Product Development Coordinator (Décor)

Position Summary

The Product Development Coordinator (Décor) plays a vital role in bringing Mercana’s product vision to life, supporting the end-to-end development and commercialization of products across the Décor, Soft-goods, and Lighting categories. Based in Jodhpur and positioned close to Mercana’s artisan and manufacturing supply base, this role serves as a key operational link between the category managers, product designers, suppliers, and internal cross-functional teams.

Reporting to the Director of Merchandising (Décor) in Canada, the Coordinator keeps development moving from concept through launch, managing samples, timelines, documentation, and communication so that products are delivered accurately, on schedule, and to Mercana’s quality standards.

This role partners closely with Quality Control, Supply Chain, and Packaging to ensure the seamless flow of samples, materials, and information throughout the development cycle. It requires a highly organized, detail-oriented professional who can manage many concurrent projects in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

The Coordinator is both hands-on and proactive, anticipating needs, resolving day-to-day issues, and continuously improving the workflows that support successful product commercialization.

Key Responsibilities

1.       Product Development & Commercialization Support

•      Coordinate product development and commercialization activities from concept through launch across the Décor, Soft, and Lighting categories.

•      Manage the product sample lifecycle end to end - initiating sample requests, tracking incoming samples, logging revisions, and routing prototypes for review and sign-off.

•      Coordinate product testing programs with suppliers, internal teams, and third-party labs, ensuring required tests are completed, documented, and passed prior to commercialization.

•      Track development milestones against critical-path dates, proactively flagging at-risk items so timelines can be protected.

2.       Category Management & Sourcing Support

•      Support the execution of sourcing strategies, procurement activities, and supplier relationships under the direction of the Director of Merchandising (Décor).

•      Assist in preparing and maintaining costing, quoting, and purchase documentation, ensuring information remains current and accurate as products move toward launch.

•      Support supplier onboarding and capability assessment by gathering documentation and coordinating sample and compliance requirements.

3.       Documentation & Record-Keeping

•      Ensure accurate, consistent documentation and record-keeping across all activities related to the category.

•      Organize and maintain product specifications, launch materials, product information, and development documentation in shared systems - keeping records complete, version-controlled, and easy to retrieve.

•      Maintain project timelines, launch schedules, and development workflows that support successful, on-time product commercialization.

4.       Communication & Cross-Functional Coordination

•      Facilitate effective communication between Category Managers, Designers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders - including Quality Control, Supply Chain, and Packaging.

•      Translate development requirements clearly to suppliers and relay supplier feedback, constraints, and timelines back to internal teams.

•      Prepare and distribute status updates, meeting notes, and action items to keep all parties aligned through each development cycle.

5.       Logistics & Operations

•      Coordinate logistics to ensure the seamless flow of samples, materials, and products within the designated category.

•      Address and resolve day-to-day operational issues promptly, escalating complex or high-impact matters to Category Managers or relevant stakeholders with the context needed to act.

6.       Process Improvement

•      Identify opportunities to streamline and strengthen the category management workflow.

•      Contribute to standardizing tools, templates, and procedures that improve consistency and efficiency across the development process.

Qualifications & Experience

•      Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Textiles, Design, or a related field - or equivalent experience.

•      2 - 4 years of experience in product development, sourcing, merchandising, or supply-chain coordination, preferably within a North American or European furniture, home décor, soft goods, lighting, or a related consumer-products category operating in India.

•      Demonstrated ability to coordinate across multiple stakeholders and manage competing timelines in a fast-paced environment.

•      Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Office tools; comfort learning PLM, ERP, or product-information systems.

•      Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

•      Highly organized and detail-oriented, with proven ability to maintain accurate records across many concurrent projects.

•      Direct experience with manufacturers throughout India or the handcrafted home-décor supply base is an asset.

•      Familiarity with product testing, quality standards, and compliance requirements for home décor, soft goods, or lighting is an asset.

•      Working knowledge of Hindi and/or regional languages to support supplier communication is an asset.

Profile

•      Highly organized, with strong follow-through and attention to detail

•      Proactive and solutions-oriented, with sound judgment on when to escalate

•      Strong communicator and collaborator across functions, cultures, and time zones

•      Comfortable managing many concurrent priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment

•      Ownership mindset with a bias toward action and results

•      A reliable point of contact who builds trust with suppliers and internal teams

What Success Looks Like in 12 Months

In the first 12 months, the Product Development Coordinator (Décor) will have become a dependable operational anchor for the category - keeping development on track and enabling Category Managers and Designers to focus on building best-in-class assortments. Success will be demonstrated through:

1.       Reliable Development Coordination

•      Sample, testing, and revision cycles are tracked accurately and progress on schedule

•      At-risk items are identified early, with timelines consistently protected

•      Category Managers and Designers rely on the Coordinator as a single source of truth for development status

2.       Strong, Well-Documented Records

•      Product specifications, launch materials, and development documentation are complete, current, and easy to retrieve

•      Project timelines and workflows are consistently maintained and trusted across teams

3.       Effective Cross-Functional Communication

•      Clear, timely communication flows between suppliers, Category Managers, Designers, and internal teams

•      Fewer delays and misunderstandings caused by information gaps

•      Stakeholders are consistently informed of status, changes, and next steps

4.       Smooth Logistics & Issue Resolution

•      Samples and materials flow seamlessly within the category

•      Day-to-day operational issues are resolved promptly, with appropriate escalation

•      Supplier relationships are supported by responsive, organized coordination

5.       Improved Processes

•      Tangible improvements to development workflows, tools, and templates

•      Greater consistency and efficiency across the category’s development process