Job Description

Job Type: Full Time, Exempt Non-Bargaining Unit

Reports to: COO 

Direct Reports: 1 (Assistant Merchandise Buyer)

Schedule: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 9:00AM-5:00PM

Location: 828 Broadway, our flagship location in Union Square

As the Head of Product Development & Gift Buying at Strand Bookstore, you will oversee and be responsible for all of Strand’s gift product lines, both private label and third-party vendors. The development of Strand-branded goods, from stationery and apparel to our catalog of totes, will be directed by you. Strand was at the forefront of developing tote bags, something now synonymous with independent bookstores. We aim to remain at the forefront with all of our merchandising decisions, doing our best to pay attention to ongoing trends and keeping our finger on the pulse of this side of the industry. We are a bookstore first and foremost, but see our merchandise as a natural extension of our long and storied history in New York’s literary scene. 

In this position, you will manage the development and production of private label lines. Initiating the design process with an internal designer or third party contractors, you are responsible for supervising the ordering process of third-party and private label gift products, sourcing and maintaining vendor relationships to improve margins. You are a direct contact for several company departments and members of staff, including ownership, warehouse operations, graphic design, visual merchandising, marketing and accounting. 

We are in search of someone who has a mind for both the creative and the logistical side of the business. A person who can keep track of costs, build relationships with vendors but also who has a keen eye for detail and how our product should grow and develop. 

Essential Functions:

• Spearhead Strand’s private-label brand and product, including brainstorming new looks (apparel, stationery, totes, mugs, etc.) for new product releases

• Provides key art direction to designers in all stages of product development, be it with internal graphic design or with outside parties

• Sourcing raw materials and raw products with suppliers for optimal cost and fulfillment efficiency

• Works closely with Marketing Department to create strategy for gift launches

• Follow broader trends in fashion, gift and stationery

• Manage relationships and sales terms with 200+ gift vendors

• Curate product selection

• Supervise weekly reordering process

• Complete understanding of internal and third-party purchasing platforms

• Create and place purchase orders as needed

• Work with Visual merchandising team on all retail displays for gift product, providing input and feedback

• Uses KPIs to identify candidates to be discontinued or marked down

• Ensure invoices and purchase orders are categorized for Accounting

• Maintains communication with Warehouse for all facets of gift receiving operations

• Curates gift products for subscription boxes

• Manages wholesale POs

• Negotiates terms with potential wholesale partners

• Oversees gift product presentation on Strand website

Competency/Position Requirements:

• At least 2-3 years of experience in product development including in dealing with multiple accounts, vendors and communicating between several parties or stakeholders

• Excellent communication, both written and verbal

• Adept at conflict resolution and both giving/receiving feedback from coworkers and stakeholders alike

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Ability to prioritize and multi-task essential

• Experience with having direct reporting staff and having to delegate said staff accordingly is highly desirable

• Background in product sourcing and trend forecasting

• Inventory management

• Strong background in sales analysis

• Ability to remain professional at all times when representing the store and brand with external vendors

• Adept at managing sales growth alongside responsible cost control

Benefits:

• PTO

• Vacation

• 401k

• Medical, Dental, Vision

• HRA

• A dangerous store discount

Compensation:

• $60,000 - $80,000 annually, commensurate with experience

When applying to this position, please include both a resume and cover letter. In the subject of your email, please write: Head of Product Development.

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