Product Development Manager
Join one of the oldest and most respected family-owned furniture companies in the United States and become part of a 130-year legacy of craftsmanship and quality. At Bernhardt Furniture, we are committed to:
- Fostering a safe, dynamic, and ethical work environment that supports growth and satisfaction.
- Encouraging personal and professional development to help our employees reach their full potential.
- Cultivating a culture of pride, camaraderie, and collaboration through teamwork.
- Supporting community initiatives and making a positive impact where we live and work.
Product Development Manager at Bernhardt Furniture: As a Product Development Manager at Bernhardt, you will play a key role in our operations by:
Key Responsibilities
- Playing a critical role in the product development process by taking designs from Residential Upholstery Designer or other outside designers and interpreting them into physical prototypes and samples.
- Ensuring all products are manufacturable by collaborating with the manufacturing team during the prototype phase.
- Developing products that meet the target aesthetic, comfort, and cost.
- Providing leadership to the product development team.
Specific Responsibilities
- Directing the production of samples with impeccable quality and tailoring.
- Ensuring all weights and dimensions are recorded accurately.
- Being responsible for all prototypes to be developed within the specified timeline.
- Directing others to produce work instructions, specification information, and other information needed for full and accurate costing.
- Providing patterns and other information to outside vendors as needed.
- Collaborating with manufacturing during initial manufacturing testing and first runs.
- Working with manufacturing to identify and correct pattern issues and other opportunities to improve manufacturability, cost, and labor efficiency.
- Developing a strong team by providing direction and support, ensuring the team understands goals, timelines, work schedules, and priorities.
- Identifying gaps in skills and helping provide training as necessary.
- Ensuring key functions within the department have back-up.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in industrial design, product development, engineering, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in furniture product development.
- Strong knowledge of furniture design, materials, manufacturing processes, and industry standards.
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage projects from concept to completion.
- Understanding market trends and customer needs.
- Familiarity with design principles and manufacturing processes.
- Exceptional skills in managing timelines, budgets, and resources.
- Strong communication skills to collaborate with various teams and stakeholders.
- Ability to develop and implement product strategies.
Organizational Relationships Reports to the Residential Upholstery Vice President of Manufacturing. Takes design direction from company leadership, divisional Design, and Merchandising teams.
Authority The Upholstery Product Development Manager is authorized to take any reasonable action necessary to maintain effective department operations. These actions must be in accordance with the Bernhardt policy manual and other established policies, practices, and subject to the general or specific authority as established by the Divisional Manufacturing Manager.
Why Choose Bernhardt Furniture?
- A safe, healthy, and secure work environment.
- Comprehensive orientation and job-specific training.
- Continual development opportunities across departments.
- Bonus opportunities for all employees.
- Employee discounts and recognition programs.
Our Comprehensive Benefits Package
- Full-time employees qualify for medical, vision, and dental insurance after just 31 days.
- Access to an onsite wellness clinic staffed by board-certified professionals through Caldwell UNC Healthcare.
- Eligibility for membership at the Quest4Life Wellness Center.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their immediate families.
- 401k, Life/AD&D, and optional short-term disability coverage after 31 days of full-time employment.
Paid Holidays & Time Off
- Paid holidays, including New Year's Day, Good Friday, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving.
- Annual facility closures for one week in July and one week in December.
Our Commitment to Diversity At Bernhardt, diversity and inclusion are at the core of our values. We stand against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, race, sex, or religion. We are dedicated to ensuring equality, fairness, and respect for everyone we serve.
About Bernhardt Furniture Company Founded in 1889 by John Mathias Bernhardt in Lenoir, NC, Bernhardt Furniture has grown into one of the largest family-owned furniture companies in the nation and a global leader in furniture manufacturing. With eight manufacturing facilities, a 75,000 sq. ft. showroom in High Point, NC, and a team of 1,400 employees worldwide, Bernhardt is renowned for its award-winning designs and commitment to quality. Now led by the fourth generation, we remain true to our founding principles of high standards, craftsmanship, and community welfare.
Become part of the Bernhardt legacy and help shape our future!
EEO/Vet/Disabled
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Bernhardt Furniture Company
dental insurance, paid holidays, 401(k)
Mar 26, 2025