Overview:
The Product Development Director is responsible for managing Private Label product development and sourcing. They partner with Buyers to execute assortment strategies, drive innovation, trend direction, and margin for the organization. Product Development managers are responsible for maintaining strong vendor relationships and negotiating costs and other related vendor support to drive the business.
What We Stand For:
Established in 1978, The Container Store has grown to be the leading specialty retailer of storage and organization products in the United States and the only national retailer solely devoted to the category. We provide creative, multifunctional, customizable storage and organization solutions that help our customers save time, save space, and improve the quality of their lives. We foster a culture built around our Foundation Principles, which define how we approach our relationships with our employees, vendors, customers, and communities and influence every aspect of our business.
Responsibilities:
- Leads and guides Product Direction inclusive of assortment architecture; quality standards; good, better, best balance; country of origin and vendor matrix
- Creates and articulates product direction; design specifications, materials, quality, and color
- Researches industry trends and engages with the vendor community to stay current on trends
- Develops product strategies to drive product innovation and maintain competitive edge in the marketplace
- Responsible for identifying vendors and establishing mutually beneficial vendor relationships
- Manages vendor negotiations and obtains the best pricing and terms possible as well as product differentiation
- Leads and directs vendor meetings, communicating the processes, product direction, principles, and values of The Container Store
- Understands our vendor compliance policies and practices and communicates these clearly to existing and future vendors
We believe in taking care of our team. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package that goes beyond just health insurance (though we've got that covered too!). Here at The Container Store, we're passionate about helping you contain your health , grow your career , and find balance in your life.
Here's a peek at what you can expect:
- Competitive health, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your loved ones well.
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with optional investment guidance and assistance offered through Fidelity.
- Unique "1equals3" website for easy access to your benefits information and company updates.
- We've got your back! Competitive sick pay and PTO plan to ensure you can take time off to recharge and come back feeling your best.
For our full-time associates, we offer even more:
- Peace-of-mind benefits: Basic life insurance, disability insurance options, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, and flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
- Family-focused support: Considerate parental leave policies, adoption and surrogacy assistance, and fertility & maternity support program.
- Work-life balance boosters: Paid holidays, gym membership discounts, and a qualified transportation benefits program to save on commutes.
- Discounts galore: Enjoy a hefty discount on our amazing products, including merchandise, custom spaces, and services, gift cards, and pet insurance (because fur-babies matter!).
- Recognition you deserve: We honor our employees with service awards and retirement gifts, celebrate those who exemplify our core principles, and recognize exceptional daily contributions.
- Thriving with diversity: Participate in our Employee Resource and Affinity Groups and help guide how we give back to the community, while having a space to connect, support one another, and celebrate cultural heritages.
But that's not all! We offer a fun and collaborative work environment where you can learn, grow, and make a real difference.
Qualifications:
- College degree required
- 8+ years’ experience in retail buying, product development, and/or sourcing
- Passion for consumer products and home décor with a high taste level and strong point of view in design and ability to articulate The Container Store brand
- Based in Dallas/Ft. Worth area with ability to work in-office 3 days a week
- Team-oriented with a positive attitude that exemplifies our guiding principles
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a professional manner, both orally and in writing, at all levels within and outside the organization
- Strong time management and organizational skills with the ability to successfully manage multiple projects at once
- Possesses focused attention to detail
- Makes strategic and effective decisions in the best interest of our customers and our company, taking care to objectively process information
- Ability to travel 15% a year, based on the business International and domestic
- Strong computer skills: proficiency in Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Adobe (preferred)
- Must be at least 18 years of age