Director, General Merchandise Product Development

The Kroger Co.; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kroger Co. is seeking an experienced product development leader to shape the future of our General Merchandise Our Brands portfolio.

This leader will build and scale the GM product development capability, translating trend and product concepts into well-designed, cost-efficient products that meet quality, safety and performance standards. The role will lead product development across multiple GM categories and partner directly with suppliers and factory teams to bring seasonal programs and

Qualifications

• 10+ years of product development experience.
• Private brand leadership across multiple GM categories.
• Strong focus on specifications, materials and sampling.
• Experience communicating directly with factories; negotiation of cost build-up and MOQs.

Responsibilities

• Lead GM product development across multiple categories.
• Translate trends into cost-effective products meeting quality and safety standards.
• Collaborate with suppliers and factory teams to execute seasonal programs and resets.
• Build and mentor a high-performing product development team.

Skills

10+ years PD

Private label leadership

Specifications & materials

Factory communication

Cost/MOQ negotiation

People leadership

GM categories exp

Product safety

Job description

Kroger is looking for an experienced product development leader to help shape the future of our General Merchandise Our Brands portfolio.

This leader will build and scale our GM product development capability, translating trend and product concepts into well-designed, cost-effective products that meet quality, safety and performance expectations. The role will lead product development across multiple GM categories and partner directly with suppliers and factory teams to bring seasonal programs and product resets to market on time.

What you’ll lead:

• Product specifications covering materials, construction and performance
• Style guides and good-better-best product architecture
• Trend, sampling and development calendars
• Bottom-up cost estimates across materials, labor and tooling
• Product safety, regulatory and testing requirements
• A team of product development professionals

What we’re looking for:

• 10+ years of product development experience
• Private brand leadership across multiple GM categories
• Strong expertise in specifications, materials and sampling
• Experience communicating directly with factories
• Cost build-up and minimum order quantity negotiation experience
• Proven people leadership
• Experience across domestics, seasonal or housewares, along with product safety and importer-of-record knowledge, will help a candidate stand out.