ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Product Development Merchandiser Jobs in Chicago, IL

Kinter

Product Development Engineer

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

The Product Development Engineer designs new products, reverse-engineers existing ones, and ensures ... Retail merchandising experience preferred. * Knowledge of supply chain management. * Strong ...

Randa Corp

Sr Merchandiser

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Lead seasonal product development from concept through adoption, ensuring alignment across design intent, consumer need, and business objectives * Drive continuous improvement of merchandising ...

Korn Ferry

Sr. Product Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $172K/yr

Senior Product Manager, Product Development Location: Southwest Chicago | Full-Time | Hybrid Korn ... Oversee packaging, testing, certifications, and merchandising deployment * Partner with legal on ...

Advantage Sales LLC

Product Manager IT

Chicago, IL

The Company services a variety of trade channels including grocery, mass merchandise, specialty ... Product Development: Lead the product development process, defining product requirements, user ...

ULINE

Product Marketing Manager

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$146K/yr

Serve as liaison between Merchandising and Creative in the new product selection process. * Maintain open, efficient communication between various departments on new and existing product development ...

ULINE

Product Marketing Manager

Glenview, IL

$151K/yr

Serve as liaison between Merchandising and Creative in the new product selection process. * Maintain open, efficient communication between various departments on new and existing product development ...

ULINE

Product Marketing Manager

Glenview, IL · On-site

$151K/yr

Serve as liaison between Merchandising and Creative in the new product selection process. * Maintain open, efficient communication between various departments on new and existing product development ...

ULINE

Product Marketing Manager

Waukegan, IL

$146K/yr

Serve as liaison between Merchandising and Creative in the new product selection process. * Maintain open, efficient communication between various departments on new and existing product development ...

1-800-Flowers

Product Designer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

They are responsible for the development of product from ideation and concept rendering to ... Work closely with Designers, Merchandising, Sourcing, Packaging, and Graphics teams to help bring ...

AKIRA

Footwear Product Developer

Chicago, IL

Work closely with Design, Merchandising, Production, Sales, and Planning throughout the product lifecycle. * Ensure product information, specifications, and development status remain accurate within ...

AKIRA

Footwear Product Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Work closely with Design, Merchandising, Production, Sales, and Planning throughout the product lifecycle. * Ensure product information, specifications, and development status remain accurate within ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProduct Development Merchandiser JobsProduct Development Merchandiser Jobs in Chicago, IL

Product Development Merchandiser information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$17

$29

$56

How much do product development merchandiser jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for product development merchandiser in Chicago, IL is $29.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.75 and $27.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a product development merchandiser?

Product Development Merchandisers are professionals who bridge the gap between design, production, and merchandising teams to develop new products that meet market trends and consumer needs. They are responsible for overseeing the conceptualization, sampling, and finalization of products, ensuring that designs are both marketable and feasible for production. Their role involves analyzing market trends, collaborating with designers and suppliers, managing timelines, and ensuring product quality and profitability. This position is essential in bringing successful products to market and aligning them with a brand’s objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a product development merchandiser?

To thrive as a Product Development Merchandiser, you need a solid understanding of product design, trend analysis, merchandising principles, and supply chain processes, typically supported by a degree in fashion, merchandising, or a related field. Familiarity with PLM systems, Adobe Creative Suite, and data analysis tools is commonly required. Strong communication, project management, and negotiation skills help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and vendors effectively. These abilities are crucial for developing market-driven products that align with business goals and ensure successful product launches.

How does a product development merchandiser typically collaborate with design and sourcing teams throughout the product lifecycle?

A Product Development Merchandiser works closely with both design and sourcing teams from concept to final production. They facilitate communication by translating design concepts into actionable product specifications and ensuring that sourcing partners understand material, quality, and cost requirements. Regular meetings, sample reviews, and timeline management are key aspects of this collaboration, helping to balance creative vision with commercial viability and supply chain constraints. This cross-functional teamwork is essential for bringing products to market efficiently and successfully.

What is the difference between Product Development Merchandiser vs Product Designer?

AspectProduct Development MerchandiserProduct Designer
Primary FocusManaging product lines, sourcing, and ensuring market readinessCreating and designing product concepts and visuals
Skills & CredentialsMerchandising, supply chain knowledge, market analysisDesign skills, CAD proficiency, creative portfolio
Work EnvironmentRetail, fashion, or consumer goods companiesDesign studios, fashion houses, or product firms
Industry UsageCommon in apparel, accessories, and consumer goodsCommon in fashion, product design, and industrial design

While both roles involve product development, the Product Development Merchandiser focuses on managing product lines, sourcing, and market readiness, whereas the Product Designer emphasizes creating the visual and functional aspects of products. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in the industry.

