Product Development Manager
About The Position
Design Within Reach is seeking a seasoned Product Development Manager of Upholstery and Textiles to join our Product Development team in Stamford, CT. This role is ideal for a highly experienced furniture development professional with deep technical expertise of upholstery, strong commercial acumen, and a passion for bringing exceptional modern furnishings to life. As a Product Development Manager, you will own the end-to-end development, driving projects from concept through commercialization. You will partner closely with Design, Merchandising, Sourcing, and Quality to ensure every product reflects our commitment to craftsmanship, design integrity, and long-term performance. In addition to managing complex development programs, you will lead team members and help elevate overall team capability.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required
- 8+ years of progressive experience in upholstered furniture product development, with demonstrated expertise in construction, materials, and manufacturing processes.
- Proven ability to lead complex development programs across multiple categories simultaneously
- Strong technical proficiency in reviewing drawings and translating design concepts into manufacturable, high-quality products
- Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Strong communication and influencing skills across cross-functional teams and global vendor partners
- Deep understanding of the furniture market, materials, and global supply base
- Solid financial acumen, including costing, margin management, and retail math
- Leadership experience managing, coaching, and developing direct reports
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally 30% of the time for supplier, factory, and product development needs
- Ability to work onsite in Stamford, CT
Nice To Haves
- Experience developing upholstery in both USA and Europe preferred
- Experience with 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks, CREO, Fusion 360) and Adobe Creative Suite preferred
Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary owner of end-to-end product development of upholstery and textiles categories, ensuring successful commercialization aligned with design intent, seasonal timelines, margin targets, assortment strategies, and quality standards
- Lead regular prototype and project review meetings, proactively communicating status, risks, and solutions
- Own cost modeling, target costing, and supplier negotiations to achieve margin goals without compromising design or quality
- Review and approve technical drawings (from designers and suppliers) to ensure feasibility, accuracy, and adherence to specifications
- Oversee prototyping and validation, ensuring products meet performance and regulatory standards for construction, durability, comfort, assembly, and packaging
- Manage development timelines and key milestones to ensure on-time launches
- Lead and develop a team of product developers through coaching, training, and mentorship, ensuring strong project execution and continued growth in technical expertise
- Partner with Sourcing to onboard best-in-class global manufacturing partners
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, providing clear direction and ensuring accountability throughout development
- Define and implement product-specific quality standards; collaborate with suppliers to establish robust quality assurance protocols
- Oversee pre-production and launch readiness, including inspections and final approvals
- Responsible for post-launch success of product portfolio in partnership with Quality, Customer Service, and Merchandising
- Manage budgets across assigned categories
Benefits
- We are committed to equal opportunity employment, including veterans and people with disabilities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
