Product Development Merchandiser

SnugZ USA•West Jordan, UT

19d

About The Position

The Product Development Merchandiser assists in developing and producing a diverse range of products, coordinating with internal teams and external suppliers to ensure product development projects are completed smoothly and on time. The role defines category direction through research, planning, execution, and analysis; evaluates product, category, retail, competitive, and factory information; and develops product lines that support consumer needs, trends, price points, and the company’s character. The position manages development schedules, product selection and approval, sales forecasting, vendor communications, product information and samples, and follow-through with marketing and web teams. The merchandiser is expected to become an expert on assigned products and categories and to teach or train others about their attributes, features, and functions. Business travel to tradeshows is required. The role operates in a moderate-to-high-stress, fast-paced sales and marketing environment with a low-to-moderate noise level. It is an exempt, full-time salaried position; the schedule may exceed 35–45 hours per week, and overtime may be expected.

Requirements

At least 5 years of work experience as a buyer, or a combination of experience, education, or training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Ability to communicate effectively with sales representatives and overseas or local vendors and suppliers by telephone, in person, and in writing.
Ability to assimilate information and make decisions.
Ability to work under pressure in a detailed and organized manner.
Ability to operate or learn to operate a computer terminal and hand-held order-entry device.
Fluent and articulate English speaking, writing, and reading skills, including effective communication with managers, customers, and the public, and the ability to prepare letters, faxes, reports, and other correspondence.
Ability to calculate discounts, interest, commissions, totals, percentages, weight, and volume, and apply basic algebra and advanced math concepts.
Ability to resolve practical problems and handle concrete variables with limited information, and interpret written, oral, diagram, bid, and schedule information.
Ability to work overtime as needed.
Ability to travel for tradeshows.
Regularly sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk and hear. Occasionally stand, walk, and reach using feet, legs, back, arms, and hands; may occasionally lift or move up to 20 pounds.
Required vision abilities include close, distance, and color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

An associate degree or bachelor’s degree in a business-related field is preferred.
Knowledge of fabrication and sewing, and of plastic and metal material products, is preferred.
Basic typing skills emphasizing accuracy and knowledge of the legal aspects of purchasing are preferred.
Experience with software applications for customer input, billing, and shipping is preferred.

Responsibilities

Define category direction and product development through research, planning, execution, and analysis.
Analyze product and category sales performance, including top sellers, price points, subcategories, attributes, and product lifecycles.
Research retail trends and competitive products, including price points, features, functions, designs, colors, and product-line depth.
Analyze overseas factory capabilities and performance to determine which factories can meet product needs.
Set category goals and direction based on research and analysis, consumer needs, trends, price points, uniqueness, and corporate character.
Plan product development with purchasing and fiscal responsibility, considering item counts, tooling, colorways, samples, and vendor selection.
Determine and use appropriate resources for existing products with minor or major changes and new products developed from concept to completion.
Create and follow product development schedules and calendars to deliver a balanced, timely assortment of new products.
Organize and evaluate product-selection feedback from Sales, Purchasing, Production, and Marketing, and present selections to the Executive team for final approval.
Collaborate with Sales and Purchasing on forecasts for larger inventory needs for potential best sellers, marketing, specials, and giveaways.
Communicate with vendors throughout development to maintain and meet schedules; communicate daily with overseas vendors about development, sourcing, and relationship building.
Notify internal departments about new product details, approval processes, and product releases.
Collaborate with Marketing and Web teams on marketing campaigns for new products as part of the development cycle.
Maintain and organize new product information and samples in the product database.
Present new product ideas and direction confidently to upper management.
Learn and maintain expert knowledge of assigned products and categories and teach or train others about product attributes, features, and functions.
Travel to tradeshows.
Work overtime as needed.