About Spinrite
Spinrite is an inspiration and education-driven crafts company in the North American market. Bernat, Red Heart, Caron, Coats & Clark and Yarnspirations are our key brands, supporting brick and mortar and e-commerce sales channels. Our products are available at leading retailers such as Walmart, Amazon, Jo-Ann Stores and Michaels. We take pride in what we do and are passionate about inspiring creativity for our consumers. Recently, we have grown significantly. In early 2019, we purchased Coats & Clark, which essentially doubled the size of our company. Moving to the future, our vision is to the world’s largest inspiration-driven company for makers all over the world.
About the Role
Reporting to the Director of Product Development, the New Product Lead is responsible for developing innovative new products in the yarn & craft category, in their assigned brands. ( Please note there is only one position, this role is also posted in U.S.A)
Duties & Responsibilities
Champion development of approved concepts that deliver Corporate and Brand Objectives, presented and confirmed at Line Review Meeting.
Contribute to building the pipeline of key opportunities from ideation through observing and understanding the consumer. Assist in identifying compelling opportunities through consumer research, concept screening, category analysis, competitive threats, and fulfillment of key trends.
Brief suppliers with a Product Specification, source and collaborate on sample feedback and reiterations of desired product
Execute pre-production development by working closely with suppliers and QA to ensure quality consistency, with PQP’s
Attend trade shows, industry functions, retail reviews and subscribe to relevant publications to be able to contribute to the development of innovative & new products.
Build partnerships with suppliers that ensure Spinrite as the first approach on ideas and build the supplier base with value-add suppliers.
Inform and educate the Shopper Experience Managers, to ensure product is presented and communicated in a consistent manner at Sales Summit Meeting.
Qualifications
Excellent eye for aesthetic design and customer appeal, with a keen attention to detail, meticulous & diligent
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
Able to effectively manage their time and their network of developers
Knowledge of the industry and market trends is beneficial
Knowledge of color theory,
Thorough understanding of product development cycle
Awareness of knitting, crochet, sewing, or crafts is favorable
4-6 years of experience as a Product Development specialist or similar role, preference given to CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) and Fashion related fields
Previous experience in product design, graphic design, or related marketing an asset
Rapid prototyping or previous experience working in an industrial facility an asset
Undergraduate degree in Industrial Design, Fashion design, or relevant field an asset
Trade school or diploma in product development, design with relevant experience
Spinrite is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and all applicants for employment without regard to any status protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code, US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and applicable state law. If you need assistance or accommodations during any part of the application or interview process, please contact us at 519-291-3780 and ask to be directed to HR.