Product Developer (10 Mths FTC)

We have a fantastic opportunity for a creative yet meticulously organised Product Developer to join our Global Product Development Team at our Wrexham offices on a 10 month fixed-term, full-time contract. The successful candidate will be the core support for the development of the product development strategy. We are looking for a solution driven, hardworking individual who is a strong communicator at all levels and who will be confident in questioning the status quo. We require a strong individual who will be responsible for delivering operational excellence within their department and continuously leading by example by upholding high standards. This pivotal role involves working to support the Product Development & Sourcing Manager ensuring the overall maintenance and implementation of the product development strategy.

The right candidate should be confident, have great organisational skills, be a strong team-player, and a good communicator. The candidate must be able to work effectively and efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

Company Conformance Statements:

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties, all employees are expected to conform to the following:

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.


• Interact professionally with other employees, customers, and suppliers.


• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.


• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organisations.


Key Areas of Responsibility (including but not limited to):

• Successfully own, lead, and deliver projects, regularly reviewing timelines, quality, and costs across the Product Development department (NPD/EPD/Dies)


• Present product concept ideas to key stakeholders, professionally and confidently.


• Leads by example in using fact-based decision making in a timely manner, whilst avoiding over analysis to key stakeholders and the wider Product Development Team.



• Monitoring the product schedule weekly and updating all relevant documents with changes.


• Regular cost analysis on projects responsible for, reviewing competitors and the market to influence pricing and providing detailed information to the Product Manager.


• Project and packaging sample management.


• Complete general administrative tasks such as managing the requests for new item number, translations, Monday.com requests, scheduling and general requests relating to product development.


• Complete regular market research, looking specifically at new and innovative ideas and monitoring competitor's product ranges and pricing structures.


• Proofing of new product packaging following the approval process in place supporting the Product Manager.


• Create competitor documents showing the comparisons of the brands - this will support the sales team with customer enquiries.


• Research and Development - Continually researching into the industry to establish new product categories and opportunities and reporting on them regularly to the Product Manager.


• Project Management - Working on the development of new products as identified in the pipeline supporting the Product Development & Sourcing Manager.
  
  Are you an experienced coordinator adept at managing a large workload with excellent prioritising skills? Are you comfortable to challenge the status quo, and do you enjoy creating new solutions with a hands-on approach to problem solving?, Degree or equivalent experience in business administration/product development/design or buying/merchandising (or similar discipline).


• Proficient in reporting and data analysis.


• Excellent attention to detail.


• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.


• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.


• Organisation and have excellent time management and prioritisation skills.


• Self-motivated to set and achieve goals.


• Possess the ability to work to a very high standard whilst under pressure.


• Available to travel as and when required.


Preferences:

• Work experience in the Arts and Crafts Industry, preferred but not essential.
  
  Ellison is widely recognized as a global market leader in the DIY arts and crafts marketplace, with the company designing, manufacturing, and distributing the finest quality die-cutting machines and products to the creative industry. Ellison's innovative designs empower users to cut, embellish and create extraordinary projects from a variety of materials, which can be used in the home, the classroom, or for gifts and self-expression of any kind.


Since 1977, Ellison has been a hallmark product in the classroom and continues to be a trusted favourite with teachers and educators. In 2001, Ellison launched Sizzix, a global brand focused on providing inspirational products for the creative community, whether they enjoy upcycling, home décor, sewing or paper crafting. In addition to their die-cutting equipment, Sizzix also offers a wide variety of making essentials and tools which complement any creative pursuits. These include cardstock, fabric, felt, a glue gun and a paper sculpting kit. The extensive Sizzix product collections provide their community with everything needed to build their creative lifestyles.

Ellison itself is a global company with its America and Canada office located in Lake Forest, California and its European and Rest of World (ROW) office located in Wrexham, UK. Ellison also has manufacturing facilities and operations in China. The majority of Ellison's customers are Business-to-Business (B2B) retailers and distributors who purchase, stock, and resell their products to end-users. In addition, Ellison also sell Business-to-Consumer (B2C) direct to schools and consumers via their branded websites and catalogues, or at select creative trade-shows and events. Ellison's mission is to continue to grow its market leadership position with uncompromising quality, innovative design and inspiring, award-winning products that continue to inspire the creative community.

Computer workstation, laptop, mobile smart phone, and other typical office equipment. May occasionally use various die cut machines, various crafting tools, art medium, hot glue, etc. for creation of sample projects.

Our Vision:


• We will be experts at innovating and evolving product stories through an immersive customer journey, where hands-on creativity and digital experiences co-exist.


• We will pioneer creative expression, captivating every generation.


Our Mission:


• We strive to be the brand of choice in die-cutting and embossing technologies, providing quality and cohesive product stories, through a seamless multi-channel customer experience.


Our Core Values:


• Passion


• Commitment and Accountability


• Results Driven


• Collaboration


• Encouragement


Why Join Our Team:


• We provide a stimulating and rewarding working environment for all, focused on empowering, inspiring and nurturing our people.


• We provide competitive compensation and benefits, and we thrive on innovation and being a great place to work.


What We Offer


• A company culture that promotes work life balance via our hybrid working scheme.


• Competitive salaries.


• Pension.


• Great Holidays-Enhanced based on length of service.


• An additional Birthday Day Leave.


• An additional Duvet Day Leave.


• Additional CSR Leave.


• Perks and discounts via our benefits and reward platform 'Perkbox' that includes monthly treats and discounts from selected restaurants, cinemas and retailers.


• Long Service Awards.


• Great Staff Discount on our products.


• Access to mental health support via our 'Employee Assistance Programme'.


• Career development opportunities and commitment to continued learning and development.