Product Development Manager - Upholstery

Gabriella White • Pelham, AL

7d

About The Position

The Product Development Manager – Upholstery plays a critical, hands‑on role in bringing beautifully crafted upholstered products to life. This leader partners closely with design and manufacturing teams to develop and refine patterns, upholstery frames, and construction methods for both new launches and existing SKUs.

Blending creativity with manufacturing discipline, this role collaborates with plant leadership to optimize product construction, drive cost control initiatives, and continuously improve quality and efficiency, without compromising design intent. The ideal candidate is a problem‑solver who thrives on the production floor, has a deep understanding of upholstered furniture construction, and takes pride in building products that are as smartly engineered as they are well made.

Who We Are

Gabriella White is home to our family of brands - Gabby and Summer Classics. 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 every day 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Commercial, Industrial or Product Design or related field preferred.
• Five years of furniture upholstery manufacturing experience.
• Must have strong experience in retail math, cost margin analysis and supplier quotes.
• Knowledge of furniture, apparel and/or soft goods construction development & production highly preferred.
• Proficient knowledge and ability to use computer-based programs such as Microsoft Office and Auto CAD required; Knowledge of Solidworks preferable.
• Ability to work well with others as well as independently under strict deadlines.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to prioritize workload tasks.
• Strong understanding of product efficiency.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Influential in building positive partnerships with cross functional teams.
• Have a sense of urgency in managing time and ownership of deliverables.
• Strong ability to multi-task; with the desire to work in a very fast paced environment.
• Ability to communicate with current or potential suppliers of raw materials.

Nice To Haves

• Sigma nest a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversees and supports upholstery product development activities.
• Manages data management and tracking of key upholstery product developments in data systems.
• Ensures key calendar milestones and dates for upholstery product development are met.
• Conducts and/or participates in weekly team meetings to ensure teams are aligned and address issues.
• Understands product materials, construction, fit, function, and end use requirements.
• Grows and maintains relationships with new and current suppliers.
• Tracks all incoming costs at every change level of the product.
• Looks for cost reduction opportunities while maintaining highest quality.
• Helps update costing documents and systems for cross-functional teams.
• Develops, cuts, and makes patterns.
• Works in Auto CAD and Solidworks.
• Communicates with plant leadership to address issues that may need support in other departments.
• Ensures accuracy of notes documented and provided to Plant Leadership for review.
• Recommends and implements process improvements as needed to improve production.
• Adjusts current patterns for better efficiency.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive health, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) plan with match after 12 months.
• Sick, vacation, holiday, and parental time off.
• Employee Assistance Program and Chaplain Services to support mental and emotional well-being.
• Generous Employee Product Purchase discount.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager