Neat Method is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Product & Merchandising to lead the evolution of our brand’s physical products and merchandising strategy in the home goods and e-commerce industry. This critical leadership role will oversee the full lifecycle of our physical products—from concept to market—ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality, functionality, and design.
This individual will be responsible for product development, supply chain and sourcing, web merchandising, inventory planning, and product analytics. They will provide actionable insights and detailed reporting to the Co-Founders, (CEO and COO), to drive data-informed decision-making across all product functions.
The role includes managing and mentoring a team across these core areas, balancing strategic oversight with hands-on execution. Given the breadth and importance of this position, the ideal candidate will excel at prioritizing multiple initiatives, rapidly adapting to shifting business needs, and delivering results in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. A passion for design innovation, a sharp eye for merchandising opportunities, and a commitment to supporting Neat Method’s exceptional growth are essential.
Key Responsibilities
Product Development
- Lead the ideation, design, and development of new products, ensuring alignment with brand and customer expectations.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (marketing, sales, design) to define product roadmaps and prioritize launches.
- Manage the process of bringing new products to market, including building timelines, cross-functional costing, and creating initial buy plans.
- Guide the product design process (including collaboration with external design support) to align with creative goals while balancing margin targets.
- Monitor trends and conduct competitive analysis to identify growth opportunities.
Supply Chain, Sourcing & Vendor Management
- Oversee sourcing and supplier relationships, ensuring cost efficiency and quality standards.
- Manage the end-to-end supply chain, including logistics, production timelines, and quality assurance.
- Identify opportunities to optimize processes and reduce lead times.
Web Merchandising
- Work closely with the e-comm and development team to ensure products are effectively showcased on our website.
- Optimize product listings, descriptions, and imagery to enhance the customer experience and drive conversions.
- Utilize analytics to inform merchandising strategies and promotional opportunities.
- Regularly report on merchandising KPIs, such as percent-to-plan sales, gross margin, inventory turns, and category performance.
Inventory Planning
- Oversee inventory planning and forecasting to support demand while minimizing excess stock.
- Partner with finance and operations to ensure inventory aligns with sales targets and cash flow considerations.
- Implement tools and processes to improve inventory management and reporting accuracy.
Reporting & Analytics
- Build and maintain robust product performance dashboards, leveraging tools and data to track key metrics such as sales performance, inventory turnover, margins, and customer insights.
- Provide actionable insights and regular reports to the CEO, CFO, and COO to inform strategic decisions.
- Develop and refine forecasting models to anticipate trends and optimize inventory and product launches.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Manage and mentor direct reports in product development, sourcing, merchandising, and inventory planning.
- Develop goals and KPIs and monitor performance, ensuring accountability and alignment with company goals.
- Act as a critical bridge between product management, marketing, franchise operations, finance, and other key organizational teams.
- Partner with marketing, creative, and technology teams to align on product features, sales performance, and promotional opportunities.
- Resolve operational bottlenecks and create mechanisms for smooth interdepartmental collaboration.
Requirements
- BA/BS required.
- 5-7 years of experience in product management, development, or merchandising within retail or consumer goods industries, with a focus on physical products.
- Minimum of 3–5 years of experience leading and mentoring cross-functional teams to deliver measurable results.
- Experience in luxury home goods, home organization, or premium consumer goods is a strong plus.
- Proven experience with omni-channel merchandising, e-commerce, and direct-to-consumer business models.
- Expertise in supply chain processes, inventory planning, product analytics, and reporting tools.
- Familiarity with e-commerce platforms (e.g., Shopify), inventory management systems, and advanced Excel proficiency is required.
- Exceptional project management, analytical, and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to connect strategy to execution.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven track record of collaborating cross-functionally and reporting to senior leadership.
- Ability to balance strategic priorities with hands-on execution in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
- Self-starter with a data-driven approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
- Comfort and effectiveness working in a fully remote, distributed team environment, with excellent communication and organizational skills
- Proven ability to prioritize workload autonomously, manage competing priorities, and deliver results with limited oversight.
- Willingness to roll up sleeves to take on nitty-gritty executional tasks that comes with early-stage company.
Benefits
- Competitive compensation package
- 401(K) with company match
- Flexible PTO policy
- Remote work
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance, with HSA
- Employee discount on all Neat Method products