Director of Product Development

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Twelve designs and builds the world’s most inspiring merchandise and packaging for the world’s most coveted brands. Using our end-to-end methodology, we integrate expert teams with a global supply chain to transform visionary concepts into high-impact realities. As a proudly B‑Corp certified organization, we stand out through the depth of our partnerships and commitment to social responsibility.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Director of Product Development to drive innovation across beauty, wellness, and lifestyle categories, while leading and mentoring a talented team of product developers. You will own the strategic vision and end‑to‑end execution of branded, promotional, and gift‑with‑purchase merchandise, guiding products from concept to delivery. Partnering closely with creative, sourcing, production, and client teams, you will ensure exceptional quality, cost efficiency, and alignment with our commitment to social responsibility.

This role calls for a visionary yet hands‑on leader with 8+ years of product development experience and at least 3 years in team management, who thrives in fast‑paced, multi‑stakeholder environments and can translate big ideas into commercially successful, beautifully executed products.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Team Oversight

• Lead and scale a high‑performing team of product developers, promoting innovation and operating excellence.
• Define product development vision and roadmap; align with client goals and Twelve’s sustainability ethos.

Client & Brand Partnership

• Serve as senior product development liaison for clients, translating brand direction into tangible, deliverable solutions.
• Build long‑term relationships with client partners by offering expert guidance on materials, feasibility, and brand alignment.

Product Execution

• Approve technical spec sheets, prototypes, and mockups, ensuring adherence to standards for design, quality, and manufacturability.
• Monitor all sampling and prototyping efforts, ensuring they reflect creative intent before moving into production.
• Manage a team of skilled product developers—providing coaching, professional growth opportunities, and performance feedback.
• Foster a culture of detail‑orientation, accountability, and efficiency within the development team.
• Lead procurement efforts with international vendors, negotiating favorable terms on pricing, quality, and lead time.
• Evaluate supplier performance, maintain rationalized vendor relations, and protect margin targets through cost analysis.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee development calendars and ensure milestones are met from ideation to delivery.
• Identify and manage project risks proactively—creating contingency plans to uphold timelines and budgets.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of product development experience in beauty, lifestyle, or premium promotional merchandise.
• 3+ years in a leadership role managing teams and scaling operations.
• Deep knowledge of materials, packaging, and manufacturing processes, especially for branded merchandising.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, global sourcing, and vendor selection efforts.
• Strong strategic thinking, organizational skills, and communication abilities—able to influence cross‑functional teams and clients.
• Commitment to integrating sustainability and ethical sourcing into product development.
• Comfortable working across time zones, with flexibility for occasional travel and extended hours.

Seniority level: Director | Employment type: Full‑time | Job function: Product Management and Marketing

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