Assistant Product Developer (Furniture)

Sunpan Trading & Importing Inc.; Markham; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as an Assistant Product Developer in the vibrant furniture industry. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a dynamic Product Development Team, where creativity and innovation are at the forefront. You'll support assortment planning, build strong vendor relationships, and manage sample production while collaborating with various teams. If you're passionate about furniture and eager to make an impact in a fast-paced environment, this position is perfect for you. Embrace the chance to grow professionally in a supportive and diverse workplace that values your contributions.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years in furniture product development or an Assistant Buying Role.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships.

Responsibilities

• Support product development through assortment planning and sales analysis.
• Build vendor relationships and monitor industry trends.
• Communicate with overseas factories on sample development.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Teamwork

Adaptability

Deadline-Oriented

Education

College Diploma

University Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

MS Teams

Job description

Join to apply for the Assistant Product Developer (Furniture) role at SUNPAN.

At SUNPAN, we are dedicated to transforming home furnishings and delivering exceptional experiences through the passion and enthusiasm of our team. As a fast-growing leader in the industry, we pride ourselves on our commitment to diversity, excellence, and the professional growth of our employees.

As a Great Place to Work certified company for 4 years running, SUNPAN offers a thriving environment where creativity and innovation are encouraged. We invite individuals who excel in these areas to explore career opportunities across various departments and join a company that values and nurtures its talent.

We are seeking talented, motivated individuals to join our dynamic team and contribute to shaping the future of our company. Find your next career adventure with SUNPAN and be part of our Product Development Team, reporting to the Product Developer. As the Buyer/Assistant Product Developer here at SUNPAN, you must be creative, diligent, organized, and passionate about furniture and home furnishings. The ideal candidate is an out-of-the-box thinker and a strong relationship builder, always looking for creative ways to improve processes.

PRINCIPAL FUNCTIONS & OBJECTIVES

1. Assortment Planning & Sales Analysis: Support the Product Developer in assortment planning and sales analysis to identify opportunities and leverage current trends.
2. Vendor Relationships: Build strong vendor relationships, monitor industry trends, and assess competition.
3. Factory Communication: Assist the product team by communicating and following up daily with overseas factories on sample development, production, and resolving any issues.
4. Sample Management: Maintain and ensure sample databases and assortment templates are up-to-date for assigned categories.
5. Proforma Invoice Review: Ensure vendor costs, codes, Sunpan item numbers, and other details match the buy submission on the sample proforma invoice.
6. Zone Reviews: Assist in zone reviews and follow up on findings.
7. Trend Research & Mood Boards: Conduct trend research and create mood boards for inspiration.
8. Track new sample production and manage product introductions.
9. Create sales or new arrivals presentations using Microsoft Office applications.
10. Attend weekly sample review meetings with sales and marketing teams.

Work closely with the Director of Product Development, Product Manager, and Product Developer, as well as internal QA, Marketing, and Sales teams, along with overseas agents and factories.

Travel: Ability to travel for factory visits, sourcing trips, and to attend all major markets as required.

Sample Approval: Review and approve samples on the Qarma app.

Additional Responsibilities: Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Product Development.

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Education: College Diploma and/or University Degree preferred.
• Experience: 1-3 years in furniture product development or an Assistant Buying Role in a similar field.
• Adaptability: Ability to work quickly and thrive under pressure in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment.
• Teamwork: Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills, capable of building relationships with cross-functional teams and overseas vendors.
• Organizational Skills: Highly organized, positive, energetic, with an entrepreneurial spirit and keen attention to detail.
• Deadline-Oriented: Understands the importance of timelines and consistently meets deadlines.
• Communication Skills: Strong reading, writing, and verbal communication skills.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and MS Teams.

We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Sunpan Trading & Importing Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity, fairness, and accessible employment practices. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, accommodations will be provided during the hiring process. Applicants should inform us of their needs in advance.