Product Development Manager jobs in Des Plaines, IL

Who We Are

As one of the fastest-growing on-the-go drinkware companies in America, we’ve got a reputation for doing great things. Our vision is simple - bring delight to eating and drinking.

Delight is different to everyone. Whether it’s the perfect cup of coffee, or a water bottle that helps you crush your workout, our mission is to make it look great, function perfectly and cost less than you’d expect.

Delivering on this promise takes extraordinary efforts and exceptional people. Through our teams’ ingenuity and grit, we’ve created a place where the best ideas win, and they can come from anyone. Our culture combines the scrappy spirit of a startup with the perks of a market leader.

We believe the right way to design products starts and ends with two key ingredients: process people. Process is the path that takes us from ideas to products that are on brand, on time and on budget. People are the secret sauce that adds ingenuity every step of the way. 

Together, we navigate each day with optimism, curiosity, a healthy sense of humor and a strong allergy to the word “no.” This desire for better, coupled with a deep understanding of consumers’ daily lives, gets us to meaningful delight.

About the Role

Reporting to the Manager, Product Marketing, the Product Marketing Coordinator serves as liaison between Marketing, Sales, Design, and Engineering and is responsible for managing the communications, timelines, and deliverables for all sales and product development projects. With the guidance of Marketing Managers, you will own the product approval process and coordinate the sample needs to support product development and product presentations. This is a unique position that provides true cross-functional exposure to all aspects of our business - from creative development to interfacing with our manufacturing partners.

What You’ll Do

• Take ownership of sample request forms, prototype request forms, and weekly project trackers.
• Manage the organization and efficiency of the sample room, including the intake and inventory of new and existing products and coordinate logistics for sample tracking and delivery.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including sales management, representatives, ecommerce, marketing, catalog, sample warehouse, and global teams to manage sample quantities effectively.
• Ensure all sampling information is kept up-to-date 
• Assist in managing the New Product Development Timeline from brief kickoff to design and engineering development, costed BOMs, packaging, and product samples.
• Communicate and track customer and internal timelines across multiple departments.
• Conduct seasonal retail audits to evaluate programs, pricing, as well as new, existing, and competitive products.
• Take responsibility for organizing and ordering color Pantones each season, and set up and maintain the Pantone color library.
• Light lifting and carrying may be required (20-30 lbs)

Who You Are

• Bachelor’s Degree required with 1 year of experience (consumer goods or project management preferred)
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Experience with Tableau and/or Power BI is a plus.
• Strong project and time-management skills, with the ability to multitask effectively.
• Demonstrated interest in consumer products, new product development, and innovation.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with individuals and teams at all levels of the organization, including international teams.
• Keen attention to detail, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Enthusiasm for learning and professional growth within a dynamic environment.
• Ability to embrace transparency and adapt to shifting priorities, while learning from each decision and maintaining focus on progress.

Benefits at Leapfrog

• 15 days Paid Time Off your first year, and an additional day each year thereafter (up to 25 days), as well as company paid sick days, holidays and parental leave options
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as commuter benefits and additional voluntary benefits
• Annual bonus payouts and up to a 5% 401k match for all eligible employees
• Summer Fridays - from Memorial Day to Labor Day enjoy half days every Friday

Note: Leapfrog is currently operating under a hybrid work model, and this position will report on site to our Lincoln Park office at least 2 days per week. Additional ad-hoc in office days may be required based on business needs. Please do not apply if you are not comfortable with a hybrid work model. 

Leapfrog Brands is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, training and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, and make all employment decisions without regard to any protected status. Please note, we are unable to offer sponsorship or relocation for this position, and all new hires will be required to verify their employment eligibility through the DHS E-Verify program.