Director of Product Development

Establish and lead the retail product development strategy across all brands and product categories of Opry Entertainment Group (OEG), focusing on strengthening core brands, diversifying the portfolio of products and engaging a broad consumer base. Contribute to the success of the company's product portfolio, combining technical knowledge, leadership skills, and business acumen. Provide tactical management and guidance to the product development team in executing activities to support defined strategy. Reports to Vice President of Retail. Provide ongoing vision for retail product development across product lifecycle management to drive growth across all brands and product categories.
Lead and manage a team of product managers, designers, and developers, providing mentorship and resource allocation for successful product development.
Ensure strong implementation of development, product rollout, and in-store merchandising processes through the brands.
Create product roadmaps and specify product requirements, including photography planning and direction. Ensure projects progress against the roadmap and launch timeline and with timely delivery of products within the established budget. Identify risks in the product development process and implement strategies to mitigate product and development issues.
Oversee development and execution of new brand development and related merchandising plans.
Partner with planning and distribution teams to ensure the product development and e-Commerce teams have the appropriate analytical tools to make decisions.
Collaborate with e-Commerce and product development managers and other cross-functional teams to ensure the vision is promoted through marketing, social media and website.
Ensure the merchandise and product development teams achieve annual sales, IMU and margin targets. Provide key leadership in managing division expenses and profit and loss statements.
Conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation. Stay abreast of latest fashion trends, fabric innovations, and decoration techniques.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Education Degree in apparel or product design and/or fashion merchandising or related field preferred or equivalent experience required Experience 10+ years product design and project management experience
4+ years experience leading people and cross-functional teams Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
Strong leadership and managerial skills that include the ability to coach, develop, discipline, and communicate expectations
Demonstrated ability to manage and execute the product development lifecycle and process efficiently to ensure deadlines and objectives are met
Knowledge of industry and competitive trends in accessories, apparel, home goods, giftware and glassware
Strong experience with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)