Director of Merchandising & Product Development

Position Overview:

We are seeking a Director of Product Development and Merchandising to manage the development, presentation, and merchandising of our leather products. You will lead a small team, collaborating with various departments to ensure the effective development and delivery of our products, both our leather assortment sold to members of the design trade and our Lifestyle goods, sold direct to consumer. Additionally, you will support our sales team and contribute to strategic decision-making around product offerings and market trends.

Key Responsibilities:

• Stay ahead of emerging design and color trends in the leather industry, integrating relevant trends into new product lines. Ensure that product development efforts maintain the authentic essence of the brand while appealing to current market demands.
• Develop and implement merchandising strategies that highlight key product collections and assist in moving existing inventory. Ensure that merchandising displays, both in showrooms and at trade events, effectively communicate the brand’s story while showcasing new and trending products.
• Strong visual merchandising skills and color storytelling are essential, with a keen eye for creating impactful product displays that reflect brand identity, capture the customer’s attention, and drive sales across both trade and consumer channels.

Tradeshows:

• Utilize AutoCAD or other design software to create detailed product layouts, planograms, and visual representations, ensuring accurate and efficient development of product displays and merchandising concepts.
• Gather and organize all necessary materials—leather, supplies, furniture, and décor—for tradeshow displays.
• Travel to domestic and international tradeshows as required, supporting booth setup and overseeing all aspects of visual merchandising.
• Oversee the logistics of tradeshow crates, ensuring timely arrival and readiness for setup and teardown.
• Manage the tradeshow platform, adding attendees and ensuring virtual badges are issued.
• After the show, distribute leads to the appropriate department heads for follow-up.

Sales Showrooms:

• Perform bi-yearly check-ins with showrooms to ensure display and sample needs are met.
• Work with vendors to manage showroom fixture installations.
• Assist with the planning and execution of key events like Spring/Fall Market and Interwoven at our High Point Showroom.

Leather Development:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with tannery partners and suppliers.
• Schedule product development reviews and communicate feedback from sales teams to tanneries.
• Oversee the tracking and storage of sample hides to ensure proper organization.
• Manage the tasks involved in launching new leather articles, ensuring smooth execution.

Sales & Marketing Support:

• Assist the sales team with virtual shows, client visits, and specific sales-related events like Interwoven.
• As needed, support the creation of leather presentation boards for client meetings.
• Provide general support to field sales with various requests related to product or marketing.
• Review the contents of sample boxes quarterly and recommend updates based on market trends or customer feedback.
• Collaborate with marketing leadership to develop creative and engaging digital campaigns that align with the merchandising strategy, ensuring that product storytelling and visual presentations resonate with both design trade professionals and direct consumers.

Lifestyle Merchandising Support:

• Assist with photoshoots for the Lifestyle Collection, ensuring products are styled and captured to reflect the brand’s aesthetic.
• Provide AutoCAD support for Sr. Director of Design by creating detailed drawings and specifications for new finished goods, ensuring accurate representation and alignment with design and manufacturing requirements.

Leadership:

• Lead and inspire a small team, fostering a positive, collaborative environment that encourages growth, accountability, and high performance.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to team members, helping them develop skills and achieve professional growth through regular feedback and support.
• Set clear expectations and goals for team members, ensuring alignment with company objectives and providing the tools for success.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with team members to discuss performance, development, and address any challenges.
• Create a culture of accountability by ensuring team members meet deadlines, maintain quality standards, and uphold company’s core values.
• Develop and implement leadership development plans for team members, preparing them for future growth within the company.

Competencies

Communication

Ensure written and verbal communication is consistent, concise, informative, and audience appropriate.

Emails should be professional and thoughtful, using proper grammar and punctuation.

Meetings should be agenda-driven, with dispersed action items.

Verbal communication should be thoughtful, straight-forward, respectful, and kind.

Company Focused

Demonstrates confidence.

Finds creative solutions.

Focuses on budget and profitability.

Uses data to inform decisions.