Product Development Manager

• Lead the full lifecycle of product creation—from early concept and ideation through prototyping, sampling, testing, packaging development, compliance, mass production, and launch
• Develop a deep understanding of the customer: preferences, pain points, quality expectations, and buying behavior
• Analyze customer reviews, feedback, support data, and community conversations to identify unmet needs and opportunities
• Translate insights into clear product requirements, improvements, and new feature concepts
• Evaluate real-world product usage to ensure functionality, ease of use, and a premium experience
• Stay actively engaged with the crafting and creative community to track trends and evolving expectations
• Monitor post-launch performance and quality metrics to inform future product decisions
• Lead product ideation from concept through validation across arts & crafts, DIY, collectibles, stationery, home décor, and adjacent categories
• Research market trends, competitors, and emerging innovations to inspire new formats and enhancements
• Define early-stage concepts including purpose, differentiation, materials, cost targets, and customer value
• Partner with factories to explore new techniques, materials, and manufacturing capabilities
• Attend trade shows and sourcing events to discover new ideas and suppliers
• Guide sampling, prototyping, and iterative testing prior to final approval
• Build and contribute to a long-term product innovation roadmap
• Create and present concept decks, prototypes, feasibility assessments, and recommendations to leadership
• Own the full end-to-end product development process from ideation to launch
• Build and manage detailed development timelines covering sampling, revisions, approvals, production, packaging, and compliance
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to keep projects aligned, on schedule, and clearly communicated
• Manage multiple concurrent projects while balancing scope, timelines, budgets, and resources
• Implement scalable processes, SOPs, and documentation systems to support growth
• Track risks, dependencies, and progress
• proactively adjust plans to maintain momentum
• Lead recurring cross-functional and cross-border meetings with U.S. and China teams
• Ensure all products meet applicable global safety and quality standards (e.g., CPSIA, ASTM, EN71)
• Validate product durability, transit readiness, usability, and unboxing experience
• Identify risks early across development, sourcing, and production
• Troubleshoot issues related to materials, manufacturing methods, packaging, cost, printing, or logistics
• Work directly with factories to resolve quality issues, delays, or technical constraints
• Balance creative intent with manufacturability and operational efficiency
• Conduct formal risk assessments across materials, mechanisms, packaging, and assembly
• Champion a zero-defect mindset, maintaining high QC standards from sample review through mass production
• Communicate daily with factory and sourcing teams in Mandarin frequently with China (often evenings U.S. time)
• Identify, vet, and onboard new suppliers with advanced or specialty capabilities
• Work directly with a dedicated factory team in Shenzhen (multiple PD counterparts who support different product areas)
• Drive clarity and accountability: requirements, revisions, version control, and approvals
• Enforce quality: catch issues early, push corrective action, and ensure the factory executes precisely

• 7+ years of product development experience
• 3–5 years in arts & crafts, toys, collectibles, or consumer products
• Proven experience owning products from concept through mass production
• Strong manufacturing knowledge and experience working with China-based factories
• Fluent Mandarin required for daily factory communication
• Exceptional organizational, project management, and attention-to-detail skills
• Ability to balance creativity with technical feasibility and execution discipline
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally
• Strong background in arts & crafts, toys, creative consumer products, collectibles, or adjacent categories
• Proven experience bringing physical products from concept to production
• Experience working with China manufacturing and production cycles
• Fluent spoken Mandarin + fluent English
• Highly organized, detail-focused, and strong communicator
• Comfortable with remote work and international collaboration
• willing to travel to China as needed

Mandarin writing is a plus, not a must

• Competitive salary with annual performance-based bonus
• Premium medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% employer-paid employee premiums
• Flexible, remote-first work environment
• Company-provided laptop
• 401(k) retirement plan (non-matching)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee Assistance Program, wellness resources, and work/life support services
• Employee discount and savings programs
• Benefits management services to support healthcare and financial decisions
• Optional employee-paid benefits, including: Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Supplemental life insurance options
• Voluntary insurance plans (accidental, critical illness, hospital, legal, whole life)