Product Development & Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Development & Design Manager

Company: AlignHR Oregon (Client: Leading Designer and Distributor of Plush Toys, Souvenirs, Gifts, and Accessories)

Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Development & Design Management

Date Posted: August 31, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end product development lifecycle from initial concept and sketch ideation through to retail market launch, focusing on plush toys and related accessories.

• Drive the creative direction and strategic evolution of a branded product portfolio, ensuring alignment with customer needs, brand identity, and commercial objectives.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, business development, and overseas manufacturing partners to deliver innovative and commercially viable product solutions.

• Manage product costing, retail price positioning, and material specifications to ensure profitability and market competitiveness.

• Utilize advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator, to translate brand values into compelling, audience-driven designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Product Development & Design Manager," the description strongly emphasizes a "hands-on" approach to design and product creation, including sketch ideation and direct factory liaison. This suggests a role that blends creative leadership with detailed execution, rather than a purely managerial position. The focus on plush toys and accessories indicates a specific niche within consumer goods.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and execute the complete product development process, from initial concept and sketch ideation to final product realization for the retail market.

• Manage the design and creative development of the product portfolio, ensuring offerings are consistently relevant, competitive, and aligned with evolving customer demands and market trends.

• Develop, design, and create new product collections utilizing extensive experience with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign to bring creative visions to life.

• Partner closely with sales and business teams to conceptualize and deliver custom product solutions tailored to specific client opportunities and private label initiatives.

• Translate overarching brand values and eco-friendly principles into innovative, audience-driven designs that resonate with target consumers and uphold brand integrity.

• Define and manage material specifications, ensuring quality, durability, and cost-effectiveness while adhering to sustainability guidelines.

• Lead cost of goods analysis and determine strategic retail price positioning for new and existing products to maximize profitability and market share.

• Serve as the primary liaison with overseas factories, managing communication, quality control, and production timelines to ensure successful product manufacturing.

• Maintain consistent quality, aesthetic, and brand alignment across all product designs and development initiatives.

• Conduct market analysis and consumer research to inform product strategy and identify new opportunities for portfolio expansion or enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design execution and commercial management. The emphasis on "hands-on" product development, managing overseas factories, and cost/pricing strategy indicates a need for a candidate who can operate effectively across the entire product lifecycle, from conceptualization to manufacturing and market placement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Industrial Design, Fine Arts, Marketing, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent practical experience in product development and design may be considered.

Experience:

• 5-10 years of progressive experience in consumer product design and development.

• Proven track record managing the entire product development process, from initial sketch ideation to retail market launch.

• Demonstrated experience in brand and custom/private label product development. Required Skills:

• Product Design & Development: Expertise in the end-to-end product lifecycle for consumer goods, with a strong emphasis on ideation, prototyping, and manufacturing.

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Highly proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for design creation, mock-ups, and technical artwork.

• Commercial Acumen: Strong ability to design products with a clear understanding of cost of goods, market positioning, and retail price strategy.

• Factory Liaison & Management: Experience communicating effectively with and managing relationships with overseas manufacturing partners, including understanding production processes and quality control.

• Brand Strategy & Translation: Ability to translate brand values and identity into compelling product designs that resonate with target audiences.

• Material Specification: Knowledge of various materials, their properties, and their application in consumer products, particularly soft lines and plush goods.

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with internal teams (sales, marketing) and external partners (factories).

• Problem-Solving: A proactive, curious, and hands-on approach to identifying and solving design and development challenges.

Preferred Skills:

• Toy Industry Experience: Prior experience in the toy industry, specifically with plush toys, is highly desirable.

• Soft Goods/Textiles/Home Goods Experience: Familiarity with product development in textiles, soft lines, home décor, or giftware categories.

• Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) Background: Understanding of CPG market dynamics, retail environments, and merchandising solutions.

• Sustainability Practices: Knowledge of eco-friendly product creation and sustainable material sourcing.

• Cost Management & Negotiation: Advanced skills in managing product costs and negotiating with suppliers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for extensive Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, particularly Illustrator, is critical. The role demands a blend of creative talent and commercial pragmatism, indicating a need for a candidate who can not only design but also understand and manage the business aspects of product creation, including cost, pricing, and factory relationships.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• End-to-End Product Development Showcase: Demonstrate a minimum of 3-5 comprehensive case studies showcasing the full product development lifecycle from initial concept or sketch to successful retail market launch.

• Design Execution Examples: Include high-quality visuals of product designs, technical drawings, and final product photography, highlighting proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and other relevant design tools.

