Manager - Product Development

Michaels Stores•Irving, TX

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Manager - Product Development to lead our product innovation efforts from ideation to launch. This role is critical in shaping our product portfolio, ensuring our offerings are market-leading, brand-aligned, and meet evolving customer needs. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a strong grasp of market trends, exceptional project management skills, and a passion for developing and mentoring high-performing teams.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
5+ years of progressive experience in product development, product management, or a similar role, with at least 2 years in a leadership or managerial capacity.
Proven track record of successfully bringing new products to market, from concept to launch.
Strong understanding of product lifecycle management, market research methodologies, and consumer insights.
Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage complex projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute effective branding and packaging strategies.
Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of an organization.
Experience with talent management, including hiring, mentoring, and performance development.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, Design, or a related field.
Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., MBA).
Experience in retail or arts & crafts industries
Familiarity with Agile or other iterative product development methodologies.
Proficiency in product management software or tools.

Responsibilities

PB Assortment Strategies: Develop and execute comprehensive product assortment strategies, identifying market gaps and opportunities to expand our product lines and enhance competitive positioning.
Product Development – Trend Ideation PD: Lead the entire product development lifecycle from trend research and ideation to concept development, prototyping, and final product specifications. Stay ahead of industry trends, consumer insights, and technological advancements to drive innovation.
Branding & Packaging Direction: Collaborate closely with branding and packaging teams to define compelling branding and packaging strategies that resonate with our target audience and reinforce our brand identity.
Project Management: Oversee multiple product development projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and seamless coordination across cross-functional teams (Trend & Design, Merchant, Sourcing, Product Integrity, Michaels Global Sourcing Offices, Packaging).
Cross-Functional (CF) Leadership: Act as a key liaison and leader, fostering strong collaboration and communication between various departments to ensure alignment on product vision, requirements, and execution.
Talent Management and Development: Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of product developers, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement. Provide regular feedback and growth opportunities.