Product Development Assistant - Cloth & Paper : Job Details

Company Overview:

Cloth & Paper is an online retailer of minimal and luxe stationery and planning supplies. Along with a successful e-commerce shop, Cloth & Paper curates multiple subscription boxes. We have grown a very passionate following over our 9 years in business, and currently have over 131,000 followers on social media. We were recently featured on Forbes.com, the Today Show and made the Inc. 5000 List for the second time, rated 717 overall. With a strong commitment to quality, style, and functionality, we continue to shape and lead the stationery and planning market.

Summary of Role:

The Product Development Assistant will work directly with our Head of Product to support the development of projects from concept through delivery, product lifecycle documentation and tracking, and vendor management. This role is critical in ensuring smooth communication with vendors, maintaining product quality standards, and managing operational details that drive timely, successful launches.

Essential Duties Include, but Aren't Limited to:

- Support product development by researching market trends, competitor products, and new materials/vendors to inform product strategy.

- Review and proof product files and samples, ensuring accuracy prior to vendor submission and production.

- Assist in managing the full product lifecycle from concept, sampling, and approvals through production and delivery.

- Proactively manage communication across time zones and cultures to ensure timely project progress.

- Coordinate with domestic and international vendors on product specs, costs, timelines, and quality standards.

- Stay up to date on tariff changes and import rules, processes, and documentation.

- Support vendor negotiations and maintain records of terms and pricing.

- Prepare and track purchase orders, ensuring accuracy and timely follow-up.

- Coordinate product development timelines, ensuring key milestones are met.

- Help track quality control processes, flagging issues, and ensuring corrective action is taken.

- Anticipate and problem-solve around supply chain disruptions, shipping delays, and vendor challenges.

- Work with design, procurement, and operations teams to ensure product details are aligned and deadlines are achieved.

- Support communication across internal departments and with external partners.

- Maintain product data and organize workflows and timelines using Monday.com, Notion, or similar project management tools.

- Support the Head of Product with reports, documentation, and project tracking.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

- Confident, yet willing to learn and adapt.

- Ability to simplify and solve complex problems through creative and analytical thinking.

- Excellent organizational skills with a keen eye for detail.

- Strong written and verbal communication skills. - Strong written and verbal communication skills.

- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.

- Understanding of product lifecycle management and quality control.

- Experience with vendor management and negotiation.

- Proficiency in Monday.com, Notion, and Excel.

-- Previous experience with PIM, PLM, ERP, or similar platforms is a plus

Qualifications & Basic Job Requirements:

- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience.

- 0-2+ years of experience in product development, supply chain, or operations (luxury goods or stationery/office supplies preferred).

- Reliable transportation to the Henrico, VA office.

Compensation & Benefits:

- Salary starting at $50,000+ based on experience.

- Health, vision, and dental benefits.

- Competitive paid time off and holidays.

- Employee discount.

- Opportunity to grow within a rapidly expanding, design-forward company.