Risevoic
Director, Product Development and Merchandising
Company : Centric Brands Inc.
Location : New York, NY, 10118
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 2 January 2026
About Us
Centric Brands is a leading lifestyle brand collective that designs, sources, markets and sells high quality products in multiple segments, including women’s, men’s and kid’s apparel, accessories, entertainment and beauty. Centric Brands is focused on our customers and our brands that will drive the company’s future growth. We are defined by innovation as we seize new opportunities and thrive in an environment informed by creativity and thinking that is both analytical and outside the box. Centric Brands reflects a team built on respect, for others and for the hard work it takes to achieve our goals and build our bright future together.
Specific Responsibilities Would Include
The Director of Product Development & Merchandising for Off-Price Jewelry leads the end-to-end development and merchandising of seasonal jewelry assortments tailored for the off-price market. This leader collaborates closely with Design, Merchandising, Production, Planning, and overseas partners to strategically plan, create, and execute compelling product lines that are trend-right, competitively priced, margin-responsible, and brand-appropriate.
With a deep understanding of consumer needs, value-driven pricing, and fast-paced retail cycles, the Director will drive product strategies that balance fashion and commercial viability, optimize vendor relationships, and ensure operational excellence from concept to delivery.
Strategy & Innovation
Lead seasonal product and merchandising strategies, ensuring alignment between trend direction, pricing architecture, brand identity, and target customer.
Partner with Design and Planning to define seasonal assortments, color palettes, and key categories, leveraging previous best sellers and market analytics to drive item productivity.
Develop a strategic assortment plan that balances fashion, core, basics, and key value items tailored for the off-price channel.
Identify and apply relevant macro and micro trends to create compelling, differentiated assortments across brands and collections.
Evaluate competitive intelligence and consumer insights to pinpoint new opportunities in price points, materials, categories, or formats.
Drive brand cohesion and consistency across multiple jewelry collections and product tiers.
Product Development & Merchandising
Oversee product development lifecycle from concept through production, ensuring quality, cost, and aesthetic integrity are maintained.
Drive execution of assortment plans by working cross-functionally to ensure product viability from design intent to commercial execution.
Build and manage seasonal line architecture and SKU plans in partnership with Merchandising and Planning teams.
Approve materials, stones, findings, finishes, and components in alignment with brand aesthetic and quality standards.
Collaborate with overseas offices and vendors to ensure prototypes, sales samples, and bulk orders meet spec, budget, and lead time requirements.
Direct development and completion of Product Profile Sheets; maintain up-to-date records in PLM or related systems.
Operations & Results
Own and manage the seasonal product development calendar; ensure timely product delivery and adherence to key milestones.
Partner with Production and Sourcing to identify and onboard new vendors; assess and monitor vendor performance, negotiate costs, and optimize capacity allocation.
Collaborate with Imports and Compliance to ensure duty optimization, customs clearance, and adherence to legal and regulatory requirements.
Present seasonal product lines to senior leadership, buyers, and internal stakeholders; lead key milestone meetings including line reviews, pre-costing, and post-season analysis.
Continuously assess margin performance and costing opportunities to deliver value to customers and profitability to the business.
Identify and resolve quality issues and construction challenges in partnership with Technical Design and QA.
Customers & Relationships
Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, suppliers, and internal cross-functional partners.
Attend relevant trade shows, trend presentations, and sourcing expos to identify new resources and stay ahead of market shifts.
Act as a key liaison with licensors, retail partners, and internal stakeholders to align on brand standards and merchandising direction.
Leadership & Talent Management
Manage and mentor a team of Product Developers and Merchandisers; set clear goals, provide actionable feedback, and foster growth.
Create an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing team culture.
Identify future talent needs and implement succession planning strategies.
Promote accountability, strategic thinking, and agility across the team to meet evolving business needs.
