Director of Product Development

About Nominal

At Nominal, we create meaningful and culturally inspired jewelry that allows individuals to proudly express their identities. Whether it's a name, language, culture, or belief, our pieces help individuals proudly wear their heart on their sleeve. Our mission is to empower underrepresented communities through thoughtfully designed products that celebrate diversity and foster a sense of belonging, all while raising the bar for the jewelry and Muslim industry as a whole.

Role Summary

The Director of Product at Nominal will report to Akram, the CEO and CoFounder, and build and lead a team of Product Designers through all phases of the product creation process. This includes identifying consumer and marketplace insights to presenting and executing on data based product expansion strategies.

The ideal candidate has deep experience and passion in the Muslim and South Asian and Middle Eastern cultures and an entrepreneurial mindset. They will manage and mentor the Design team, build and facilitate cross-department conversations and processes, and drive innovation across multiple product categories.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development and Strategy :

Develop a data-driven product roadmap that aligns with Nominal's 2026–2027 growth goals of 50%+ YoY.

Evaluate current product offerings to identify category gaps and high-potential opportunities, both within and beyond jewelry.

In collaboration with the CEO and Marketing Team, direct the Design Team in creating collections that evoke powerful emotion to our specific sub-demographics.

Develop and direct product expansion strategies focused on customer shopping behaviors.

Constantly conduct market research to identify evolving trends, consumer preferences, and new product opportunities.

Constantly elevate customer experience and take retention and new customer data to new heights through exciting new product packaging and freebies.

Project and Cost Management :

Direct and manage the entire product development lifecycle. From concept and narrative, to back-and-forth manufacturer conversations, to ensuring timely and within-budget samples and bulk orders, to launch.

Develop and manage efficient project timelines and processes to ensure on-time execution of manufacturer engagement and design processes.

Develop a strong understanding of financial and brand-aligned success in your department by analyzing which new products prove to be worthwhile investments and which may be considered losses.

Demonstrate strong project management skills by coordinating multiple projects simultaneously and maintaining high organizational standards.

Ensure all tech pack details are executed correctly by the manufacturer and be available around the clock, due to differences in time zones, to answer any questions.

Incorporate sustainable practices into product development to support Nominal's commitment to environmental responsibility.

Leadership :

Foster a collaborative work environment, encouraging open communication and teamwork.

Build strong cross-department relationships to ensure seamless collaboration across departments.

Coach the Design Team to use data-driven insights and clarify opportunities and risks. Expand, develop, lead, and mentor the Design Team, implementing efficient workflows and processes to enhance productivity and creativity.

Establish clear performance metrics for the Team, providing regular feedback and support to ensure continuous improvement and high-quality outputs.

Embrace pivoting quickly to address business and market needs and unforeseen challenges.

Qualifications

3-5 years in a comparable role (MUST have led the entire product development process of multiple products, ideally in the accessories industry).

6+ years of experience in product development, design, sourcing, and team leadership within a dynamic environment.

Can present a portfolio demonstrating products brought to life, the intent and impact of them, and excellence in design and quality.

Have a deep understanding of South Asian and / or Middle Eastern culture, aesthetics, and consumer preferences as a professional and personal user.

Proven ability to manage and develop cross-functional teams and build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Expertise in market research, trend analysis, and competitive positioning.

Proficiency in design software and high-level data analytics.

Strong project management skills with a high level of organization and attention to detail.

Ability to travel as needed for market research, collaboration, and inspiration.

Proven experience in leading and scaling design teams, fostering an environment of creativity and innovation.

What We Offer :

Start Date

December - January, 2026

• Bonus Plan

Up to 8% Annually

• Work Type

Flexible | Remote or In-Person

• PTO policy

15 days. Up to 20

• Holidays

10 paid holidays per year

• Health Benefits

100% Medical, 50% Dental and Vision

• Retirement

Company sponsored 401k + 4% match

• Maternity Leave

Up to 120 Days Maternity Leave (60 days paid)

• Equipment

Company Laptop

Opportunities for Professional Growth and Development

Monthly Employee Credit & Discounts + Monday Coffee / Wednesday Lunch

An Inclusive and Supportive Work Environment