Is product development a good job?

Product development as a role involves creating and improving products, requiring skills in market research, design, and project management. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in innovation and collaboration, often involving cross-functional teamwork and meeting deadlines. Job satisfaction depends on individual interests and the industry environment.

What does a product development merchandiser do?

A product development merchandiser is responsible for creating and refining new products, coordinating with design, sourcing, and production teams to ensure products meet market trends and company standards. They analyze consumer preferences, develop prototypes, and manage timelines to bring products from concept to market. Strong communication skills and knowledge of industry tools like CAD or PLM software are often essential in this role.

What are popular job titles related to Product Development Merchandiser jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Product Development Merchandiser jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Product Development Merchandiser jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Product Development Merchandiser jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Product Development Merchandiser jobs near you
Infographic showing various Product Development Merchandiser job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,486 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

Product Development Engineer

Waukegan, IL • On-site

Kinter
Retail • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Kinterexternal

$70K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

The Company:
Kinter is a family business obsessed with making retail display hardware easier for our customers. We've been manufacturing and distributing retail display hardware for over 40 years. Our approach to business is simple - treat each other and our customers like family.
The Position:
The Product Development Engineer designs new products, reverse-engineers existing ones, and ensures product quality through rigorous testing and prototyping. This role identifies and resolves product-related issues, provides technical support to the sales team, and establishes product performance criteria. Additionally, the engineer manages 3D printing operations, oversees quality control processes, and collaborates with vendors to streamline product development. This position requires strong critical thinking skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work cross-functionally to drive innovation and efficiency. This role is 100% on-site. The pay range for this role is fixed at $70,000 to $90,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
Essential Functions:
  • Assist with product ideation, quoting, and tracking air shipment estimates.
  • Design new products from the ground up and reverse-engineer existing products as needed.
  • Establish product performance criteria, limitations, applications, and production tolerances.
  • Develop and manage handmade prototypes, samples, and 3D-printed models.
  • Oversee the maintenance and operation of 3D printers, including inventory control of printing materials.
  • Conduct product testing, including performance evaluations related to weight limits, shelving connections, and various fixture applications.
  • Lead and oversee quality control processes, including quality audits and inspections.
  • Identify and resolve product-related issues efficiently.
  • Provide technical information and support to the sales team regarding product specifications and performance.
  • Maintain accurate product records in both physical and digital formats, ensuring proper documentation of product revisions over time.
  • Provide direction and approval for inbound shipments and evaluate samples for new tooling.
  • Design and provide production jigs and fixtures for packaging and assembly.
  • Offer conflict resolution strategies for salvaging defective or unacceptable parts.
  • Manage communication between Kinter and vendors regarding product development and ensure seamless collaboration.
  • Serve as a resource for the Purchasing team following sample approvals and provide analysis to support vendor connections.
  • Assist with other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to function well in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
  • Extremely proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.
  • Proficient in SolidWorks with experience in 3D modeling, design, and drafting.

Preferred Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Experience with ISO certification preferred.
  • Retail merchandising experience preferred.
  • Knowledge of supply chain management.
  • Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
  • Familiarity with power tools & CNC machining is a plus.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
  • None

Physical Requirements:
  • Standing for prolonged periods of time.
  • Ability to make repetitive movements, including moving of the wrists/and or fingers, bending, or squatting.
  • Adjusting or moving objects up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment:
  • This position will work indoors in a temperature-controlled environment with periods in a warehouse with moderate noise-level.

Travel:
  • Local travel may be required for field surveys, installations, or client meetings.
  • Regular travel for industry-related trade shows, store installations, client meetings, etc.

The Location: Kinter is located on the outskirts of Waukegan, just minutes from Gurnee and Wadsworth. Office and warehouses are located off IL Route 41, which makes the commute easy from surrounding towns.
Why Join Our Team?
  • Be part of a dedicated, family-owned business with a proven track record of success and a deep commitment to its employees.
  • Enjoy generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
  • Benefit from comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance-100% covered for the employee by Kinter, with no payroll deductions.
  • Secure your future with our fully employer-funded pension plan (contributions start after 1 year, fully vested after 5 years, with no deductions from your paycheck).
  • Unlock long-term growth potential and opportunities to advance within the company.

Apply