Design & Product Development Manager - Home

Position Overview

The Design and Product Development Manager is responsible for leading the creative direction, product strategy, and end-to-end development of home décor and home goods categories. This role plays a critical function in driving innovation, increasing client engagement, and expanding market opportunities through proactive design and development initiatives. Working closely with sourcing, merchandising, and sales teams, the manager ensures that all product solutions align with trend direction, manufacturing capabilities, and client needs across global retail markets.

The ideal candidate blends strong design expertise with commercial acumen, product lifecycle knowledge, and leadership capabilities, and is motivated to grow client business by delivering relevant, trend-right, and brand-appropriate assortments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the full product development lifecycle from concept, trend analysis, and design through prototyping, costing, and launch readiness.

• Provide creative direction for home product categories, ensuring alignment with client brand identities, consumer trends, and global market dynamics.

• Develop targeted product programs and seasonal collections based on regional capabilities and client segments.

• Prepare customized client presentations and visual range boards to demonstrate Connor’s sourcing and product development capabilities.

• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify opportunities, white space, and trend relevance.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with business development, sales, sourcing, and merchandising teams to ensure seamless execution.

• Oversee design team output, ensuring high standards, commercial viability, and on-time delivery of product proposals.

• Support visual merchandising strategies, mood boards, and product storytelling in client meetings and presentations.

• Participate in client meetings, trade shows, factory visits, and regional inspiration trips as needed.

Job Requirements

• 8–10+ years of experience in product development and design, preferably in home décor, furnishings, or soft goods.

• Experience working with or supporting international retailers, with strong knowledge of U.S. retail cycles, private label programs, and consumer trends.

• Proven ability to manage programs from concept to market with measurable commercial outcomes.

• Deep understanding of global sourcing landscapes, supplier capabilities, and regional manufacturing strengths.

• Strong ability to interpret design briefs and trend direction into client-appropriate, commercially viable assortments.

• Excellent knowledge of materials, finishes, product construction, and packaging development.

• Strong presentation and communication skills, with experience in developing impactful client-facing tools and content.

• Demonstrated leadership in managing and mentoring cross-functional teams.

• Degree in Interior Design, Home Product Design, or related field.

• Willingness to travel regionally and globally as needed.

• Ability to sketch by hand or read in 2D/3D is an advantage.

• Good command of English.

• Candidates with extensive experience may be considered for the role of Senior Design and Product Development Manager.

Connor provides excellent career opportunities to the right candidate. Further information about Connor and our career opportunities can be viewed on our website https://www.weconnor.com. If you are interested in joining our team, please send your resume with current and expected remuneration packages to Email: connorcorphr@weconnor.com by MS word attachment.

Connor is an equal opportunities employer. Personal data provided by applicants will be used strictly for recruitment purposes only. Only short-listed candidates will be notified. Applicants who are not invited for an interview within 8 weeks may consider their applications filed for future reference.