• Commercial Strategy Integration: Showcase how design decisions were informed by market analysis, cost considerations, and retail pricing strategies, demonstrating commercial viability.

• Factory Collaboration Evidence: If possible, include examples of how design specifications were communicated to and executed by overseas factories, demonstrating clear and effective documentation.

• Brand Alignment Examples: Present projects that clearly reflect an understanding and successful application of brand identity and values within the product design.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss and present your personal methodologies for managing the product development workflow, including ideation, design, costing, and production phases, highlighting any process optimization techniques employed.

• System Implementation & Automation: While not explicitly a systems role, demonstrate an understanding of how design and product data are managed across systems (e.g., PLM, ERP, design software integration) and any personal approaches to improving data flow or efficiency.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Showcase how you have tracked and analyzed the performance of products you've developed, using metrics such as sales performance, cost savings, or market reception to inform future design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on hands-on product development and design, the portfolio is paramount. Candidates should prepare to walk through their projects, explaining not just the creative outcome but also the strategic thinking, commercial considerations, and challenges overcome, particularly regarding factory communication and cost management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on the role's mid-senior level experience requirement (5-10 years), extensive hands-on responsibilities, and the location in Atlanta, GA, the estimated salary range for a Product Development & Design Manager is likely between $90,000 - $120,000 USD per year. This estimate is derived from industry benchmarks for similar roles in major metropolitan areas like Atlanta, considering the specific requirements for design proficiency, commercial acumen, and product lifecycle management within the consumer goods/toy industry.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company match.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training and potential attendance at industry trade shows or design conferences.

• Employee discounts on company products.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses. Working Hours:

The role is primarily on-site in Atlanta, GA. Standard working hours are expected to be approximately 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday. Occasional flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines or coordinate with overseas factory schedules, particularly given international time differences.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimations are based on typical compensation for Product Development & Design Managers in Atlanta, GA, with 5-10 years of experience. The specific range can vary based on the candidate's exact experience, the company's financial performance, and the exact scope of responsibilities. Benefits are standard for a full-time role in the US market.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The company operates in the Consumer Goods sector, specifically focusing on the design and distribution of Plush Toys, Souvenirs, Gifts, and Accessories. They emphasize eco-friendly product creation ("Reuse, Reduce, Recycle") and serve a diverse customer base including attractions, tourist destinations, and mass retailers. The company is backed by a Private Equity Fund, indicating a focus on growth and market expansion.

Company Size: The parent group has a global headquarters in Denmark, and the North American headquarters is in Atlanta. The company size is likely Medium to Large, given its international presence and private equity ownership, suggesting a structured organization with established processes but also potential for agility.

Founded: The company was founded with a global headquarters established in Middelfart, Denmark. While the founding date isn't specified, its positioning for strong sales growth under private equity ownership suggests a company with a history of operation and a current strategic focus on expansion.

Team Structure:

• Operations Unit: This role is part of the North American regional headquarters in Atlanta. The Product Development & Design team likely works closely with Sales, Marketing, and Supply Chain departments.

• Reporting: The Design & Product Development Manager will report to a senior leadership role within the North American operations, potentially a VP of Product Development, Head of Merchandising, or similar.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires significant collaboration with the sales team to understand client needs and custom opportunities, and with overseas factories for production. It will also involve working with marketing to ensure brand alignment and with supply chain/operations for logistical aspects.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While creative, the role emphasizes commercial viability, suggesting a data-informed approach to design, leveraging market insights and sales performance data.

• Agile Product Development: The fast-paced environment and need to respond to customer needs likely require an agile approach to product development and iteration.

• Sustainability Focus: The company's mantra of "Reuse, Reduce, Recycle" will likely influence design decisions and material selection processes.

Company Website: [Company URL] - Note: The provided input did not include a specific company URL, but indicated the client is a leading designer and distributor. A placeholder is used here.

📝 Enhancement Note: The private equity backing suggests a company focused on measurable growth and efficiency. The "Reuse, Reduce, Recycle" mantra is a key differentiator and likely integrated into the core product development process, influencing material choices and design philosophy.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Senior Management level. It requires significant experience in product development and design, combined with the ability to manage multiple projects, liaise with international partners, and contribute to commercial strategy. It's a "hands-on" management role, blending creative leadership with operational execution.