Our Best Fit Candidate Would Have
7+ years of experience in product development, merchandising, or private label buying—jewelry experience strongly preferred
Proven success in off-price or value-driven retail environments
Strong understanding of global sourcing, product lifecycle management, and cost engineering
Ability to interpret design and trend concepts into commercial product lines
Deep knowledge of materials, construction, and manufacturing techniques in fashion jewelry
Strong analytical skills and business acumen; ability to drive margin and profitability
Exceptional organizational, negotiation, and communication skills
Experience presenting to senior leadership and working in cross-functional environments
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word); SAP and PLM systems a plus
Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Product Development, Business, or related field
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed
In return, we provide an industry-competitive salary, along with a comprehensive benefits plan (medical, dental, vision) that includes a matching 401(k), Summer Fridays, generous PTO, merchandise discounts, excellent career development opportunities, and a work environment that reflects our industry leadership. Our social impact program, Centric Cares, focuses on volunteerism to make a difference in communities we live and work in and our D&I committee is shaping the future of diversity, equity and inclusion at Centric Brands though workshops, resources and inspiring conversation.
Salary Range: $125,000-140,000
At Centric Brands, we believe our people are our greatest asset, and we seek to structure competitive compensation offers to ensure that we are able to attract and retain the best talent. Our job postings include an annual base salary range at the time of employment. The stated base salary range represents our good faith estimate as to what candidates are likely to expect, and we tailor our offers within the range based on several factors, including the selected candidate's educational and professional experience, industry knowledge, location, technical and communication skills, and other factors that may prove relevant during the selection process. Base salary is a part of a total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include commission earnings, annual bonus and other Centric Brands sponsored benefit programs.
Be part of our growing community by getting involved with groups, teams and initiatives like Be Green, Be Giving, and Be Celebrated.
Centric Brands is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Please note that Centric Brands will only reach out to interview, make an offer of employment or conduct onboarding activities for candidates who have applied through our careers site. When interviewing for a position, the candidate experience will include live interaction, such as a video conference or telephone call, with a Recruiter and/or company employee(s). We will never ask for any money or payments from applicants at any point in the recruitment process. Be aware of suspicious recruitment activity. If you think you are a victim of an employment scam, you may contact your local law enforcement agency and/or visit the Federal Trade Commission website here: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams.
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Frequently asked questions
Thriving as a Director in New York demands blending trend-savvy product insight with strong vendor management. Understanding fast-paced retail cycles and off-price consumer expectations is essential, alongside coordinating cross-functional teams to deliver on brand aesthetics and profitability targets.
Top directors combine analytical prowess with creative vision, mastering product lifecycle management, cost engineering, and trend interpretation. Expertise in global sourcing, jewelry materials, and the ability to mentor teams while negotiating vendor partnerships sets leaders apart in this role.
Yes, progression often includes executive leadership, broader category management, or strategic roles in brand innovation. Directors develop skills in data-driven decision-making, global operations, and cross-brand strategy, opening doors to VP or C-suite positions within lifestyle brand organizations.
Centric Brands’ diverse lifestyle portfolio demands agility in balancing fashion trends with off-price market dynamics. Directors must manage multiple jewelry collections while aligning with the company’s innovation focus and inclusive culture, navigating complex vendor networks and cross-functional collaboration.
Centric Brands integrates responsible sourcing and community engagement into product strategies. Directors influence ethical material selection and vendor partnerships, contributing to the company’s 'Be Green' and 'Be Giving' programs, which enhance brand value and resonate with conscious consumers.
While based primarily in New York, Centric Brands embraces a hybrid model, blending in-office collaboration with remote flexibility. This approach supports creative teamwork, vendor meetings, and strategic planning, accommodating the fast-paced nature of product development cycles.
In New York, salaries for this director role generally range from $125,000 to $140,000 annually. Centric Brands offers competitive compensation packages, reflecting experience, expertise in jewelry merchandising, and leadership capabilities, along with comprehensive benefits.
New York's elevated living expenses drive companies to offer attractive salary packages and benefits to secure top merchandising talent. Demand remains robust due to the city's role as a fashion hub, encouraging firms to invest in experienced directors capable of delivering innovative product lines.
This director uniquely blends trend analysis, assortment planning, and vendor coordination specifically within off-price jewelry. Unlike broader merchandising roles, it requires deep category expertise, overseeing product lifecycle from concept to delivery with a strong focus on margin management.
Applicants should highlight transferable skills like product lifecycle management, vendor negotiation, and trend forecasting. Demonstrating knowledge of fashion accessories, off-price retail dynamics, and leadership in cross-functional teams can compensate for limited direct jewelry background.