Merchant Product Development Manager

Merchant / Product Development Manager

Location: Gilbert, AZ

Reports To: CEO

Department: Product Development & Purchasing

Classification: Full-Time / Non-Exempt

About Origami Owl

At Origami Owl, we believe every piece tells a story—and every story has the power to inspire. From beautifully designed jewelry to heartfelt gifting moments, our mission is to help others look good, feel good, and do good.

About the Role

We’re seeking a Product Development & Merchandising Associate who blends creativity with strategy, artistry with analytics, and purpose with precision. This role drives Origami Owl’s product story—from early concept to final collection—through thoughtful product development, seasonal calendar planning, assortment strategy, and merchant execution.

This is an opportunity for a highly organized, scrappy self-starter with strong project management skills, high drive, and a deep love for product and storytelling. You’ll collaborate cross-functionally to ensure every launch is trend-forward, meaningful, and flawlessly executed—from the first sketch to the customer’s hands.

What You’ll Do

Product Development

- Manage the full product lifecycle—from concept to sampling to final delivery.

- Partner with design, sourcing, and vendors to develop products that align with Origami Owl’s creative direction, brand DNA, and customer demand.

- Track and maintain product development timelines, ensuring milestones and seasonal deliverables are met.

- Lead the seasonal product development calendar and coordinate across teams to meet all critical deadlines.

- Communicate with factories, manage inbound samples, and oversee product hand-offs for photography, marketing, and merchandising.

Merchandising & Buying

- Drive seasonal assortment planning to ensure the right balance of newness, core, and promotional product across categories.

- Support buying and pricing strategies that maximize sales, margin, and customer engagement.

- Analyze sales performance, inventory flow, and customer feedback to inform future buys and product strategy.

- Develop seasonal and evergreen line architecture that supports both creative direction and business goals.

- Maintain SKU creation, data accuracy, and system updates for all new and existing products.

Merchant Strategy, Trend & Market Insights

- Conduct ongoing competitive analysis and trend research to identify whitespace opportunities and emerging product directions.

- Partner with the design team to translate fashion, color, and consumer trends into compelling new jewelry collections.

- Collaborate on pricing, margin, and promotional strategies that reflect market positioning and profitability goals.

- Monitor weekly sales and margin performance, identifying risks and opportunities to optimize results.

- Work with Planning and Allocation to forecast inventory needs, set stock targets, and ensure healthy product flow.

- Maintain vendor relationships, negotiate costs, and ensure on-time, high-quality production.

- Prepare reports, business recaps, and insights for leadership to support strategic decisions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

- Partner with Marketing, E-commerce, and Creative teams to align product stories with seasonal campaigns and launches.

- Collaborate across departments to ensure cohesive go-to-market plans and flawless execution.

- Participate in key milestone and strategy meetings, contributing insights from sales, trend, and market data.

- Support product storytelling and visual merchandising efforts that bring the collection to life both online and in-store.

Who You Are

- A highly organized, self-starting professional with strong project management skills and a drive for excellence.

- Analytical and creative—you love both the numbers and the narrative.

- Forward-thinking and trend-aware, with a sharp eye for detail and design.

- A natural collaborator who thrives in a cross-functional environment.

- Passionate about product, storytelling, and creating meaningful customer experiences.

Qualifications

- 2–4 years of experience in product development, merchandising, or buying (jewelry, accessories, or fashion preferred).

- Proven experience in assortment planning, seasonal calendar management, competitive analysis, and trend research.

- Strong Excel and reporting skills; familiarity with PLM, PIM, or inventory management systems preferred.

- Experience in vendor management, product costing, pricing, and margin planning.

- Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in business, merchandising, or related field preferred.

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial setting.

Perks

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid volunteer hours through the Giving Goodness Foundation™

Team discounts on all Origami Owl jewelry and collections

Our Promise

At Origami Owl, you’ll be part of a brand built on purpose, creativity, and connection. Together, we design more than jewelry—we design moments that matter.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

- Dental insurance

- Employee discount

- Flexible schedule

- Health insurance

- Health savings account

- Paid time off

- Vision insurance

Work Location: In person