Product Development Specialist - Entry Level
The Product Development Specialist at Confidential Client is an entry-level role focused on supporting the entire product development lifecycle for fishing tackle products, from concept through production and market launch. This position involves coordinating with internal teams and external suppliers, managing project timelines, and assisting with prototype development and product presentations. It offers hands-on experience in a collaborative, fast-paced environment ideal for individuals passionate about fishing and eager to build a career in the industry.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by a company in the Creative & Design industry.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role overview
Confidential Client is hiring an entry-level Product Development Specialist to join their product development team in Olive Branch, MS. This hands-on role supports product concepting, prototyping, supplier coordination, packaging, photography, and product launch activities. Ideal candidates are highly organized, eager to learn, and excited to build a career in product development — familiarity with fishing tackle is a plus but not required.
Location & Work Type
This is an onsite, full-time role at the client’s facility in Olive Branch, MS. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.
What you’ll do
- Support and coordinate assigned product development projects from initial concept through production and market launch.
- Maintain project timelines, task lists, and next steps for assigned items.
- Coordinate internally to gather product, pricing, packaging, operational, sales, and marketing information needed to move projects forward.
- Work with domestic and international suppliers to request quotes, samples, specifications, and other supplier data.
- Support prototype development with product engineers, machine shop and 3D modeling resources.
- Maintain an organized sample library and accurate records of sample revisions, feedback, approvals, and status.
- Track supplier deliverables and follow up to ensure samples, quotations, packaging, and production information arrive on time.
- Collect and organize product metadata (names, SKUs, descriptions, specs, dimensions, materials, packaging, costs, pricing, case packs, UPCs, etc.).
- Prepare and update new-product presentations for internal review, sales meetings, customers, and retail partners.
- Prepare, organize, and ship product samples for photography; communicate required images/angles and archive final images.
- Provide day-to-day support to leadership and the Sr. Product Development Specialist on project priorities.
Required skills & abilities
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail while managing multiple projects.
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills and initiative.
- Ability to learn new products, systems, processes, and terminology quickly.
- Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Basic knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials selection, and product testing.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office or similar productivity software.
- Ability to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally and perform typical onsite physical tasks.
Education & experience
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, product development, project management, or related field preferred but not required.
- Familiarity with the fishing industry (bait & tackle) is a plus, but not required — passion for the product space is valued.
Compensation & benefits
- Estimated pay (from source data): $42,463 per year (estimate).
- Confidential Client offers competitive pay and a benefits package for eligible full-time employees. Exact benefits and eligibility will be provided during the hiring process.
Who should apply
This role is a strong fit for recent graduates, lifelong anglers interested in turning a hobby into a career, or self-starters who want hands-on product development experience. If you are organized, proactive, and eager to learn, we encourage you to apply.
Additional information
Confidential Client is committed to safe, compliant hiring practices. Applicants will be considered without regard to protected characteristics. If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, please indicate this when contacted.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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