MindWare Product Developer
Oriental Trading Company, Inc. - Roseville, MN
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As our MW Product Developer, you will be responsible for developing products from concept to finished goods for all departments and business units. Generates new product concepts that will appeal to our customers and achieve or exceed sales expectations.Requires weekly onsite work in Roseville, MN.Principal Duties and ResponsibilitiesEssential FunctionsDesigns products for approved conceptsDevelops specifications for new products to ensure manufacturability and acceptable quality at the target price pointEvaluates toy, game and book submissions from authors and inventorsTroubleshoots ways to improve functionality, marketability or affordability of internally developed concepts or external submissions with adequate potentialWorks with Buyers, Product Development Manager, Inventors, Package Designers, Copywriters and Editors to make revisions/improvements to products and package designs until approvedWorks within established timeframes for each project and meets departmental and Merchandising deadlinesGenerates new product concepts based on department performance trends, market opportunities and trends, assortment gaps and identified key occasions, themes and cross-departmental conceptsCollaborates regularly with other departments, including Merchandise Buying, Brand Merchants, Sourcing and CreativeCommunicates effectively with our overseas vendors regarding new artwork, samples, required revisions and production processesStays abreast of market trends, themes, materials, techniques and competition by local competitive shopping, reviewing industry publications, on-line research, etc.Brings pertinent information and concept ideas to weekly Innovation League meetingsMarket shops, locally and regionally, collecting ideas and reference samples that can be used as inspiration for new products or designsProofs puzzles, packaging copy, card content and rulesAbides by all policies and procedures of MindWare and Oriental Trading CompanyMaintains regular, predictable attendanceMust be able to attend face to face meetings on short or little advance noticeWork in the MindWare Department office environment requires in-person collaboration among colleagues and contractorsMarginal FunctionsReviews new item pre-production and production samples to ensure samples match artwork and specifications, function properly and are acceptable quality for our customersPrepares mock-up products and finished craft projects for play testing and photographyTravels to industry tradeshows for market research. Reports pertinent information back to Innovation LeaguePerforms other related duties and projects as assigned Here’s what you need to join the fun:Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesGood sense of color and attention to detailAbility to work creatively within the pressure of deadlinesExcellent organizational, communication and time management skillsMust have an excellent attitude and be receptive to direction and input from others as part of the product development teamA good understanding of pre-press and print processesAbility to perform job in a safe mannerProficiency in Microsoft Office with strong analytical skillsEducationA four-year degree with at least three years experience in a product development role or equivalent work experienceExperienceMinimum of three years experience in a product development roleJoin us at MindWare, part of the Oriental Trading family of brands, where fun means business!MindWare (www.mindware.com) is the award-winning creator, manufacturer and distributor of Brainy Toys for Kids of All Ages. Founded in 1990, the company started out as a small retail store in Minneapolis, later evolving into a catalog, website and wholesale business that delivers toys and games to customers' doorsteps, classrooms, neighborhood toy stores and the world's largest retailers. In 2012, MindWare was purchased by Oriental Trading Company, the nation's largest direct retailer of value-priced party supplies, arts and crafts, school supplies, toys and novelties. With a corporate vision to “Make Life More Fun,” Oriental Trading (a Berkshire Hathaway company) spreads joy and smiles to millions each year through a robust family of brands; Oriental Trading, Fun Express, MindWare, SmileMakers, Morris Costumes and halloweenexpress.com.EOE
Created: 2024-09-07