Job Description – Product Development Manager (Furniture Manufacturing Company) location PARTAPUR MEERUT
Product Development Manager
Department
Research & Development (R&D) / Product Development
Reports To
Managing Director / Director – Operations / Head of Manufacturing
Job Location
Partapur Meerut
Job Purpose
The Product Development Manager is responsible for conceptualizing, designing, developing, and launching innovative furniture products that align with market trends, customer requirements, quality standards, and company profitability objectives. The role involves close coordination with design, procurement, production, quality, sales, and marketing teams to ensure successful commercialization of new products.
Key Responsibilities1. Product Development
- Lead end-to-end furniture product development from concept to commercialization.
- Develop new furniture collections based on customer needs and market research.
- Improve existing products by enhancing quality, functionality, aesthetics, and cost efficiency.
- Prepare product specifications, drawings, and technical documentation.
- Ensure timely completion of product development projects.
2. Design & Innovation
- Monitor global furniture trends, materials, finishes, and manufacturing technologies.
- Generate innovative product ideas suitable for domestic and export markets.
- Coordinate with industrial designers and CAD designers.
- Develop ergonomic and user-friendly furniture designs.
3. Material Development
- Identify and evaluate new raw materials including:
- MDF
- Plywood
- Particle Board
- Solid Wood
- Veneers
- Laminates
- PVC & Acrylic Sheets
- Metal Components
- Hardware & Fittings
- Conduct testing of new materials before commercial use.
4. Prototype Development
- Supervise prototype manufacturing.
- Coordinate prototype testing.
- Analyze product performance.
- Implement improvements based on testing and customer feedback.
5. Cost Optimization
- Perform product cost analysis.
- Develop value engineering initiatives.
- Reduce material wastage.
- Improve manufacturing efficiency.
- Optimize Bill of Materials (BOM).
6. Production Coordination
- Work closely with production teams during product launch.
- Resolve manufacturing challenges.
- Standardize manufacturing processes.
- Prepare SOPs for production.
7. Vendor Development
- Identify new suppliers.
- Evaluate supplier capabilities.
- Develop alternate sourcing options.
- Coordinate development of customized hardware and accessories.
8. Documentation
Prepare and maintain:
- Product Specifications
- Engineering Drawings
- BOM (Bill of Materials)
- Routing Sheets
- Assembly Instructions
- Product Manuals
- Installation Guides
- Packaging Specifications
9. Quality Assurance
- Ensure products meet company quality standards.
- Coordinate testing for strength, durability, safety, and finish quality.
- Ensure compliance with applicable Indian and international standards.
10. Cross Functional Coordination
Coordinate with:
- Sales Team
- Marketing Team
- Procurement
- Production
- Quality Control
- Stores
- Finance
- Export Department
11. Product Launch
- Plan product launch schedules.
- Coordinate marketing material preparation.
- Support product demonstrations.
- Train sales teams regarding product features.
12. Customer Feedback
- Collect customer feedback.
- Analyze complaints.
- Recommend design improvements.
- Develop next-generation products.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Number of new products developed per year
- Product development cycle time
- Successful product launches
- Product profitability
- Material cost reduction
- Product quality performance
- Customer satisfaction score
- Warranty claim reduction
- Prototype approval success rate
- Production readiness within scheduled timelines
- Sales contribution from newly developed products
- BOM cost optimization percentage
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, Industrial Design, Furniture Design, Wood Technology, or related field.
- Master's Degree/MBA is preferred.
Experience
- 5–10 years in furniture manufacturing or product development.
- Experience in modular furniture, office furniture, home furniture, kitchen furniture, or institutional furniture.
- Experience with export-oriented product development is desirable.
Technical Skills
- Furniture product design
- Product lifecycle management
- CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor, Creo, or Solid Edge)
- 3D modelling
- BOM preparation
- ERP systems
- Material selection
- Manufacturing process knowledge
- CNC machining knowledge
- Lean Manufacturing
- Value Engineering
- DFMA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly)
Knowledge Requirements
- Wood processing
- Furniture manufacturing processes
- Joinery techniques
- Hardware systems
- Surface finishing
- Powder coating
- Upholstery
- Packaging design
- Quality systems
- Costing methods
- Supply chain management
- Product testing standards
Soft Skills
- Leadership
- Creativity
- Analytical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Project management
- Negotiation
- Communication
- Team collaboration
- Time management
- Decision-making
- Customer orientation
Key Deliverables
- New furniture collections launched as per business plan.
- Product development projects completed within budget and timelines.
- Accurate product drawings and documentation.
- Optimized product cost and manufacturability.
- Improved product quality and customer satisfaction.
- Successful transition of products from design to production.
- Continuous innovation aligned with market trends.
Working Conditions
- Office and manufacturing plant environment.
- Regular visits to production facilities and vendor locations.
- Occasional domestic and international travel for supplier development, trade fairs, exhibitions, and customer meetings.
Performance Evaluation ParametersAreaWeightageNew Product Development30%Cost Optimization15%Product Quality15%Innovation & Design10%Timely Product Launch10%Cross-Functional Coordination10%Documentation & Compliance5%Team Development & Leadership5%
Pay: ₹50,000.00 - ₹150,000.00 per month
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Provident Fund
Work Location: In person
