American Textile Company is one of the world’s largest bedding product manufacturers. Our mission, "Better Sleep, Better Life," drives us to help people sleep better and live better. We’re based in Duquesne, PA, with offices in Pittsburgh, PA, Dallas, TX, Salt Lake City, UT, Tifton, GA, Shanghai China, the Philippines, and El Salvador. With almost 100 years of expertise, we know the importance of quality and comfort.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Product Development Senior Manager is responsible for the development and execution of new products in collaboration with team leadership. This pivotal role will work with our Asia and Central America teams to create innovative bedding products that meet market demands while aligning with brand vision. This individual will have a deep understanding of product life-cycle management processes in the textile industry.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Specification and Design of Products

Oversees the entire product development lifecycle from concept ideation to commercialization, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.

Responsible for building, issuing, and maintaining detailed product specifications and tech packs based on consumer/brand and retailer needs.

Initiates requests for quotations, samples, and QC testing (may involve prototyping and reviewing various fabric, design, and fiber/fill options).

Develop, Test and Track Product

Works with the PD US sample team, QC, and suppliers to ensure initial samples (and final product) meet design and performance requirements. Addresses any failures/revisions to product design (including law tag final review where applicable).

Partners with suppliers to finalize Timing and Action Calendars prior to commercialization for all products that move to production.

Acts as the PD lead on weekly roll-out meetings to track product delivery.

Tracks PP and TOP samples and makes certain any issues are addressed in a timely manner.

Pricing Product

Utilizes prior knowledge to understand cost drivers that impact product margin.

Oversees pricing and quoting requests from initiation to completion.

Ensures product cost quotes and other inputs (packaging, annual volumes) are provided to pricing team and reviews pricing files for accuracy.

Partners with sales and pricing team to scrub price files when necessary to deliver margin targets.

Works with cross-functional partners including China and El Salvador teams to identify and execute continuous margin improvement projects to help further business goals.

Product Expert

Utilizes prior knowledge to understand product design, construction and manufacturing.

Maintains an understanding of the processes to make, purchase and import products as well as of the anticipated costs of sourcing.

Innovation

Cultivates an awareness of macro industry and consumer trends.

Acts a lead contributor in bi-annual development meetings.

Maintains GTM calendar and owns GTM meeting cadence.

Partners with technical design to research new technologies, fabrics, etc. in preparation for each seasonal market cycle.

Delivers 1-2 new product collections per market development cycle (from concept to costing and sampling).

Supports sustainability initiatives by sourcing eco-friendly materials and finishes.

Sales Support

Leads the execution of retailer specific development as assigned. This position supports domestic and international business for Mass, Club and International channels of trade.

Provides product recommendations for sales opportunities as requested (in partnership with merchandising and PD leadership).

Actively monitors product needs for upcoming sales meetings.

Internal Communications

Drives the collaboration between Sales, Purchasing/Operations and other cross-functional partners when executing new products.

Leads weekly cross-functional PD meetings and maintains active project tracker by account.

Packaging and Point of Sale

Collaborates with marketing and sales teams on new product packaging (primary product packaging as well as corrugate displays/shippers/PDQs as necessary).

Ensures packaging makes sense at retail and is within cost targets.

Product Strategy

Teams with PD leadership to set the vision and strategies to create value through aligning supply chain capabilities with brand product architecture, design direction and inventory opportunities.

Leadership/Special Projects

Leads and mentors the product development team.

Acts as a bridge between different stakeholders within the organization (sales, merchandising, sourcing, operations, pricing).

Troubleshoots issues as needed.

Contributes to the overall Product Development department with continuous improvement projects and process documentation/training.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in home textiles, product development, or project management

7-10 years relevant work experience is required; previous experience in apparel, home textiles, product development, or project management is preferred

Previous experience with Product Life Cycle Management software is preferred

Ability to lead by establishing clear objectives and setting priorities

Highly organized with particular attention to detail

Ability to work independently and prioritize responsibilities

Skilled in Microsoft computer applications including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams

Ability to understand and maintain a sense of urgency when dealing with deadlines

Ability to multi-task and work under pressure

Ability to foster an inclusive and collaborative team environment

Curious, continuous improvement mindset

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Ability to withstand prolonged periods sitting at a desk

Frequent use of upper extremities to perform keyboard functions and work on a computer

Ability to occasionally stand/walk

Ability to occasionally lift and/or carry objects weighing up to and including 25 pounds

Ability to crawl, bend, kneel, climb, and/or squat

American Textile Company jobs

Senior Product Development Manager