Technical Product Developer - Outdoor

Hi there, we’re Article. We’re a North American based furniture company creating remarkably better furniture experiences one sofa at a time. And as the Technical Product Developer - Outdoor, you’ll develop beautiful modern furniture that offers value, quality, and best in class product.

Why We Need You:

In the Product team, you will share best practices and apply your expertise on product development processes, technical manufacturing capabilities, value product engineering, and all prototype reviews. Excellent internal cross-functional relationships as well as external vendor partnerships will be developed. This fits into our larger need to successfully execute the Article’s Design Vision. You will also gain a deep understanding of the Article brand, the North American Furniture market, and the Design team needs.

Why Article?

While, we sell to the North American market, we work closely with a number of our manufacturing partners throughout Asia. As a result we have an office in Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam where we currently have around 50 Particles (people of Article) working.

As a Particle (people of Article), you will have a high level of autonomy to solve challenging, meaningful problems the best way you can. That means you’re trusted to explore solutions you believe will work best (you’re the expert, after all). You’ll do all this while growing your skills within a company that is redefining the furniture industry.

What You’ll Do:

You’ll be part of the Product Development team of 5 seasoned leaders working to develop original product designs (OEM and ODM+) in the outdoor category that meet Article’s outdoor furniture requirements.

- Communicate (OEM, ODM+) outdoor design briefs and technical drawing packages to the manufacturing partner. Day to day communication with the manufacturers, product design, quality and sourcing teams, arranging prototypes of new products, monitoring the progress of all new outdoor developments.

- Review prototypes and make technical construction recommendations, ensuring that the product meets specifications of design briefs.

- Lead the review, assessment, and approval of Initial & Final Prototype review sessions for your projects, coordinating with Design, Category Management, Sourcing, Quality, Industrial Engineering and other cross-functional teams as required.

- Work closely with the VQT & Quality team to ensure Articles product standards are met. Participate in pre-production meetings and production verification activities, ensuring that the vendor is executing according to the technical specifications.

- Maintain accurate, up-to-date information in project management software (Wrike) and work towards specific launch goals. Completion of Product Technical Information (PINFO) for each product and contributing to and maintaining Article’s construction standards (construction guide).

- Continuously conduct product research to gain an understanding of new product innovations and construction advancements. Observe product trends and new offerings through market research, trade shows and factory visits.

- Cultivate an understanding of costs associated with raw materials, design detail choices, vendor manufacturing capabilities and proficiencies.

- Collaborate with cross functional team members to ensure full transparency and awareness throughout the product commercialization timeline.

- Course correct projects that fall behind schedule. Create and communicate a plan for these situations that outlines the action plan of the specific project, partnering with the broader Product Design and Product Development teams as required.

Who You Are:

- Post secondary (college) degree in a relevant field is required.

- 5+ years experience with developing outdoor furniture is required.

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both English and Vietnamese.

- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

- Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines. Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.

- Strong problem-solving skills and relentless attitude.

- Strong technical background in outdoor furniture.

- Deep knowledge of outdoor furniture construction, materials, production processes, and testing requirements and quality defects.

- Proficient with G-suite / Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Perks & Benefits:

Life:

15 days of vacation*

11 National Holidays & 1 extra day for Christmas

6 well-being (sick) days*

1 Inclusion and Diversity Day

Health:

Excellent extended health care benefits packages (dental, health check, mental health…)

Company & Office Space:

State-of-the-art laptops with the tech and tools to easily collaborate

Be a part of a dynamic company and an internationally recognized brand