Reporting Structure: The Product Development & Design Manager will report to a higher-level executive within the North American operations, likely overseeing product strategy or merchandising. This provides exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the company's revenue and market presence. Successful product development and design initiatives lead to increased sales, enhanced brand perception, and stronger customer relationships. By translating commercial needs into desirable products, this role is critical for driving growth and profitability in the competitive plush toy and gift market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into a Director or VP-level role overseeing broader product categories or the entire product development function for North America.

• Strategic Product Planning: Opportunity to take on more strategic responsibilities in long-term product roadmapping and market expansion.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific product categories (e.g., sustainable toys, licensed products) or functional areas (e.g., global supply chain for design).

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into related areas such as Merchandising, Brand Management, or even Sales leadership roles, leveraging deep product knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "hands-on" nature of the role suggests that growth might involve either deeper specialization in design and product strategy or a transition into broader management of product lines and teams. The private equity ownership may also signal opportunities for rapid career progression if the company achieves its growth targets.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site at the company's North American regional headquarters in Atlanta, GA. This suggests a professional office environment designed for collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): Atlanta, Georgia. This major metropolitan hub offers excellent accessibility via public transportation and major highways, as well as a vibrant business ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The description emphasizes working closely with sales and internal stakeholders, implying an open and collaborative office setup designed to foster teamwork and idea exchange.

• Creative Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially physical prototyping facilities or resources will be available to support the hands-on design work.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, and potentially operations/supply chain personnel, facilitating efficient communication and project alignment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. While the role is on-site, the company's global operations and reliance on overseas factories may necessitate occasional flexibility in working hours to accommodate international communication needs or critical project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Atlanta indicates a preference for in-person collaboration and engagement. Candidates should expect a dynamic office environment that supports creative work and cross-functional teamwork.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth interview with the hiring manager (e.g., VP of Product) to discuss specific experience, design philosophy, and how your skills align with the role's responsibilities.

3. Portfolio Review & Presentation: A crucial stage where candidates will present their portfolio, showcasing end-to-end product development projects. Expect to discuss design rationale, commercial considerations, factory collaboration, and problem-solving. This may involve a specific case study presentation.

4. Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from Sales, Marketing, or other relevant departments to assess collaboration skills and understanding of their needs.

5. Final Interview: Potentially an interview with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit within the company's growth objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate the full product development lifecycle (sketch to retail), commercial thinking, and your design skills.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem or opportunity, your creative process, the commercial objectives (cost, price, market), the challenges faced (especially with factories), and the successful outcome (metrics, sales impact).

• Highlight Adobe Proficiency: Be ready to showcase your work created in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, explaining your techniques and how these tools enabled your design solutions.

• Demonstrate Commercial Savvy: Be prepared to discuss cost targets, pricing strategies, and how you ensured product profitability and market competitiveness.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Highlight instances where you collaborated effectively with sales teams, overseas factories, or other stakeholders.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: You may be given a hypothetical product brief or a design challenge to complete within a set timeframe, either before or during an interview. Focus on translating the brief into a creative, commercially viable concept.

• Costing/Pricing Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would approach costing or pricing a new product, or how you would troubleshoot cost overruns.

• Factory Communication Scenario: Prepare to discuss how you would handle a common issue with an overseas factory (e.g., quality deviation, production delay).

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is likely the most critical part of the interview process for this role. Candidates should invest significant time in preparing a compelling presentation that showcases not only creative talent but also commercial understanding and practical execution capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for design work.

  • Adobe Illustrator: Primary tool for vector graphics, technical drawings, and pattern creation. Expect to demonstrate advanced skills here.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, mock-ups, and visual presentations.
  • Adobe InDesign: Potentially used for creating product specification sheets, line sheets, or presentations.

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software: While not explicitly mentioned, companies of this size often use PLM systems for managing product data, specifications, and workflows. Familiarity is a plus.

• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems: Understanding how product data integrates with ERP systems for inventory, costing, and finance is beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in analyzing sales reports, market trends, and customer feedback data to inform product development decisions. This could involve Excel, Google Sheets, or internal reporting dashboards.

• Market Research Tools: Familiarity with tools or methods for conducting market analysis and competitive benchmarking.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems: Understanding how product development aligns with sales efforts managed through CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) is advantageous for collaboration.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Trello, Jira, or Monday.com may be used for task management and workflow tracking within the design and development process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is deep proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, especially Illustrator. While other systems are not explicitly listed, an understanding of how design data flows into broader business systems (PLM, ERP) and how sales data informs design is crucial for commercial success.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A strong emphasis on generating new ideas and translating them into unique, appealing products.

