Senior Director of Merchandise Product Design & Planning

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Senior Director of Merchandise Product Design & Planning to oversee our jewelry design and product development teams across multiple categories and retail accounts.

This individual will be responsible for managing the product development process from initial concept through final sample approval. Working closely with category designers, the Senior Director will evaluate new concepts, establish development priorities, review and approve CADs, oversee sample production, and ensure that products meet account-specific requirements and quality standards.

The ideal candidate has extensive jewelry industry experience, strong technical CAD knowledge, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple teams and projects simultaneously.

Key Responsibilities

Product Strategy & Team Management

· Monitor market trends, competitor launches, and emerging product opportunities along with the current designers of each category

· Work collaboratively with category designers to evaluate new concepts and product ideas.

· Determine which concepts should move forward, be revised, or discontinued.

· Oversee team assignments, priorities, progress, and development timelines.

· Provide direction and feedback to in-house and overseas design teams.

CAD Review & Technical Development

· Review and approve sketches and CADs across all jewelry categories along with the category designers

· Ensure designs meet account-specific specifications, including dimensions, gram weights, proportions, stone settings, and construction requirements.

· Identify technical issues and communicate necessary revisions before sampling along with the designers giving the brief

· Work closely with designers and the development team to ensure designs are technically accurate and production-ready.

Cross-Functional Coordination

· Participate in design, development, pricing, merchandising, and customer meetings.

· Cross check with team’s timelines and communication across departments to ensure projects remain on schedule.

· Oversee assortment reviews approximately twice a year, evaluating product performance, identifying opportunities for expansion, and removing outdated styles.

Marketing & Final Quality Control

· Collaborate with Marketing on product strategies.

· Review final marketing graphics and product visuals for design accuracy.

· Identify potential intellectual property or design conflicts in proposed marketing materials.

Qualifications & Experience

· Extensive experience in jewelry design, product development, or merchandise management.

· Strong working knowledge of jewelry CADs and technical construction, with the ability to independently review designs, identify technical issues, and communicate precise revisions.

· Strong understanding of jewelry components and manufacturing requirements.

· Experience managing product development from initial concept through CAD approval, sampling, and final quality control.

· Excellent organizational, communication, and project management skills.

· Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.

Ideal Candidate

A highly organized, detail-oriented professional with extensive jewelry industry knowledge who can effectively oversee multiple design and development teams. This individual must have strong technical judgment, particularly in CAD review, and the ability to evaluate product opportunities, make informed development decisions, and maintain high standards across all categories and retail accounts.

• The role requires a collaborative leader who can manage people and processes, communicate clearly across departments, and ensure that products are developed accurately, efficiently, and according to established business objectives.

Sandeep Diamond Corporation is a long-established jewelry partner serving major retailers across North America for over 40 years. The company has evolved from a loose diamond dealer into a comprehensive, end-to-end merchandise solution provider. With a strong focus on innovation and market foresight, Sandeep Diamond Corporation aims to stay ahead of industry trends and customer expectations. Team members collaborate closely with leading retail brands, contributing to product offerings that shape the jewelry market.