Product Development Assistant

As the Product Development Assistant at SMD, your role will be instrumental in supporting the Product Development Manager in the development and sourcing of products for our expanding operations in Australia, and New Zealand. You will be responsible for various tasks related to product development, vendor management, and project coordination.

Key Responsibilities:

• Market Research:
• Conduct comprehensive market research in Australia, and New Zealand to understand consumer preferences and industry trends.
• Keep an eye on local festive and calendar events that may impact product demand and timelines.
• Vendor Management:
• Collaborate with the China team to identify, evaluate, and select suppliers and manufacturers in China.
• Using the SMD China team manage the timelines and critical deadlines on NPD delivery dates.
• Manage via our SMD China office the required Quality Controls for our products (mostly non-licensed)
• Monitor the impact of Chinese holidays and events on production and shipping schedules.
• Product Sourcing:
• Work closely with SMD China to source and sample products that align with the company's quality standards and the sourcing brief provided to you and SMD China.
• Coordinate pre-production sample evaluations, ensuring they meet the specified criteria.
• Manage mass production deadlines and monitor the progress of manufacturing processes using the SMD team in China.
• Project Coordination:
• Overview with the China team and local stakeholders the plans and coordinated supply chain from China to Australia, and New Zealand.
• Update and maintain shipping schedules to ensure products arrive on time based off the updates we receive from the SMD China teams.
• Adjust production and shipping schedules as needed to accommodate festive and calendar events and meet market demand.
• Quality Assurance:
• Enforce our rules and standards for Australia and NZ are met by all our vendors- make visible the AUS standards and ensure suppliers abide.
• Request inspections and audits of Chinese suppliers to maintain consistent quality where needed.
• Cost Analysis:
• Work with the China team to analyze costs associated with product development and sourcing, identifying opportunities for cost savings.
• Adjust current strategies as needed to optimize cost-efficiency.
• Continually look for cost saving opportunities within our business model.
• Documentation:
• Maintain accurate and organized records of all product development, sourcing, and supply chain activities.
• Ensure all documentation complies with international standards and regulations.
• Weekly meeting minutes.
• Non-licensed product catalogues as well as competitor analysis.
• Order tracking Documents, PO Documents,
• Communication and Collaboration:
• Foster effective communication and collaboration between the China team and local teams to streamline the product development process.
• Keep all stakeholders informed of any adjustments to schedules, deadlines, or strategies due to calendar events or other factors.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• 2-3 years assistant and/or administrative experience.
• Retail experience advantageous.
• Able to multitask, prioritize, and manage time efficiently.
• Goal-oriented, organized team player.
• Degree in relevant field advantageous.
• Strong computer and excel skills.

This role is essential in facilitating efficient product development, ensuring quality and cost-effective sourcing, and contributing to the growth and success of SMD in Australia, and New Zealand.