Product Development Coordinator

Location: Minneapolis/St. Paul

At Yoobi, we believe creativity has the power to change lives.

Everything we make is designed to help kids express themselves, build confidence, and dream bigger. And because giving back is woven into everything we do, every purchase helps support classrooms and students in need across the country.

We're building more than a school supply company.

We're building a portfolio of purpose-driven brands that combine creativity, design, self-expression, and impact.

We're looking for a Product Development Coordinator to help shape what comes next.

We're in an exciting chapter of growth.

Over the past several years, we've expanded our portfolio, built meaningful retail partnerships, launched award-winning licensed programs, reached more than 100 million items donated to classrooms, and continued to evolve how our brands show up in the world.

Today, we're operating as a highly collaborative global team with teammates and partners across multiple countries and functions. We're expanding our reach, exploring new growth opportunities, and building the capabilities needed for our next phase of growth.

That means this is a rare opportunity to join a purpose-driven company where you can have outsized impact, influence the future of the portfolio, and work at the intersection of culture, partnerships, retail, and growth.

No two days look exactly the same—and that's part of what makes it fun.

Role Summary

The Product Development Coordinator supports the Product Development team throughout the full product lifecycle—from concept through commercialization. This entry-level role is ideal for a highly organized, detail-oriented, and creative individual eager to build a career in consumer product development.

Working closely with Product Development, Design, Sourcing, Merchandising, Operations, and overseas manufacturing partners, this role helps keep projects organized, timelines on track, and products moving efficiently through development.

Designed as a career-path opportunity, this position provides hands-on experience and mentorship to build the technical, creative, and commercial skills needed to advance into a Product Development Manager role.

Location: Remote-first role based in Minneapolis, MN, with in-office time required as needed for sample management, showroom organization, product reviews, and team collaboration.

Reports to: Senior Director of Product Development & Design, with day-to-day direction from the Product Development Manager.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development Support

  • Support Product Development Managers in managing multiple product development projects from concept through commercialization.
  • Coordinate project timelines, key milestones, development calendars, and sample tracking.
  • Prepare and maintain product data across multiple platforms.
  • Develop an understanding of the product development lifecycle while progressively taking ownership of smaller projects and product categories.
  • Demonstrate initiative by proactively identifying next steps, following through on commitments, and helping keep projects moving.

Sample Management

  • Manage prototype, development, and production samples from request through delivery.
  • Organize, label, maintain, photograph, and archive development, sales, and retailer sample libraries.
  • Coordinate sample reviews by preparing products, documenting feedback, entering review comments, and communicating follow-up actions.
  • Package and ship samples for internal meetings, retailer presentations, customer reviews, and overseas factory communication.
  • Support showroom organization and in-person product reviews in the Minneapolis office as needed.

Product Data & Documentation

  • Maintain accurate product information within PLM systems, retailer portals, Excel, and internal databases.
  • Build product requests, SKU setup records, retailer item setup documentation, and other product data with exceptional attention to detail.
  • Create and update details in pitch decks.
  • Help review production spec files.
  • Communicate development timelines and required information across Product Development, Merchandising, Operations, and Sourcing teams.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner with Design, Sourcing, Packaging, Quality, Merchandising, Operations, and overseas manufacturing partners to ensure projects remain on schedule.
  • Prepare materials for line reviews, retailer presentations, and milestone meetings.
  • Build strong working relationships with internal teams and global factory partners through clear, timely communication.

Trend & Competitive Research

  • Research consumer trends, competitive products, retail assortments, licensing, and emerging materials.
  • Shop retail stores and online marketplaces to identify product opportunities and merchandising trends.
  • Assist in brainstorming sessions, product concept development, and trend presentations.
  • Develop an eye for product design, color, materials, packaging, and overall consumer appeal.

Administrative Support

  • Organize physical product samples and other office materials.
  • Schedule meetings, prepare agendas and recaps, and support additional Product Development initiatives as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Product Development, Business, Merchandising, Marketing, Industrial Design, or a related field.
  • 0–2 years of experience in product development, merchandising, sourcing, project coordination, or consumer products.
  • Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Preferred

  • Experience with consumer products, licensed products, stationery, toys, gift, party, or seasonal merchandise.
  • Experience using PLM systems or other product lifecycle management software.
  • Experience with Target PCN data entry, retailer item setup, or similar product information management systems.
  • Familiarity with overseas manufacturing processes.
  • Adobe Creative Suite experience is a plus.

Success Characteristics

  • Curious, resourceful, and eager to learn.
  • Highly organized with excellent follow-through.
  • Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Detail-oriented without losing sight of the bigger picture.
  • Proactive, collaborative, and adaptable.
  • Passionate about consumer products, retail trends, and product innovation.
  • Possesses strong visual and aesthetic judgment with an appreciation for product design, color, materials, and packaging.
  • Demonstrates an ownership mindset by taking initiative and consistently delivering high-quality work.

Growth Opportunity

This role is the first step in a structured Product Development career path. Through mentorship, cross-functional exposure, and increasing ownership of product categories, the Product Development Coordinator will develop the skills necessary to become a Product Development Manager.

Future responsibilities may include:

  • Managing assigned product categories independently.
  • Leading factory communication and product development timelines.
  • Developing product concepts and assortment strategies.
  • Negotiating costs and product specifications.
  • Presenting product lines to leadership and retail partners.
  • Mentoring future Product Development Coordinators.

What You'll Learn

  • End-to-end product development.
  • Consumer product commercialization.
  • Overseas sourcing and manufacturing.
  • Product costing and specification development.
  • Packaging development.
  • Retail merchandising and commercialization.
  • Project management.
  • Cross-functional leadership.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your application: Apply Here

We anticipate strong interest in this opportunity and expect to receive a large number of applications. While every application will be reviewed, we may not be able to respond individually to all candidates.

Thank you for your interest in Yoobi and for considering joining our team. We are grateful for the time and effort involved in applying, and we look forward to learning more about candidates whose experience aligns with the role.