Product Development Manager

The Planet Group; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Planet Group is seeking an Associate Global Sourcing Manager to support private-label product sourcing, vendor management, and product development from concept through launch.

This role collaborates with merchandising, inventory, design and operations to drive cost-saving opportunities and on-time delivery across consumer products.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years in sourcing, procurement, buying, product development or supply chain.
• Experience with suppliers, vendors, manufacturers, or production partners.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with advanced communication.

Responsibilities

• Manage supplier and vendor relationships, including international partners.
• Support new product development and commercialization efforts.
• Analyze product costs and identify opportunities to improve margins.
• Coordinate production timelines and ensure on-time delivery.
• Collaborate with merchandising, inventory, product development, design, and operations teams.
• Assist with sourcing initiatives, supplier evaluations, and cost negotiations.
• Track and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Utilize Excel and data analysis to support business decisions.
• Resolve supplier, production, and product-related issues throughout the product lifecycle.

Skills

Sourcing

Procurement

Buying

Product development

Supply chain

Analytical skills

Communication

Project coordination

Tools

Excel

Job description

Associate Global Sourcing | Product Development, Buying & Procurement

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an Associate Global Sourcing Manager to support private-label product sourcing, vendor management, and product development initiatives. This role is ideal for professionals with experience in sourcing, procurement, buying, merchandising, product development, or supply chain operations who enjoy working cross-functionally and driving products from concept through launch.

This position will initially support a consumer products category and may evolve as business needs change.

Responsibilities

• Manage supplier and vendor relationships, including international partners
• Support new product development and commercialization efforts
• Analyze product costs and identify opportunities to improve margins
• Coordinate production timelines and ensure on-time delivery
• Collaborate with merchandising, inventory, product development, design, and operations teams
• Assist with sourcing initiatives, supplier evaluations, and cost negotiations
• Track and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Utilize Excel and data analysis to support business decisions
• Resolve supplier, production, and product-related issues throughout the product lifecycle

Qualifications Required

• 2-5 years of experience in one or more of the following:
• Sourcing
• Procurement
• Buying
• Product Development
• Supply Chain
• Experience working with suppliers, vendors, manufacturers, or production partners
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Advanced communication and project coordination abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Preferred

• Experience with private-label products
• Consumer products, retail, apparel, hardgoods, CPG, or manufacturing experience
• Exposure to international suppliers and production processes
• Cost negotiation and margin optimization experience

Why This Opportunity?

• Exposure to global sourcing and supplier management
• Ownership of product development and commercialization initiatives
• Collaborative, cross-functional environment
• Potential for contract extension
• Opportunity to work on high-impact consumer product programs