What are the responsibilities and job description for the Product Development Coordinator-SJ Gifts position at Stephen Joseph Inc.?
Job Title: Product Development Coordinator
Location: In-person, Lubbock, TX
Job Classification: This is a non-exempt, regular, full-time position.
Job Summary
The Product Development Coordinator plays a vital role in the creation and management of new product lines for Stephen Joseph, specializing in children's items, screen-printed T-shirts, personalized merchandise, and homeware. This position involves collaborating with various departments to ensure that each product meets quality standards, aligns with market trends, and fulfills customer needs. The ideal candidate will possess a keen eye for detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with design, merchandising, and production teams to develop new product concepts and collections.
- Research market trends and consumer preferences to inform product development strategies.
- Manage product timelines, ensuring that all phases of development stretch from conception to final production are met.
- Create and maintain detailed product specifications, pricing, and production process documentation.
- Coordinate sample requests and approvals, working closely with suppliers and manufacturers to ensure timely delivery.
- Conduct competitive analysis to identify new opportunities and improve existing products.
- Assist in the creation of marketing materials and presentations to showcase new products to clients and distributors.
- Support the quality control process by reviewing samples and providing feedback on product design and functionality.
- Participate in cross-functional meetings to communicate product updates and gather insights from various teams.
Qualifications:
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Bachelor’s degree in Product Development, Design, Fashion Design, Merchandising, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in product development, design, or related field preferably within the apparel or consumer goods industry.
- A strong understanding of textiles, manufacturing processes, and product lifecycle management is preferred.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
- Proficient in computer applications including Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Office Suite, and other product development software.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners.
- Strong proofreading, spelling, and grammar skills required.
- Creative problem-solving abilities with a passion for developing innovative products.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to sit for extended periods while working on a computer.
- Occasional lifting of materials, samples, and product prototypes weighing up to 25 pounds. Must be able to bend, kneel, and stoop to maintain an organized sample collection.
- Ability to engage in activities such as bending, standing, and walking for meetings and product presentations.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: Stephen Joseph Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and interns. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.