Product Development & Merchandising Specialist

The Darling Effect; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

A vibrant consumer product company based in Grand Rapids is seeking a highly organized Product Development & Merchandising Specialist. This role is essential for bringing new products to market and driving effective merchandising strategies. The ideal candidate will have a strong visual design background, proficiency in design software, and experience in retail display design. Responsibilities include collaborating on product development, creating merchandising plans, and assisting at trade shows to optimize product presentation. Competitive pay and a creative work environment await the right fit.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• 2-4 years of relevant experience in merchandising.
• Strong attention to detail in preparing product specifications.

Responsibilities

• Support product development and merchandising initiatives.
• Collaborate with teams on materials selection.
• Create detailed merchandising strategies and documentation.
• Contribute ideas during product brainstorming based on trends and manufacturing techniques.
• Prepare and organize materials, specs, and instructions for suppliers.
• Communicate with suppliers and manufacturing partners on updates and revisions.
• Track samples, revisions, and approvals to support timelines.
• Maintain organized libraries of references, swatches, and assets.
• Assist merchandising at tradeshows/showrooms and potential travel as needed.
• Develop planograms and merchandising packages for retailers and showrooms.
• Support tradeshow planning, booth updates, and post-show follow-up.

Skills

Strong eye for visual design

Experience creating compelling product displays

Familiarity with materials and construction techniques

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Experienced with Adobe Illustrator

Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office

Ability to manage multiple projects

Project management

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business or related field

2-4 years of experience in merchandising or related fields

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Shopify or other e-commerce platforms

Google Sheets

Job description

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Classification: Full-Time Hourly, Non-Exempt

Compensation: Aligned to Company and Applicant Expectations

Reports to: CEO/Creative Director

ABOUT US:

The Darling Effect is a young, energetic company offering a fresh perspective on the products we use and wear daily. At The Darling Effect, we bring the season’s trendiest gift and lifestyle products to life with enhanced design, creating items that inspire and delight.

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

The Darling Effect is seeking a highly organized, creative, and detail-oriented Product Development & Merchandising Specialist to help build our collection of joyful products and drive impactful merchandising strategies across showrooms, tradeshows, and retail spaces. This individual will play a crucial role in ensuring that product displays are visually compelling, brand-aligned, and optimized for sales success, as well as assist with the research and selection of products and trends which help guide our portfolio.

As a key contributor to our product development and merchandising efforts, this role supports the execution of new product initiatives while assisting with visual merchandising projects across our channels. The ideal candidate is a collaborative team player with an interest in product creation, a passion for visual storytelling, and a strong eye for design and detail.

WHAT YOU'LL DO AS A PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT & MERCHANDISING SPECIALIST:

The Product Development & Merchandising Specialist plays a dual role, helping bring new products from concept to market while supporting merchandising initiatives that drive sales. They collaborate with design, sales, and marketing teams to contribute to product development, materials selection, and visually compelling displays that enhance the customer experience and grow revenue.

• Support fit, finish, and aesthetic decisions during sampling and revision cycles.
• Collaborate closely with the design team on materials, colors, finishes, and construction details.
• Help source and evaluate materials, trims, and components, considering both design intent and cost impact.
• Contribute ideas and creative solutions during product brainstorming and development meetings, informed by awareness of relevant trends, materials, and manufacturing techniques.
• Assist in preparing, reviewing, and organizing materials, specs, and instructions to ensure accuracy before sharing with suppliers.
• Support communication with suppliers and manufacturing partners by sharing updates, revisions, and development assets as directed.
• Track samples, revisions, and approvals throughout the product development process to support timelines and documentation.
• Maintain organized physical and digital libraries of product references, swatches, trims, and development assets.
• Assist with merchandising efforts at tradeshows and showroom setups, potentially traveling (independently when necessary) to ensure displays are cohesive, on-brand, and effectively showcase product offerings.
• Develop custom display planograms and merchandising packages to provide clear guidance for customers and tradeshow teams, ensuring a consistent, elevated presentation across all brand locations. Work with retailers to update planograms to retain fresh identity.
• Support the tradeshow (temporary and seasonal) planning process, including product coordination, execution, booth updates, and post-show follow-up for both wholesale and consumer events.
• Create detailed merchandising strategies, including copy, that align with seasonal trends, promotional initiatives, and customer planograms.
• Work closely with the product development and marketing teams to integrate visual storytelling into merchandising displays and signage.
• Maintain organized documentation and records related to merchandising strategies, ensuring accessibility and accuracy for future reference.
• Assist in analyzing sales performance and contribute insights to merchandising discussions in collaboration with the sales team.
• Contribute to special projects as assigned, maintaining flexibility to support broader company initiatives, specifically sales, as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, product development, visual merchandising, communication, marketing, sales, or related field (Required)
• 2-4 years of experience in merchandising, retail display design, management, sales, business, or related fields.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong eye for visual design and aesthetics, with experience creating compelling product displays
• Familiarity with materials, trims, and construction techniques relevant to product development
• Ability to review and provide input on product samples, fit, and finishes
• Awareness of trends, materials, and manufacturing techniques relevant to the product category
• Strong attention to detail in preparing and maintaining product specifications, swatches, and development documentation
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines, prioritizing tasks effectively
• Self-starter with a proactive, problem-solving mindset and strong organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experienced with Adobe Illustrator
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, and/or Google Sheets
• Experience with Shopify or other e-commerce platforms preferred
• Comfortable collaborating with cross-functional teams, including design, sourcing, sales, and marketing
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Positive and enthusiastic attitude when communicating with retailers, consumers, or internal team members
• “Surprise and Delight” mentality: seeks optimal solutions for Elsa Creative and customers alike

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear.
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs
• Ability to work in a typical office environment over a full shift.

HOW TO APPLY:

Those interested in the position are asked to email Steve at [e-mail] with a copy of their resume and cover letter or summary of interest for review and consideration. Thank you in advance to all applicants!