Product Development

Truststone Group, LLC; New York (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Truststone Group, LLC in New York seeks an experienced Product Development Manager to lead multiple consumer product categories from concept through production. You will own the development, trend identification, category management, and global sourcing to build market-ready assortments.

Collaborating with Executive Leadership, Sales, Production, and Sourcing, you will drive category growth, expand product lines, and strengthen supplier partnerships across global markets, with international

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• 5+ years in product development, global sourcing or merchandising.
• Experience across consumer electronics, beauty, or related categories.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Retail trend analysis and product lifecycle understanding.
• Willingness to travel internationally.

Responsibilities

• Own multiple product categories from concept through production.
• Develop competitive, trend-forward assortments.
• Identify gaps and create innovative products.
• Lead negotiations with suppliers and factories.
• Collaborate across Sales, Production, Sourcing, Marketing.
• Coordinate launches and ensure timely delivery.

Skills

Product development

Global sourcing

Category management

Merchandising

Supplier relationship management

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Location: New York, NY (with international travel)

Reports To: Executive Leadership

Overview

A New York-based wholesale and design company is seeking an experienced Product Development Manager to lead the development and growth of multiple consumer product categories, including Consumer Electronics, Kitchen, Beauty & Grooming, Outdoor, LED Lighting, and General Merchandise.

This role is responsible for owning each category from concept through production, combining product development, trend identification, category management, and global sourcing to build competitive, market-driven product assortments. The ideal candidate is entrepreneurial, highly trend-focused, and passionate about identifying new product opportunities that meet the evolving needs of retail partners and consumers.

Working closely with Executive Leadership, Sales, Production, and Sourcing teams, the Product Development Manager will play a key role in driving category growth, expanding product assortments, and strengthening supplier partnerships across global markets.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development & Category Ownership

• Own multiple product categories from concept through production.
• Develop and maintain competitive, trend-forward product assortments across Consumer Electronics, Kitchen, Beauty & Grooming, Outdoor, LED Lighting, and General Merchandise.
• Identify assortment gaps and develop innovative products to strengthen the overall product portfolio.
• Continuously evaluate market demand and customer needs to ensure relevant product offerings.
• Drive new product development initiatives from concept through commercialization.

Trend Analysis & Market Research

• Conduct ongoing market research to identify emerging consumer, retail, and industry trends.
• Visit retailers, trade shows, and competitors to evaluate product assortments, pricing, and merchandising strategies.
• Translate market intelligence into actionable product development and sourcing opportunities.
• Maintain a pipeline of innovative products for customer meetings and retail presentations.
• Monitor competitive activity and recommend new product opportunities.
• Source products and materials from overseas manufacturers, primarily throughout Asia.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships while identifying new manufacturing partners.
• Evaluate factories based on quality, innovation, capacity, pricing, and reliability.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, MOQs, tooling costs, lead times, and production schedules.
• Collaborate with suppliers throughout product development and production to ensure quality and timely delivery.

Category Strategy & Business Growth

• Develop category strategies that drive revenue growth and profitability.
• Analyze sales trends, customer feedback, and market opportunities to improve product performance.
• Align assortments with customer, retailer, and market requirements.
• Recommend new categories, line extensions, and product innovations.
• Support pricing strategies and product positioning.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Sales to prepare customer presentations and support buyer meetings.
• Work closely with Product Development, Production, Compliance, Marketing, and Operations teams throughout the product lifecycle.
• Coordinate product launches and ensure seamless execution from development through production.
• Support executive leadership with category planning, forecasting, and strategic growth initiatives.
• Travel internationally as needed to visit factories, suppliers, and trade shows (primarily throughout Asia).
• Maintain strong supplier relationships while identifying new manufacturing capabilities and innovations.
• Represent the company during supplier meetings, sourcing trips, and industry events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in Product Development, Global Sourcing, Category Management, or Merchandising within consumer products.
• Experience across one or more of the following categories:
• Consumer Electronics
• Beauty & Grooming
• Experience working with overseas manufacturers and global supply chains.
• Strong understanding of retail trends, consumer buying behavior, and product lifecycle management.
• Proven experience negotiating with suppliers and factories.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple product categories simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel internationally.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience selling into mass-market, club, off-price, or national retail accounts.
• Existing supplier network throughout Asia.
• Strong product costing and margin analysis experience.
• Knowledge of compliance, testing, and quality standards for consumer products.
• Experience attending international trade shows and sourcing events.