Product Development Coordinator

Crate & Barrel; Sausalito (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Crate & Barrel in Sausalito, CA is seeking a Product Development Coordinator to drive end-to-end product creation from concept to final production. You will collaborate with design, merchandising, and sourcing teams, manage vendor communications, track samples, and maintain development files for accurate specifications.

The role requires organizing calendars, timelines, and development data, coordinating materials, colors, finishes, and packaging, and ensuring timely updates across stakeholders

Qualifications

• 2 years of experience in product development, merchandising, sourcing, production, or related field.
• BFA or BS in related design field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support development of products from concept through final production.
• Maintain product development calendars, timelines, and critical path schedules.
• Create and maintain detailed product specifications, product information, and development files.
• Coordinate samples, prototypes, color approvals, finishes, materials, packaging, and revisions.
• Track product changes and communicate updates to internal teams and vendors.
• Review samples for accuracy, quality, construction, color, finish, and overall aesthetic.
• Assist with costing, pricing, minimum order quantities, and margin analysis.
• Help identify and resolve product development issues and production challenges.
• Communicate with domestic and international vendors and manufacturers.
• Collaborate with Design, Merchandising, Sourcing, Quality, Operations, and Production teams.

Skills

Organization

Project management

Attention to detail

Team player

Time management

Education

BFA or BS in related design field

Tools

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

Excel

Adobe Photoshop

Job description

The Product Development Coordinator supports the end-to-end creation of new products, from initial concept through final production. They manage vendor communication, sample tracking, and cross-functional collaboration with design, merchandising, and sourcing teams. Additionally, they maintain accurate development files, timelines, and product specifications to ensure smooth execution.

A day in the life as a Product Development Coordinator...

Product Development:

• Support the development of new products from initial concept through final production
• Maintain product development calendars, timelines, and critical path schedules
• Create and maintain detailed product specifications, product information, and development files
• Coordinate samples, prototypes, color approvals, finishes, materials, packaging, and revisions
• Track product changes and communicate updates to internal teams and vendors
• Review samples for accuracy, quality, construction, color, finish, and overall aesthetic
• Assist with costing, pricing, minimum order quantities, and margin analysis
• Help identify and resolve product development issues and production challenges

Vendor & Factory Coordination:

• Communicate regularly with domestic and international vendors and manufacturers
• Request samples, quotes, specifications, and production updates
• Follow up on outstanding approvals, samples, and deadlines
• Maintain organized vendor records and product documentation
• Assist with negotiating product details, costs, lead times, and production requirements as needed

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partner with Design and Merchandising teams to translate creative concepts into commercially viable products
• Collaborate with Sourcing, Quality, Operations, and Production teams to ensure smooth product execution
• Communicate product status, delays, and critical issues clearly to stakeholders
• Participate in product review meetings and sample evaluations

Product Data & Organization:

• Maintain accurate product information across internal systems and development tools
• Organize product images, samples, specifications, CADs, drawings, and other development materials.
• Ensure all product details are accurate and up to date before products move into production.
• Assist with seasonal line reviews and product assortment preparation.

What You'll Bring To The Table...

• A proactive team player who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Strong organizational and project-management skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Strong interest and understanding of interior design, home furnishings, and luxury lifestyle products
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to proactively identify issues
• Ability to review product samples critically and communicate design or quality changes clearly

We'd love to hear from you if you have…

• 2 years of experience in product development, merchandising, sourcing, production, or a related field, preferably within home, furniture, tabletop, textiles, or luxury consumer goods
• BFA or BS in related design field preferred
• Experience in merchandising and/or related experience
• Experience with product lifecycle management, ERP, or product information systems a plus
• Proficient in Google Suites and Microsoft Office (especially Excel, Google Sheets)
• Experience with Adobe Photoshop