Product Developer (Furniture)

Sunpan; Toronto; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading furniture company in Toronto is seeking a Product Developer to oversee the development of furniture collections. You will collaborate with multiple departments to ensure market readiness while maintaining strong vendor relationships. The ideal candidate has 3-5 years of experience in product development, a strong design sensibility, and project management skills. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a dynamic team committed to innovation and excellence.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in product development within the furniture or home décor industry.
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Willingness to travel internationally for vendor visits.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development of furniture collections.
• Collaborate with Sales and Marketing to identify product opportunities.
• Build relationships with suppliers and evaluate new vendors.

Skills

Strong design sensibility

Project management skills

Excellent communication

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

Post-secondary education in Industrial Design or related field

Tools

Qarma

PLM systems

Job description

Job Description

Salary :

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.

As a Product Developer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the product strategy and driving innovation for our furniture collections. Reporting to the Director of Product Development, you'll serve as a key cross-functional leader bridging design, sales, marketing, sourcing, and compliance to bring trend-driven, commercially viable products to market. This role requires deep knowledge of the furniture industry, strong vendor partnerships, and the ability to anticipate shifts in customer preferences and market demands.

You will be instrumental in elevating our product assortment and contributing to SUNPAN's ongoing success as a customer-responsive and design-forward organization.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Product Development & Innovation

• Lead the end-to-end development of furniture collections, from concept to commercialization
• Collaborate closely with Sales and Marketing to identify emerging product opportunities and categories
• Analyze market insights, consumer behaviour, and competitive data to inform product strategy
• Provide design direction and product briefs that reflect both creative vision and commercial viability
• Identify whitespace opportunities and support long-term category growth planning

Vendor & Partner Management

• Build and maintain strong, strategic relationships with domestic and international suppliers
• Evaluate and onboard new vendors that align with SUNPAN's design, quality, and sustainability standards
• Negotiate timelines, pricing, and deliverables with vendors to meet business goals

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Mentor and guide junior team members within the Product Development function
• Partner with the QA team to ensure product compliance and quality assurance
• Coordinate closely with Logistics, Warehouse, and Purchasing teams to ensure timely sample flow and production accuracy
• Act as a key stakeholder in the planning and execution of major trade shows

Operational Excellence

• Monitor in-line product performance and provide data-driven insights to optimize the assortment
• Conduct regular assortment and vendor reviews to support continuous improvement
• Ensure all development aligns with relevant furniture safety standards and regulatory requirements
• Oversee the documentation and prioritization of trade show samples and post-show execution

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Post-secondary education in Industrial Design, Product Development, Business, or a related field preferred
• Experience: 3-5 years of experience in product development within the furniture or home décor industry
• Aesthetic Sense: Strong design sensibility with the ability to translate trends into commercially viable products
• Project Management: Advanced organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously
• Leadership: Excellent communication and leadership skills with a collaborative and solutions-oriented mindset
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office and industry-specific tools such as Qarma and PLM systems
• Travel: Willingness and ability to travel internationally for vendor visits, sourcing, and inspiration trips

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

Sunpan Trading & Importing Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and we believe that diversity is the reason behind our success. We are committed to fair and accessible employment practices.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process. Applicants should make their needs known by contacting us in advance. Our HR department will consult with you so that arrangements can be made for reasonable accommodation.