Director - Product Development

Support Center - Irving

The Director – Product Development drives product development for Private Brands, growing sales, margin and ideation at the division level. Directors are closely aligned strategically and collaboratively with the division GMM and Category Directors to achieve company financial targets. This role will execute product development key initiatives and priorities for ideation, design, process management to enable an effective and efficient Private Brand team. This Team Member is the key leader between the external private brand resources and the internal stakeholders (including Merchandising, Trend, Sourcing, Packaging, Legal, etc). The Director is responsible for product development business plans in partnership with Category Management, Sourcing and the execution of those divisional level plans. The primary goal of this role is to enhance Michaels’ ideation, competitive advantage and profitability.

Major Activities

Product Development and Private Brand :

• Lead and manage the process of product development for the category – driving innovation, ideation & uniqueness.•    
• Direct, plan, approve & execute private brand programs across the category.
• Interpret & translate trend for the category.
• Supports the Kick Off Meeting preparation with the Category Director.
• Gain alignment with the Category Director to drive merchandising strategy to product development ideation.
• Develop competitive advantage through product development and margin opportunities within the category.
• Ensure Company financial objectives and product quality are achieved.
• Lead product ideation sessions, competitive shops, and identify product opportunities.
• Work closely with Trend and the Category Director to have an active understanding of the market and consumer insights to drive freshness and uniqueness into the product offering.
• Determines with the Category Director from ideation what to move forward with & the products to develop.
• Ensures that style & inspiration is utilized consistently and taken to the subclass level where appropriate.
• Partner closely with the Designers and factory teams to develop innovative and exclusive products that drive Private Brand product sales and meet margin targets.
• Support all processes to build quality into product and to support long term growth by partnering with the QA department.
• Manage ongoing maintenance of existing products, including the execution of quality improvements, packaging changes, changes in design, appearance or origin and changes in status under the direction of the Category Director.
• Partner with the Packaging Team to ensure key features and benefits of the products are identified.
• Final approval of packaging production files. DPD and Product Manager work with GMM/CD's on packaging segmentation.  Activity is led by Director Product Development.
• Submit names/phrases being used to Legal for Trademark approval.

Category Knowledge

• Understand assigned categories including Michaels sales and competitive landscape.
• Identify and communicate sales, margin and marketing opportunities for Private Brand products to all members of the Product Development team.
• Monitor Private Brand product performance based on sales, margin and sell-through.
• Manage and execute the divisional business strategies, mapping strategic insights to improve processes and standards for tactical implementation with execution focused on achieving financial objectives.
• Be a ‘student of the industry’ studying trend, product and competition.
• Work collaboratively with Sourcing to develop and recommend supplier strategies for Private Brand product.   
• Assist the VP- GMM by recommending and implementing strategies and programs which align with the company’s long-term vision and drive category performance.
• Identify & drive cross-divisional efforts in order to support the overarching merchandising strategy.
• Lead and manage the team in identifying project scope, strategy, and strategic product development. 
• Identify issues proactively, candidly communicate, and resolve in order to meet our goals.
• Own & communicate the brand strategy and integrity for Private Brand for the designated division.
• Collaborate and influence Merchandising and Marketing partners to execute successful Private Brand strategies.

People Development

• Manage a team of five to ten Product Managers, Product Development Specialists and Product Development Coordinators who provide category level support to the Category Director from product idea to product launch.
• Coach and develop internal and external team members to meet the needs of the company’s aggressive product development plans and expectations.
• Identifies opportunities to improve processes and communicates them to the VP.
• Establishes clear direction for all team members.
• Provides ongoing feedback, coaching and leadership of the team.

Project Management 

• Drive Private Brand product growth through effective product lifecycle management
• Partner closely with the VP-GMM and Category Directors to develop the division’s product road map and provide financials, feasibility, timelines, resources, and consumer insights.
• Ensure Product Development Specialists are executing project timelines, identifying risks that may affect the timeline and lead efforts to mitigate risks, along with communicating project status with all cross functional team members.
• Ensure that the PLM Tool and other repositories for product development documents and processes are maintained effectively and efficiently.

Sourcing Partnership:

• Accountable for meeting target product costs working with Sourcing specified by the Product Development Brief while maintaining quality standards.
• Work with the Sourcing Team to identify bid projects and strategic supplier needs.
• International travel is required to work with Sourcing teams, along with vendors/agents.
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Education 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent related experience

Minimum Type of experience the job requires 

•  Minimum 10 years of experience with a major retailer, brand or product/brand development company with experience and a successful track record of merchandising, brand management, product development, and sourcing
• Team leadership/people management experience
   

Preferred Education  

• MBA or Master’s degree in related field

Preferred Special Certifications or technical skills

• Business related major is highly preferred
   

Applicants in the U.S. must satisfy federal, state, and local legal requirements of the job.

At The Michaels Companies Inc., our purpose is to fuel the joy of creativity and celebration. As the leading destination for creating and celebrating in North America, we operate over 1,300 stores in 49 states and Canada and online at Michaels.com and Michaels.ca. The Michaels Companies, Inc. also owns Artistree, a manufacturer of custom and specialty framing merchandise. Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, Michaels is the best place for all things creative. For more information, please visit www.michaels.com.

Michaels offers a range of benefits to support team members and their families. Depending on position and eligibility, team members may have access to a 401(k) with employer match, an Employee Assistance Program, medical, dental, and vision coverage, telemedicine services, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, tuition assistance, adoption assistance, and various voluntary insurance options. All team members enjoy everyday perks such as employee discounts and access to partner discount programs. For a summary of benefits, visit the Michaels Benefits at a Glance page. For additional information regarding benefits, visit MIKBenefits.com

Michaels is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are here for all Team Members and all customers to create, innovate and be better together.

Michaels is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with this commitment, Michaels will assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if a reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the job, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Customer Care at 1-800-642-4235 (1800-MICHAEL).

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