Product & Packaging Development Specialist - 31660188963

Job Title: Product & Packaging Development Specialist

Working Hours: TBD (possibly 9AM to 6PM PST)

Salary: Experienced based

Industry: Retail (Hair-related)

About the role: 

We are looking for a detail-oriented and proactive Product Development Specialist to join our dynamic team! In this role, you will play a crucial part in supporting the design process after the management team briefs the concept. You will ensure that product and packaging development runs smoothly and efficiently and meets the needs of our target audience.

Duties and Responsibilities:

•  Thoroughly review the brief and research to gather supporting information or data, ensuring clarity for factories.
•  Communicate product details to technical designers for the creation of Technical Packs (TPs).
•  Review and approve TPs, seeking management approval when necessary.
•  Provide factories with clear product details and TPs.
•  Set appropriate due dates, create 3D drawings, and develop prototypes, obtaining timely management approval.
•  Act as a product and packaging development expert, reviewing preproduction samples to ensure functionality, aesthetics, and alignment with target audience needs.
•  Assign due dates for all related tasks/subtasks in Asana, and remove any unrelated tasks.
•  Conduct thorough reviews of preproduction samples for appearance, color accuracy, and quality, paying close attention to detail.
•  Utilize a product review checklist to ensure all aspects are covered during product and packaging reviews.
•  Communicate improvements and changes clearly to factories.
•  Be a proactive problem solver, utilizing available resources (Google, ChatGPT, etc.) to find answers before escalating to management. Provide recommendations and reasoning when relaying questions.
•  Own the product and packaging development calendar, ensuring timely quoting and sampling for efficient product launches throughout the year.
•  Review project timelines post briefing to confirm all tasks/subtasks have appropriate deadlines in Asana.
•  Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design, production, quality control (QC), marketing, and sales, to ensure alignment on project timelines and goals.
•  Track project progress, identify potential roadblocks or delays, and proactively address issues with management, adjusting timelines as necessary.
•  Manage the product and packaging development budget, ensuring expenditures align with margin targets.
•  Negotiate with suppliers to secure competitive pricing for products and packaging, consulting with management on negotiation strategies as needed.
•  Assist the QC team in ensuring products meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards, working to identify and resolve issues before launch.
•  Ensure timely receipt of QC-approved samples and provide all related information and notes.
•  Maintain organized internal documents and files related to product development, including Dropbox updates and proofreading line sheets.
•  Update the Product Development Planning Document and Master Sheet as needed.
•  Manage care label layouts for approval and organize the Line List to align with approved SKUs for launch.
•  Perform additional relevant tasks as assigned.

Must have: 

•  Proven experience in product development, preferably in a related industry.
•  Proficiency in project management tools, particularly Asana.

Nice to have:

•  Strong organizational skills with a keen eye for detail.
•  Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
•  Ability to work collaboratively across teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
•  Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make informed decisions independently.
•  Familiarity with budgeting and supplier negotiation processes is a plus.