Principal Product Developer

Title: Principal Product Developer 

Reports to: Director of Product Development

Location: Remote (US-Based)

Type: Full-Time, Exempt

About Warren James

Warren James is the leading creator commerce partner for top digital talent. We build premium consumer products and brands at the intersection of content, fandom, and commerce - spanning DTC, retail, licensing, and new category expansion. Our work blends creative instinct, operator discipline, and speed. Across every facet of our operations, Warren James prides itself on providing best-in-class, end-to-end infrastructure capable of elevating creator merchandise into fully-fledged consumer brands driving millions in annual sales.

Job Overview

This role is responsible for the growth, planning, execution, and management of development for select brands within Warren James alongside both internal and external partners. The Principal Product Developer will drive the sourcing and development of our Plush development in partnership with factories and vendors both overseas and domestic.

We are looking for an awesome Principal Product Developer who is passionate, organized, timeline focused, and interested in the brands and content creators we work with. In this position you’ll communicate with the office in Guangzhou and our factory and vendor base to lead the product development, sampling, and production of select brands and product lines within Warren James. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead complex plush product development, including construction, materials, patterns, embroidery, proportions, and finishing details.
• Review concepts, specifications, and samples to ensure technical feasibility, quality, and alignment with design intent.
• Provide clear technical feedback to vendors and resolve complex development and manufacturing challenges.
• Evaluate vendor capabilities and support sourcing decisions based on quality, cost, and development needs.
• Review costing and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs without compromising quality.
• Partner with Business Development, Creative, and Merchandising to communicate product feasibility, risks, and timelines.
• Establish plush development standards, technical references, and best practices.
• Mentor Product Developers and serve as a technical resource for complex projects and problem-solving without direct reports. 
• Identify opportunities to improve development processes, sample efficiency, and vendor performance.

Qualifications & Experience

• Extensive product development experience, with a strong focus on plush or stuffed products.
• Deep knowledge of plush construction, materials, patterns, embroidery, and manufacturing processes.
• Proven experience managing complex development projects and resolving technical challenges.
• Strong understanding of costing, quality standards, vendor capabilities, and production feasibility.
• Experience working with overseas vendors and cross-functional teams.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to mentor team members and provide technical leadership without direct people management.

Success in This Role

• Consistent plush quality and technical standards across projects.
• Improved vendor performance, development efficiency, and cost management.
• Early identification and resolution of technical and production risks.
• Stronger plush development processes and technical resources.
• Increased team knowledge and confidence in plush product development.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent relevant experience.
• 8-12 years of experience in plush product development, sourcing, or a closely related role.
• Experience creating and managing detailed product specifications and tech packs.
• Experience working with overseas manufacturers, particularly in China.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple SKUs and overlapping development timelines. Experience managing timelines and costing is important!
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with both domestic and overseas teams.
• Proficient with Google Workspace, Excel, Asana, or other project management software.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator is required.

Employment Type & Work Schedule:

This is a full-time exempt remote position. Standard work hours are approximately 40 hours per week. Daily work hours will be established based on business needs and the employee's time zone, in coordination with their manager.

Compensation and Benefits

• Remote work environment (US)
• Potential for performance-based bonus.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available, with Warren James covering 100% of the Medical and Dental premium for employee and 50% coverage of dependent premiums.
• Unlimited PTO.
• 4% 401k match after 90 consecutive days of employment.
• $50 monthly cell phone allowance and $50 monthly gym reimbursement.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• $80,000-$85,000 base salary, commensurate with experience.

* Warren James is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. xuwmhxw We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other legally protected characteristic.