quality Assurance:

• Collaborate with the QA team to define and implement product testing procedures, ensuring new cookware products meet industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in prototype testing and consumer trials, collecting feedback for product refinement.

Collaboration with Marketing and Sales:

• Work closely with the marketing team to develop product messaging, packaging, and launch strategies that align with market demands.
• Partner with the sales team to ensure products meet consumer expectations and drive sales performance.

Sustainability & Innovation:

• Explore opportunities to incorporate sustainable materials and production processes into product designs.
• Stay up-to-date on emerging technologies and innovations in the cookware industry to help guide product development strategies.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Product Development, Engineering, or related field. A Master’s degree is a plus.​
• Experience:
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in product development, preferably in cookware, kitchenware, or consumer goods industries.
• Knowledge of cookware materials (e.g., stainless steel, ​copper, aluminum, cast iron, non-stick coatings, etc.) and manufacturing processes
• Strong understanding of consumer preferences and market trends in the cookware and home goods industry.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot design and manufacturing issues.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work across multiple teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, with keen attention to detail.
• Familiarity with sustainability trends and eco-friendly materials in product development

$120k to $130k. DOE

Salary : $120,000 - $130,000