Summer Classics · 5 months ago
Product Development Manager - Upholstery
Claremont, NC
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
10+ years expSummer Classics is a family-owned and operated company that specializes in luxury furniture and accessories. They are seeking a proactive Product Development Manager to drive new upholstery products from concept to launch, managing project timelines and fostering cross-functional collaboration to ensure quality and market demands are met.
FurnitureManufacturingRetailWholesale
Responsibilities
Oversees and supports upholstery product development activities
Manages data management and tracking of key upholstery product developments in data systems
Ensures key calendar milestones and dates for upholstery product development are met
Conducts and/or participates in weekly team meetings to ensure teams are aligned and address issues
Understands product materials, construction, fit, function, and end-use requirements
Grows and maintains relationships with new and current suppliers
Tracks all incoming costs at every change level of the product
Look for cost reduction opportunities while maintaining the highest quality
Helps update costing documents and systems for cross-functional teams
Develops, cuts, and makes patterns
Works in AutoCAD and SoftWorkX
Communicates with plant leadership to address issues that may need support in other departments
Ensures accuracy of notes documented and provided to Plant Leadership for review
Recommends and implements process improvements as needed to improve production
Adjusts current patterns for better efficiency
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Commercial, Industrial, or Product Design or related field preferred
Ten or more years of furniture upholstery manufacturing experience
Must have strong experience in retail math, cost margin analysis, and supplier quotes
Knowledge of furniture, apparel, and/or soft goods construction, development & production is highly preferred
Proficient knowledge and ability to use computer-based programs such as Microsoft Office and Auto Cad required; Knowledge of Soft Worx preferable
Ability to work well with others as well as independently under strict deadlines
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
Ability to prioritize workload tasks
Strong understanding of product efficiency
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Influential in building positive partnerships with cross-functional teams
Have a sense of urgency in managing time and ownership of deliverables
Strong ability to multitask, with the desire to work in a very fast-paced environment
Benefits
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
401(k) with match after 12 months
Employee Assistance Program and Chaplain Services for emotional and mental well-being
Paid sick leave, vacation, holidays, and parental leave
Monthly incentive and bonus opportunities
Generous discounts on our exceptional products
Company
Summer Classics
Summer Classics specializes in the design and manufacture of luxury outdoor furniture.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Bew White
President & CEO
Recent News
2025-11-25
2025-08-13
Designers Today
2025-07-31
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