Director of Product Development

Who We Are

PALECEK values integrity, loyalty, and strong partnerships as a family-owned company. We are driven to improve, innovate, and inspire. We bring our personal best to every aspect of our business, from our design and craft to our internal teamwork and customer service. We are passionate about creativity and believe that beautiful spaces enhance the quality of life.

Summary

The Director of Product Development will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing Palecek’s design vision, working closely with the Executive VP of Product & Supply Chain and team to drive innovative and aesthetically compelling furniture collections.

In addition to leading the design process, the Director of Product Development will be a key decision-maker in material selection, supplier partnerships, and production processes, ensuring high-quality standards and cost-effective solutions that support the company’s growth objectives. Reporting directly to the Chief Creative Officer, this role requires a deep understanding of market trends, consumer preferences, and competitive positioning.

Description:

• Develop and present a comprehensive long-term product strategy expanding the Palecek assortment through original proprietary designs and product development leveraging our international supply chain.


• Curate product assortments that align with the brand’s customer demographic and regional

preferences.

• Continuously analyze sales performance, market trends, and consumer insights to refine the product offering, maximizing revenue and profitability


• Clearly communicate the design vision and inspire the team to develop and execute a cohesive product strategy that aligns with business goals


• Implement and oversee the approved strategy, ensuring objectives are met within the designated budget while driving positive business results


• Review, critique, and guide the creation of 3D and 2D CAD renderings to guarantee design accuracy, quality, and brand aesthetics


• Establish and adhere to the product development (PD) calendar, coordinating with cross-functional teams to align product launch schedules and ensure timely execution


• Maintain strong verbal and written communication with manufacturers to streamline the sampling process, enhance design aesthetics, and uphold quality standard 

• Participate in company-sponsored travel to trade shows and international factories to foster relationships, oversee design integrity, and stay ahead of emerging product trends


• Evaluate and approve product mixes to ensure collections maintain a cohesive brand identity and meet high-quality standards. Identify opportunities to incorporate current design trends while preserving core product offerings and best sellers


• Identify and explore new business opportunities in emerging product categories and alternative sourcing channels to drive innovation and growth


• Collaborate closely with sales, merchandising and marketing teams to effectively communicate the product strategy, ensuring alignment with upcoming product themes and overall brand messaging


• Perform other duties as assigned

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Furniture Design, Interior Design, or a related field is required; a Master’s degree is preferred


• A minimum of 15–20 years of experience in high-end furniture design, development, and production, with a strong background in luxury and custom furnishings


• Extensive knowledge of furniture engineering, sourcing, supply chain logistics, product introduction, and the full design lifecycle, from concept to market launch


• Deep understanding of materials, furniture construction techniques, and finishing processes to ensure high-quality craftsmanship


• Demonstrated success in leading product design and supply chain development, with the ability to make strategic, data-driven decisions


• Ability to work autonomously while keeping senior leadership informed on project progress, performance, and key business initiatives


• Strong sense of urgency in executing business goals, taking calculated risks, and translating sales data into actionable design and sourcing strategies that enhance profitability and brand positioning


• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with internal teams, overseas vendors, external partners, and key stakeholders at all levels


• Skilled in navigating complex disagreements and facilitating resolution, ensuring trust, alignment, and a shared company vision among internal and external teams


• Desire to seek feedback and commit to continuous improvement to product lines based on team insights, customer feedback, product performance and market changes


• Willingness to travel internationally for product development trips and domestically for trade shows, vendor meetings, and industry events


• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), Adobe Creative Suite, and AutoCAD

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and move for extended periods, including walking through office, and warehouse spaces


• Frequent use of hands and fingers for computer work, sketching, and handling material samples


• Occasional lifting and carrying of materials, samples, and product prototypes (up to 25 lbs.