Director of Product Development (Hybrid)

The Director of Product Development is accountable for the manufacturing and engineering aspects of product development execution. Responsibilities include vendor strategy and relationships, engineering, quality requirement and component utilization.  This role will oversee production performance and cross department communication as it relates to manufacturing.  This includes, but is not limited to, the direction of product innovation, product development, product engineering (including design feasibility and optimization), and manufacturing of all finished goods. This position is accountable for providing feedback related to feasibility, best use of components, cost estimates, quality standards, aesthetic, and delivery expectations. This role collaborates closely with Planning & Allocation, Merchants, component Procurement teams, and Processing to develop strategies that align supply chain activities with company business objectives and priorities.

• Responsible to choose the best factories to produce each product. Ensure best manufacturing processes are followed and that each product is engineered to meet WSM QC standards.
• Responsible for vendor strategy, blending all the needs of the company, including:
  • who can provide the best quality based on the design aesthetic.
  • who can manufacture at the best landed cost.
  • who can meet delivery needs.
• Responsible for all finished jewelry quality and craftsmanship detail, as by Merchants, at the overall net lowest price including WSM labor.
• Responsible to be aware of surplus components and find ways to utilize them.
• Oversight of the product development team to develop and execute approved merchandising product plan, enforcement of product development policies, objectives, and activities to promote the product's image in the market.
• Support the design development process by providing Merchants with manufacture partners to work with, sharing insights on products, components, and manufacturing techniques to ensure each item is engineered to meet WSM QC standards.
• Supervise the product development strategies from engineering to the final execution and market release.
• Manage financially approved expenditure budget and resource allocation to support product development operations.
• Ensure outputs meet the quality standards and timetables.
• Conducts research to identify new products, product improvements, material innovations and product redesign and distributes cross functionally.
• PROCUREMENT
  • Ensure best practices are implemented, which includes, but not limited to, validating all suppliers are complying to company ethical standards.
  • Monitor procurement policies/regulations, certifying all are compliant (obeying every law pertaining to any product/service procured) and deployed when executing purchasing strategies for the relevant categories of spend.
  • Continuous implementation toward going direct to the source wherever practical to achieve the best overall value for each product sourced, while maintaining the quality and craftsmanship the company is known for.
  • Work collaboratively across functions ensuring proper execution, measurement, and accountability for meeting all customers’ needs by having the right materials, with the right quality, in the right place, at the right time, at the right cost.
• PRODUCTION
  • Overseas all aspects of the manufacturing process:
  • Coordinating with sourcing teams of components to ensure manufacturing partners are compliant.
  • Ship finished products to the Home Office, meeting all deadlines.
  • Adhere to all logistical requirements.  
  • Develop and manage the manufacturing plan, direct and coordinate product development/manufacturing, monitor supply chain, monitor vendor capacities/capabilities.
  • Oversight of the manufacturing operations to ensure efficient flow/effectiveness achieving company goals.
  • Communicate to external and internal parties on progress, delays, obstacles, and supply issues.
  • Implement strategies for manufacturing operations in line with the corporate plan and store needs.

• 5+ years of experience developing fine jewelry, procurement, and production. Supply chain management a plus.
• 8+ years successful management.
• Budgetary experience with procurement budgets more than $10,000,000.
• Enterprise and/or Material Requirements Planning systems experience.
• Demonstration of strong project management skills and a demonstrated knowledge of best business practices.
• Excellent planning, communication and presentation skills needed, along with a well-rounded technical product and business knowledge.
• Exceptional decision-making, analytical, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ethical decision-making abilities.
• Experienced leadership and budgetary responsibility for out-sourced development teams; on-shore and off.
• Experience working with remote and international teams.
• Demonstrated success in working with cross-functional teams within the organization.

The strongest candidates for this role will be strategic and creative problem-solvers who feel comfortable navigating ambiguity. For the best success in this position, applicant should be thorough, precise, and detail oriented, and have excellent listening skills. Empathy, proactivity, and patience are also important for this role.

The primary environments for this role are based in our Denver home office approximately 70% of the time and traveling to world markets approximately 30% of the time (potentially higher). Travel for Finished Good execution, colored stones, pearls, and other components involves countries such as Thailand, Hong Kong, China, Japan, India. While much work is done in an office environment, ability to physically travel via air, train and automobile is an essential function, as is the ability to maneuver international factories, and other production facilities.

Joining #TeamShaneCo comes with a host of benefits designed to support you and your loved ones- we understand a supportive benefits package is key to a fulfilling work experience. As a family-owned business, we prioritize your well-being, recognizing that our success is a collective effort. Here's what we offer:

Compensation and Recognition: we operate on a team-based model; no commission sales! We offer a competitive base rate, engaging SPIFs, and monthly opportunities for team performance bonuses.

Time off: You’ll enjoy a generous time-off package, including 3 weeks of vacation, and an annual float day. We value holidays and are closed on major ones. Plus, you receive a float day and paid volunteer day annually. We also value your work-life balance and keep favorable hours that provide a great retail experience to our customers while respecting your time and well-being.

Family-centric benefits: We care about your family, and our benefits extend beyond standard offerings. In times of major illness, you can earn time off at full pay for self or family care. You’ll also benefit from paid parental leave, an Employee Assistance Program, and assistance navigating medical complexities.

Health and wellness: We value your health and provide you with paid sick time. Additionally, you can access competitive medical, dental, and vision plans, a 401(k) with company match, and flexible spending accounts. You can also enjoy voluntary benefits, including long-term disability, life insurance for dependents, and pet insurance. We also have a dedicated staff member who focuses on well-being and work-life balance, ensuring you thrive professionally and personally.

Employee Discount: Enjoy a generous store and online discount, available for you and your family members.

Shane Co. serves our customers with an unparalleled standard of excellence. Our people get to share in our customers’ milestone moments such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and everything in between.

Our goal for you is to give you an employment experience like no other so you wake up and want to come to work every day! If you love being part of a team as well as providing personal attention to every customer, this is the place for you!

The salary range for this role is $146,000-$186,000 annually. The range describes the minimum to maximum likely rate for this job description in the state of Colorado. Individual pay will be determined based on skills and qualifications for the role. The salary range for this same position may be lower or higher in markets outside of Colorado.

Employer will not sponsor visa or work authorization.