Product Design & Development Manager

Our client a growing consumer-focused business in Dubai is actively seeking a Product Design & Development Manager who can transform ideas into commercially viable products. The role combines product design development materials packaging supplier management sampling costing and production coordination.

Location: Dubai UAE

Package :-4-5K

Duties and Responsibilities:

Product Concept & Design

Translate product ideas and brand direction into commercially viable products.
Develop concepts mood boards colour palettes materials finishes and product details.
Research global trends across beauty jewellery fashion accessories gifting youth culture and lifestyle products.
Identify new product opportunities and contribute innovative product concepts.
Ensure products are relevant to the target consumer and aligned with the brand direction.

Product Development

Own the complete product development cycle from idea and concept through design sampling revision costing approval and production.
Create detailed product specifications and supplier briefs.
Work directly with manufacturers and suppliers to develop products.
Review samples and manage revisions to achieve the required quality and design standards.
Check product dimensions materials colours finishes and construction.
Ensure final manufactured products accurately reflect approved designs.
Maintain clear product development timelines and project trackers.

Packaging Development

Develop packaging concepts alongside product development.
Ensure packaging is visually appealing commercially practical and suitable for retail presentation.
Consider materials dimensions cost shipping efficiency and display requirements.
Coordinate with graphic designers on artwork typography and brand elements.
Review packaging samples and approve final production specifications.

Supplier & Manufacturing Management

Work directly with suppliers and factories in China India and other manufacturing hubs.
Be willing to travel to manufacturing hubs to meet suppliers and factories when required.
Source new suppliers and manufacturing capabilities.
Communicate product specifications clearly to suppliers and manufacturers.
Negotiate sampling MOQs materials production options and commercial terms.
Monitor supplier quality and execution.
Identify and resolve product-development challenges efficiently.

Costing & Commercial Decisions

Understand target retail prices and required margins before product development begins.
Work backwards from target selling price to establish achievable product costs.
Compare materials and manufacturing alternatives.
Identify unnecessary costs without compromising product quality.
Evaluate whether product concepts are commercially viable before proceeding to production.

Knowledge & Experience:

Bachelors degree in Product Design Industrial Design Fashion Product Development or a related field preferred.
46 years of relevant product design and development experience.
Experience in beauty/cosmetics jewellery fashion accessories gifting stationery kids/tween products lifestyle products or consumer products preferred.
Strong portfolio demonstrating physical products personally developed or launched.
Excellent understanding of product design materials manufacturing and packaging.
Strong aesthetic judgment combined with commercial awareness.
Experience dealing directly with factories and suppliers.
Experience managing sampling revisions costing and production.
Understanding of margins and target retail pricing.
Strong project-management and organizational skills.
Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Adobe Illustrator Photoshop or similar design skills are an advantage.
Strong communication negotiation and stakeholder-management skills.

Key Performance Indicators:

Number of commercially viable new products developed and launched.
Product development timelines achieved.
Sample-to-approval turnaround time.
Percentage of products launched on schedule.
Target cost and margin achievement.
Reduction in unnecessary sampling rounds.
Product quality and consistency.
Supplier performance and new supplier/material opportunities identified.
Commercial performance of newly developed products.

Compensation with standard benefits