Product Development & Merchandising Manager

Diamond Foundry; New York (NY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Product Development and Merchandising Manager to lead the creation of exquisite fine jewelry. This role is pivotal in overseeing the entire product lifecycle, from initial concept through to production, ensuring quality and innovation are at the forefront. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in the fine jewelry sector, demonstrating a keen ability to manage projects effectively and collaborate cross-functionally. Join a dynamic team where your expertise will drive the future of sustainable jewelry, and make a lasting impact in a rapidly evolving industry.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Retirement Savings Plans

Life and Disability Insurance

Employee Discounts

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in fine jewelry product development.
• Proven track record in managing projects from concept to production.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the lifecycle of fine jewelry products from concept to production.
• Manage product development process and maintain quality standards.

Skills

Project Management

Communication Skills

Attention to Detail

Organizational Skills

Time Management

Cost Analysis

Market Trends Analysis

Education

Bachelor's Degree in relevant field

Tools

CAD Design Software

PLM Software

Excel

Job description

VRAI is one of the fastest-growing digital-first direct-to-consumer brands. Modernizing diamond jewelry through the exclusive use of sustainably created diamonds, VRAI has innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainability at the core of its products and values. An honoree of Fast Co. Innovation Award in retail design, and a global business, VRAI has locations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, NY, Shanghai, Chicago, London, Madrid, and Copenhagen, with more locations on the horizon.

At VRAI, the Product Development and Merchandising Manager is responsible for overseeing the lifecycle of fine jewelry products from initial concept through to production including rigorous quality analysis and issue resolution with manufacturers. This role demands a deep understanding of fine jewelry product development, engineering, manufacturing, industry trends, data analysis, and costing. This role has strong cross-functional collaboration, and a commitment to maintaining the highest quality standards. The ideal candidate has a proven track record in product development within the fine jewelry industry and the ability to drive innovation while efficiently bringing new products to market.

Responsibilities

• Stay current with market research and customer/retail feedback to support new fine jewelry product concepts.
• Manage the entire product development process from concept to final sample approval, maintaining craftsmanship standards and timely completion; partner with production and quality teams to develop a deep understanding of vendor capabilities and make product allocation selections considering cost, capacity, lead times, manufacturing feasibility, quality standards, and brand aesthetics.
• Set up sample SKUs and issue purchase orders keeping a pulse on diamond inventory levels, own project communication and follow up with manufacturers for CADs, renderings, pricing, etc.
• Create and maintain product development project trackers, product pricing documents, work in progress reports, product launch decks, and lead weekly product development meetings, preparing status updates on designs, CADs, costing, samples, etc.
• Initiate the product launch process through product information handoffs to production and marketing including approval of product renderings.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in product development within the fine jewelry industry with a portfolio showcasing successful fine jewelry launches.
• Proven ability to manage projects from concept to production successfully, demonstrating exceptional communication skills, impeccable attention to detail, excellent organizational and time-management abilities, with the capacity to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Extensive knowledge of jewelry design, gemology, materials, and manufacturing processes - including CAD design software, PLM, Excel and other relevant tools used in product development.
• Strong understanding of cost analysis, pricing strategies, and market trends in fine jewelry.
• Systems and operations focused to create or streamline processes and communication with manufacturers and internal partners.

Salary: $80,000 - $100,000 a year. Actual compensation may be higher or lower in the range based on various factors, including, but not limited to a candidate’s job duties, experience, and expertise. We will also consider higher level candidates and salary will be adjusted accordingly.

VRAI provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. Additional perks such as employee discounts are also available.

VRAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor under federal, state or local law.

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

To find out more about VRAI check out: vrai.com, facebook.com/vrai