Associate Director/Director of Product Development – Furniture

Thuma

Associate Director/Director of Product Development at Thuma focusing on furniture development through design collaboration. Leading project execution from concept to market readiness in a hybrid role.

Posted 5/19/2026full-timeSan Francisco • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $160,000 - $190,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the end-to-end product development lifecycle across key furniture categories, from initial concept through production launch and commercialization
Partner closely with Design to translate creative vision into manufacturable, high-quality products while preserving brand intent and customer experience
Support cross-functional alignment across Product Development, Sourcing, Merchandising, Operations, Quality, and Logistics to ensure successful execution against timelines, cost targets, and business objectives
Build and manage strong relationships with domestic and international manufacturing partners, serving as a key escalation and strategic development lead
Lead development strategy and execution across prototyping, engineering refinement, material selection, construction, comfort, and production readiness
Establish and maintain development calendars, critical milestones, and communication processes to ensure visibility, accountability, and speed to market
Identify technical, quality, manufacturing, and supply chain risks early in the development process and proactively drive solutions
Partner closely with Sourcing on cost engineering and value optimization initiatives while maintaining product integrity and design standards
Oversee product specifications, BOMs, testing requirements, and development documentation to support scalable and accurate execution
Collaborate with Compliance and Quality teams to ensure all products meet performance, regulatory, safety, and durability standards
Lead pilot runs, production validation, and commercialization readiness to support successful product launches
Drive continuous improvement initiatives across development processes, systems, communication tools, and vendor collaboration models
Champion innovation in materials, sustainability, comfort, finishes, and manufacturing capabilities to advance Thuma’s product offering
Mentor and support the growth of Product Development team members, helping establish best practices and elevate team capabilities
Support long-term category expansion initiatives and strategic product roadmap planning

Requirements

What you’ll need

10+ years of experience in Product Development, Product Engineering, or related functions within furniture and home furnishings
Strong technical understanding of furniture construction, upholstery, materials, manufacturing processes, and product performance standards
Proven experience managing complex product development initiatives from concept through commercialization
Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional stakeholders and influence decision-making across multiple teams and organizational levels
Deep experience working with domestic and international manufacturing partners
Experienced manager with a track record of mentoring high-performing teams and developing talent
Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills with the ability to operate strategically while remaining highly execution-oriented
Strong product intuition and ability to balance aesthetics, functionality, quality, manufacturability, and cost
Experience driving process improvement and operational scalability within product development organizations
Familiarity with testing protocols, regulatory requirements, and quality systems related to furniture products
Resourceful, solutions-oriented, and comfortable navigating ambiguity in a fast-paced environment
High level of craftsmanship appreciation and attention to detail
Willingness to travel as needed.

Benefits

Comp & perks

401(k): Participation in our 401(k) program with company matching up to 6% of your contributions.
Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with generous employer contributions, 100% paid parental leave, and company-sponsored One Medical and WellHub memberships.
Equity: Participation in employee stock option plan.
Flexible by Design: We operate with a high-performance mindset, paired with thoughtful flexibility—flexible hours, flexible PTO, and a hybrid approach that supports both focus and balance.
Time to Recharge: Enjoy 13 company holidays each year to rest, reset, and celebrate what matters most.
Employee Discount: 40% off almost all Thuma products.
Cell Phone Stipend: $100 per month to support work-related phone use.
Commute Reimbursement: Up to $150 per month for commuting to our office.
Room Upgrade: A complimentary product credit upon joining, valued at up to $3,000.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

product developmentproduct engineeringfurniture constructionupholsterymaterialsmanufacturing processesproduct performance standardsprocess improvementoperational scalabilitytesting protocols

Soft Skills

leadershipcommunicationorganizational skillscross-functional collaborationmentoringinfluencing decision-makingresourcefulnesssolutions-orientedattention to detailstrategic thinking