• Commercial Orientation: A drive to create products that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also commercially successful, profitable, and aligned with market demands.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: A commitment to high standards in design, materials, and manufacturing to ensure product durability and customer satisfaction.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A culture that values open communication and close working relationships across departments and with external partners.

• Sustainability: A commitment to eco-friendly practices, reflected in product design and material sourcing, aligning with the company's core mantra.

• Hands-On Approach: An expectation of active participation and direct involvement in all stages of the product development process.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The team likely operates with a high degree of cross-functional integration, requiring constant communication and alignment between design, sales, marketing, and production teams.

• Feedback-Driven: An environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and utilized to refine designs and improve processes, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

• Shared Ownership: A sense of shared responsibility for product success, encouraging team members to contribute beyond their immediate roles to ensure the overall goals are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's "Reuse, Reduce, Recycle" mantra is a significant cultural driver, likely influencing product development decisions and fostering a sense of purpose. The "hands-on" aspect of the role suggests a culture that values active contribution and practical problem-solving over purely theoretical management.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Commercial Constraints: The primary challenge will be to maintain a strong creative vision while adhering to strict cost targets, production limitations, and market demands.

• Managing Overseas Factory Relationships: Effectively communicating design intent, ensuring quality control, and navigating potential cultural or logistical hurdles with international manufacturing partners.

• Rapid Product Iteration: The fast-paced consumer goods market requires quick adaptation to trends and efficient product development cycles to stay competitive.

• Sourcing Sustainable Materials: Identifying and integrating eco-friendly materials that meet both quality standards and cost objectives.

• Translating Brand Identity: Consistently translating the company's brand values and eco-friendly ethos into tangible product designs that resonate with consumers.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to refine skills in specialized design software or explore new design methodologies relevant to plush toys and accessories.

• Global Supply Chain Exposure: Gaining deeper insights into international manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain management through direct factory engagement.

• Commercial Strategy Development: Learning to contribute more significantly to product pricing, market positioning, and overall commercial strategy.

• Sustainability in Product Development: Expanding knowledge and application of sustainable design principles and materials sourcing.

• Industry Trends & Innovations: Potential to attend relevant trade shows, conferences, or workshops to stay abreast of the latest in toy design, materials, and market trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to product development in the consumer goods sector, particularly with international manufacturing. Growth opportunities are geared towards deepening expertise in both the creative and commercial aspects of product development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you took a product from initial sketch to retail launch. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on end-to-end process, problem-solving, and factory liaison).

• "How do you balance creative innovation with strict cost and timeline constraints in product development?" (Demonstrate commercial awareness and practical execution).

• "Walk us through a product you designed that successfully translated a brand's identity. What was your process?" (Highlight brand understanding and design rationale).

• "How would you approach developing a custom product line for a major retail client?" (Showcase understanding of client needs, customization, and process). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about our company and our focus on eco-friendly plush toys?" (Research the company's sustainability initiatives and market position).

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment, especially when working with sales or overseas partners?" (Provide specific examples of teamwork and communication).

• "Describe your experience working with overseas factories. What are the critical success factors?" (Detail your experience with communication, quality control, and relationship management).

• "How do you ensure the quality and consistency of your designs across a product portfolio?" (Discuss your quality assurance processes). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio piece, follow a clear story: the brief/opportunity, your ideation process, design execution (showcasing Adobe skills), commercial considerations (cost, price), factory collaboration, challenges, and the final successful outcome.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics (e.g., sales performance, cost savings, market share growth) to demonstrate the business impact of your work.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, material selections, costing assumptions, and factory communication methods.

• Showcase Creativity AND Commerciality: Ensure your presentation highlights both your artistic talent and your business acumen.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will heavily focus on practical application of design skills, commercial understanding, and the ability to manage the entire product development process, especially in relation to overseas manufacturing. Be ready to articulate your thought process and demonstrate tangible results.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Development & Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the hiring platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight experience in end-to-end product development, Adobe Creative Suite proficiency (especially Illustrator), commercial product positioning, and overseas factory collaboration.

• Portfolio Preparation: Select 3-5 of your strongest product development case studies that clearly demonstrate your process from sketch to retail, commercial acumen, and creative problem-solving. Ensure visuals are high-quality and your explanations are concise.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on clear storytelling, quantifiable results, and articulating your design and commercial strategies. Practice answering common product development and design management interview questions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research the company's existing product lines, brand identity, and commitment to sustainability. Understand their market position and target audience to better articulate your fit and contributions.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details, particularly regarding salary ranges and specific company culture, should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.