Senior Director of Product Development & Innovation, Ruggable

$180-245k

+ An annual bonus percentage that varies based on level of role

Expert level

Los Angeles

More information about location

3+ days a week in office ( North Torrance, CA)

Washable rugs

Be an early applicant

Washable rugs

201-500 employees

B2CManufacturingDesignInterior designConsumer GoodseCommerce

Be an early applicant

$180-245k

+ An annual bonus percentage that varies based on level of role

Expert level

Los Angeles

More information about location

3+ days a week in office ( North Torrance, CA)

201-500 employees

B2CManufacturingDesignInterior designConsumer GoodseCommerce

Company mission

Ruggable's mission is to help improve the lives of people and pets in need, while also working towards more responsible business practices.

Job

Company

Role

Who you are

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (industrial design, engineering, textiles)
10+ years of experience in product development in the textiles industry, preferably in Home
Proven track record of successfully launching innovative products and driving revenue growth
Strong leadership and team management skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Deep understanding of global sourcing and supplier management

Desirable

Knowledge of regulatory compliance and quality assurance standards
Analytical and data-driven approach to decision-making

What the job involves

Ruggable is seeking a dynamic and strategic Sr. Director of Product Development & Innovation to lead our global product development initiatives
This role is pivotal in driving our continued growth and innovation by overseeing the entire product lifecycle, from concept to launch, with a focus on washable, stylish, and functional home goods
You will lead a cross-functional team, foster strong supplier relationships, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive R&D efforts to maintain Ruggable's position as a leader in the home decor space
Product Development: Oversee the development of new products, ensuring they meet Ruggable's high standards for quality, functionality, and design
Innovation: Champion the development of patentable products, materials, and technologies that will continue to establish Ruggable as the market leader
Supplier Development: Build and maintain strong relationships with global suppliers to ensure the highest-levels of quality, best costing, and support the innovation agenda
Compliance & Quality Assurance: Manage product testing and certification processes
Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration: Lead and mentor a large team of product developments, designers, and engineers while fostering a collaborative and creative work environment

Our take

Whilst rugs are a staple of interior design and home energy efficiency, they have historically proven a tough solution for people with kids, pets, or messy lifestyles. So Ruggable’s washable, spill-proof rug solution would have come as a welcome innovation when the company launched just over a decade ago. The product consists of a heavier duty base, and a decorative ‘rug layer’ on top, and Ruggable has been consistently expanding the design range of this product ever since.

One obstacle Ruggable will face is that washable materials have developed enough in the decade since Ruggable was founded to allow competitors to gather speed with simpler products. Brands including home design giant Dunelm, for example, offer rugs that are fully washable, without having to separate out the pieces.

Where Ruggable is certainly strong is branding. The company has done well to get products trending, with a successful focus on bloggers and major news outlets. Excellent reviews and superior product exposure are strong keys to success, especially in a period where DTC sales are king.