Product Development Associate - Promotional Products
Position OverviewWe are seeking a detail-oriented and creative Product Development Specialist to support the development, sourcing, and execution of promotional products across hardgoods, edible, and apparel categories. This role partners closely with sales, design, sourcing, production, compliance, and vendor teams to bring branded merchandise programs from concept through delivery while balancing quality, cost, timelines, and customer expectations.
Key Responsibilities- Develop product ideas across hardgoods, edible items, apparel, packaging, and related branded programs for our catalog and custom requests in a fast paced environment.
- Coordinate with domestic and overseas suppliers to obtain quotes, samples, specifications, lead times, compliance documentation, and production updates.
- Maintain accurate product information, costing, vendor details, sample status, project notes, and development timelines.
- Communicate project status, risks, changes, and next steps clearly to internal teams and external partners.
- Experience in product development, sourcing, production preferably within promotional products, branded merchandise, consumer goods, apparel, food gifting, or related industries.
- Strong understanding of product specifications, supplier communication, quoting, sampling and production timelines.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, product categories, and stakeholder expectations simultaneously.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail.
- Comfortable working with spreadsheets, product databases, bill of materials
- Strong Mathematical skills
- Problem-solving mindset with the ability to anticipate issues and follow through on solutions.
- Knowledge of decoration methods, packaging, product safety, compliance, or import processes is a plus.
- Familiarity with hardgoods such as drinkware, bags, tech accessories, desk items, lifestyle products, kits, and packaging components.
- Experience with edible promotional products, including candy, snacks, baked goods, food gifts, labeling, and packaging requirements.
- Experience with apparel basics, branded wearables, embroidery, screen printing, heat transfer, patches, trims, and sizing considerations.
Skills Required
- Experience in product development, sourcing, or production, preferably in promotional products, branded merchandise, consumer goods, apparel, food gifting, or related industries.
- Understanding of product specifications, supplier communication, quoting, sampling, and production timelines.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, product categories, and stakeholder expectations simultaneously.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Comfort working with spreadsheets, product databases, and bills of materials.
- Strong mathematical skills.
- Problem-solving ability with capacity to anticipate issues and follow through on solutions.
- Knowledge of decoration methods, packaging, product safety, compliance, or import processes.
- Familiarity with hardgoods such as drinkware, bags, tech accessories, desk items, lifestyle products, kits, and packaging components.
- Experience with edible promotional products, including candy, snacks, baked goods, food gifts, labeling, and packaging requirements.
- Experience with apparel basics, branded wearables, embroidery, screen printing, heat transfer, patches, trims, and sizing considerations.
What We Do
Nassau Candy is one of North America's largest and most respected wholesale candy distributors, fine food suppliers, and private label manufacturers. With a legacy dating back to 1920, we have grown into a full-service B2B supplier offering an expansive selection of bulk candy, bulk chocolate, gourmet foods, novelties, and more to candy stores, retailers, specialty shops, concessionaires, and hospitality groups. We carry a vast catalog of top-selling national brands including Hershey’s, Jelly Belly, M&M’s, Haribo, NERDs, and Godiva, alongside exclusive in-house offerings such as Clever Candy and Nancy Adams. Our portfolio spans novelty candy, nostalgic treats, seasonal sweets such as Valentine’s Day, Halloween Candy, Christmas treats, and both bulk and packaged chocolate. We also offer healthy snack alternatives including trail mixes, nuts, gluten-free, and organic products. Beyond candy, Nassau Candy distributes a growing selection of gourmet food products, beverages, refrigerated items, personal care goods, household care products, souvenirs, and children’s and adult novelties. This makes us not only a leader in confectionery but also a versatile distributor across multiple product categories to better serve our diverse clients. As a vertically integrated company, Nassau Candy offers in-house product development, manufacturing, custom packaging, and private label programs. This allows businesses to tailor inventory and create differentiated assortments with ease, bringing their vision to reality. With strategically located distribution centers and a deep commitment to quality, Nassau Candy ensures fast and reliable delivery along with personalized service to support your business growth. From bulk bins to custom gift sets, from nostalgic favorites to trending new products, Nassau Candy is your trusted partner in sweetening retail success.
