Product Development Manager jobs in Bismarck, ND

COMPANY 
Mercana Furniture and Decor is a renowned industry leader in the field of furniture and home decor. With a commitment to quality and innovation, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the finest products and ensuring their utmost satisfaction.  

SUMMARY:
We're seeking a seasoned Manager of Product Development to lead our team in crafting cutting-edge furniture solutions. This pivotal role involves strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, and adept leadership to drive product innovation from conception to market. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in the furniture industry, strong project management skills, and a passion for delivering exceptional products.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 
•    Leadership and Team Management: Lead and manage a team of product development professionals to drive innovation and deliver high-quality furniture products.
•    Product Strategy and Planning: Develop and implement strategic plans for product development initiatives, aligning with business objectives, market trends, and customer needs.
•    Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal departments such as quality control, supply chain, sales and marketing to ensure seamless integration of product development efforts with other business functions like product launches, inventory management, etc.
•    Market Research and Analysis: Conduct market research to identify market opportunities, consumer preferences, and competitive trends to inform product development decisions.
•    Product Development: Oversee the end-to-end product development process ensuring adherence to quality standards, design accuracy, cost targets, and timelines. 
•    Supplier and Vendor Management: Manage relationships with overseas manufacturers and suppliers to allocate designs according to production capacity, negotiate pricing, and ensure timely delivery of finished products.
•    Quality Control: Establish and enforce quality assurance protocols to maintain product integrity and compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and certifications across multiple manufacturing partners.
•    Continuous Improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, efficiency, and innovation within the product development lifecycle.
•    Project Management: Utilize project management methodologies to plan, execute, and monitor product development projects, ensuring milestones are met and risks are mitigated.

Key performance indicators (KPIs): 
•    New Product Launches: Number of new furniture products successfully launched within a specified time frame. 
•    Time-to-Market: Average time taken from design submission to product launch for new furniture products.
•    Product Development Costs: Cost per unit for developing new furniture products compared to budgeted costs.
•    Product Quality: Percentage of products meeting or exceeding quality standards and customer satisfaction ratings.
•    Supplier Performance: On-time delivery rate and quality of products and materials supplied by vendors and manufacturers.
•    Team Performance: Employee satisfaction, retention rates, and productivity of the product development team.
•    Compliance Quality: Adherence to regulatory requirements, product and quality standards for new furniture products.
•    Cost Reduction Initiatives: Cost savings achieved through value engineering, supply chain optimization, and process improvements.

QUALIFICATIONS: 
•    Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, industrial design, or related field. Master's degree preferred.
•    Proven experience in product development or related roles within the furniture industry, with a strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, supply chain management, and international trade regulations related to furniture production.
•    Excellent project management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage timelines, and coordinate cross-functional teams effectively.
•    Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
•    Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate and build relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
•    Demonstrated ability to drive innovation, foster creativity, and adapt to changing market dynamics.
•    Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
•    Leadership qualities including integrity, accountability, and a commitment to excellence.