Product Director, Accessories

Waterworks • Danbury, CT

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Product Director, Accessories is a senior business leader responsible for translating strategy into executable product portfolios that deliver commercial performance, elevate the Waterworks brand, and support long-term business objectives. This role combines expertise in product development, merchandising, and business management to prioritize initiatives, optimize category performance, and lead the execution of product roadmaps across the Accessories portfolio.
Working within the strategic direction established by executive leadership, the Product Director aligns Design, Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance, Sales, Marketing, and Digital to execute a unified product portfolio that delivers innovation, operational excellence, customer experience, and financial performance.
Product Portfolio: Lighting, Hardware, Wall, Deck and Countertop Accessories, Textiles, Mirrors, Medicine Cabinets, Bath Furniture

Requirements

• 15+ years leading product strategy, merchandising, product development and business management within premium, luxury, or design-led consumer products
• Demonstrated success managing global supplier relationships, manufacturing partners, and complex product development programs
• Exceptional business acumen with demonstrated success using financial analysis, market insights, and customer data to guide investment decisions
• Proven experience leading cross-functional organizations through influence, organizational alignment, and strategic decision-making
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and stakeholder leadership skills
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) beneficial
• Domestic and international travel required
• This is a role that requires onsite presence a minimum of 3 days per week; could be more based on business need.

Responsibilities

• Translate strategy into executable category plans and portfolio initiatives
• Optimize portfolio structure and assortment across assigned categories
• Drive portfolio performance through disciplined lifecycle management
• Prioritize initiatives and allocate resources to maximize business value
• Translate customer insights, market trends, and competitive intelligence into actionable product and merchandising plans
• Identify opportunities, manage risks, and recommend portfolio adjustments and investment priorities for executive review
• Accountable for achieving category revenue, gross margin, inventory productivity, and profitability objectives
• Collaborate with Finance to develop and deliver P&L for all category projects, annual operating planning, pricing architecture, and investment allocation
• Partner with Supply Chain on cost and pricing strategy frameworks, vendor negotiations, and data governance to support predictable and scalable growth
• Drive organizational alignment through structured portfolio reviews, milestone governance, and cross-functional decision making
• Partner across Design, Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain, Marketing and Sales to ensure flawless product execution, pricing integrity, and timely market launches
• Lead cross-functional decision making that drives accountability, alignment, and timely execution
• Lead portfolio development priorities, governance, and resource allocation to deliver products on time, to quality standards, and within business objectives
• Oversee all product development initiatives, ensuring design integrity, technical precision, and adherence to brand and compliance standards
• Partner with internal partners in Engineering, Compliance and Quality, along with external vendors to drive innovation, cost competitiveness, and operational readiness across global markets
• Leverage advanced PLM tools and digital platforms to streamline development timelines, product data accuracy, and cross-functional transparency
• Monitor competitive landscape and emerging market trends to translate customer insights into portfolio recommendations and product plans
• Benchmark portfolio performance against luxury competitors
• Lead global merchandising strategy to ensure alignment of product assortment with regional and channel needs
• Collaborate with Store Design, Marketing, and Digital teams to execute impactful in-store and online merchandising experiences
• Partner with Digital to optimize product presentation, merchandising, and assortment that supports DTC growth
• Develop a high-performing Product Development and Merchandising team through coaching, succession planning, and organizational capability building
• Other responsibilities and duties as assigned.

Benefits

• career growth opportunities
• competitive salaries
• bonus potential
• medical/dental/vision
• 401k retirement savings plan
• generous PTO program (vacation, personal and sick time)
• summer half days
• volunteer day
• observes at least 8 federal holidays throughout the calendar year plus a floating holiday

What This Job Offers

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