Sr. Manager, Product Development

About the Role

Founded in 2024, Savannah Friedkin is a modern fine‑jewelry brand focused on quality craftsmanship and environmental consciousness. The Senior Manager of Product Development provides comprehensive, highly organized project management for new fine‑jewelry from initial development through launch, serving as the primary owner of vendor communication and project execution.

• Assess product designs for technical feasibility, design/volume translation, and quality, recommending alternative processes and tooling solutions.
• Lead multifaceted product‑development projects, balancing engineering, manufacturing, cost, and aesthetic requirements.
• Create production schedules, prioritize launches, and allocate vendor capacity.
• Own the critical path from design approval through launch, monitoring milestones, identifying blockers, and managing sample budgets.
• Select and negotiate with vendors, monitor performance, maintain vendor scorecards, and serve as the primary external contact during development.
• Negotiate costing and resolve delays related to vendors, materials, and approvals.
• Maintain open communication with vendors on status, risks, priorities, and next steps; provide regular reporting (monthly launch status, WIP, vendor status, timeline updates).
• Prioritize competing project needs based on launch requirements, development risk, business priorities, and critical path.
• Make technical decisions to ensure the highest quality standards for stones, work‑in‑progress, and finished pieces.
• Execute and maintain all product‑specific documentation for new development and active finished goods.
• Identify obstacles early, drive resolution with vendors and internal partners, and present clear options and recommendations when escalation is required.
• Collaborate on solutions to improve manufacturability, cost, and quality while preserving design intent.
• Track new sample and finished‑goods orders to ensure timely receipt.
• Maintain purchase‑order templates for samples, new products, running changes, and custom orders.
• Manage incoming material inspection (diamonds, weight, finish, packaging, photography readiness).
• Support additional manufacturing and development initiatives as needed.
• Coordinate and conduct factory audits and supplier assessments to evaluate capabilities, quality systems, capacity, compliance, and overall performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (focus in Gemology preferred).
• 8+ years of professional jewelry project management / product development experience.
• Strong knowledge of modern jewelry manufacturing techniques, jewelry construction, precious‑metal metallurgy, and gemstones.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to manage numerous concurrent projects.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability; persistence to follow issues through to resolution.
• Effective problem‑solving skills and sound judgment; ability to assess issues, develop solutions, and escalate appropriately.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication and interpersonal skills; ability to build productive relationships with internal partners and external vendors.
• Genuine passion for jewelry, craftsmanship, design, and transforming concepts into finished products.
• High standards for quality and execution.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe Suite (Excel, InDesign, Photoshop); working knowledge of Monday.com, PLM, and Oracle software.
• Practical CAD knowledge.
• Willingness to travel up to 20% for operations support, off‑site events, and annual factory visits abroad.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Wellness programs.
• Retirement plans.
• Generous paid leave.
• Career‑growth opportunities with leadership and personal‑development pathways.
• Supportive culture that values input, encourages innovation, and emphasizes excellence.

Compensation

The Total Rewards package includes a competitive and fair compensation structure with base pay and performance‑based rewards. Compensation is determined by skill set, experience, qualifications, and job‑related requirements.

Travel Requirements

Up to 20% travel is required to support operations, attend off‑site events, and conduct annual factory visits abroad.