The Product Development & Sourcing Specialist is responsible for developing and executing private label products from concept through production; partnering with cross-functional teams including buyers, managers, graphic designers, and factories overseas; and ensuring the timely shipment of quality, trend-right product. This position would have the ability to bridge both general hardlines and soft lines product categories.
What you'll do
- Bring new products to market through market research, product research, pricing, competitive analysis, and timeline management
- Manage the development process from design inception, product development through sourcing, and price negotiation and commercialization for a broad range of product classes. Must have flexibility to be able to bridge both general hardlines and soft lines product categories.
- Have general working knowledge of overseas logistics
- Ability to identify and source key items/classifications in open market goods
- Ensure styling details and product standards are clearly communicated and understood by agents and vendors. Facilitate problem resolution in a timely manner
- Manage and spec all packaging requirements for products to maximize store presentation
- Review all sample submits received from vendors for compliance to standards. Communicate technically achievable directions to the vendors on how to correct color, components, and samples
- Monitor delivery and production flow according to time and action deadlines. Monitor WIP with agents and vendors to ensure on time delivery for all programs
- Update the status of multiple projects, anticipating problems and devising solutions
- Develop strong working relationships with internal Buying team and external contacts
- Continually research Color & Trend information
- Knowledge of competitive products/brands in the gift market
Who you are
- Be a TPS brand ambassador
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Merchandising, Business, Finance or a related field
- Must be knowledgeable in manufacturing either Hardlines or Soft-lines goods
- Experience in retail or catalog is desirable.
- Minimum of 2+ years Product Development
- PC skills including Microsoft Office
- Strong project management and leadership skills
- Ability to negotiate programs, analyze and interpret data
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Works well in a team environment
- Ability to handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
- Strong organizational and follow-through skills
- Ability to communicate effectively both written and verbal
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and handle deadlines
- A team player attitude, including willingness to pivot as business needs change and willingness to assist others to meet deadlines
- Ability to work 4+ days/week at the Corporate Office in Acton, MA
- Ability and willingness to travel, including overseas
- Professional presentation in attire, demeanor, and appearance
TPS Group Holdings is an equal-opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, veteran status, or any other classification protected by state, local or federal law.
The pay range on this posting reflects what the company reasonably expects to pay for this position at this location at the time of this posting.
QualificationsSkills Required
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Merchandising, Business, Finance or related field
- Minimum of 2+ years Product Development experience
- Knowledgeable in manufacturing either hardlines or soft-lines goods
- Experience in retail or catalog (desirable)
- PC skills including Microsoft Office
- General working knowledge of overseas logistics
- Ability and willingness to travel, including overseas
- Ability to work 4+ days/week at the Corporate Office in Acton, MA
- Strong project management and leadership skills
- Ability to negotiate programs, analyze and interpret data
- Strong interpersonal, communication (written and verbal), organizational, and follow-through skills
- Ability to handle multiple projects, prioritize, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Team player attitude and professional presentation in attire, demeanor, and appearance
- Knowledge of competitive products/brands in the gift market and ongoing color & trend research
What We Do
The Paper Store is a family-founded, privately-held American specialty gift retailer based in Acton, Massachusetts. It operates over 100 stores across the Northeast, Florida, and Illinois, offering a curated selection of on-trend brands and products. The company provides a unique, boutique-style shopping experience catering to contemporary suburban families with a diverse range of items, including apparel, accessories, jewelry, stationery, and other unique gifts.
