Director of Merchandising & Product Development

Description

Director of Merchandising and Product Development

Location: Denver, CO (on-site, hybrid)

Reports To: Vice President of Merchandising

Brands: Lolli & Pops | Hammond’s Candies

About The Role

Lolli & Pops and Hammond’s Candies are on a mission to delight customers through unforgettable confections and retail experiences. We’re looking for a Director of Product Development & Merchandising to lead innovation, set trends, and develop best-in-class candy assortments across both brands. You’ll be at the forefront of flavor, format, and form — shaping what’s next in sweets and ensuring we remain first to market with irresistible new products.

This is a high-impact, highly creative role for someone who understands the business of joy — and how to turn confections into profitable customer obsessions.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive product development strategy across seasonal, everyday, and limited-edition programs for Lolli & Pops and Hammond’s Candies.
• Identify emerging trends, flavors, and global innovations to ensure both brands stay ahead of the market.
• Lead concept-to-shelf product lifecycle — from ideation and sampling to packaging, pricing, and performance analysis.
• Collaborate with supply chain, R&D, marketing, and sales to bring new products to life with speed, quality, and profitability.
• Build and maintain vendor and co-manufacturer relationships, ensuring quality, compliance, and production agility.
• Manage product line architecture and SKU productivity for both retail and wholesale channels.
• Own product financials: cost targets, margin strategy, and retail pricing decisions.
• Partner closely with visual merchandising and marketing teams to develop compelling in-store and eCommerce presentations.
• Represent the brands at trade shows and trend-spotting events to feed innovation pipeline.
  
  

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in merchandising, product development, or innovation roles within the candy, confections, or snack food industry (required).
• Proven track record of delivering successful, trend-driven product launches with strong margin performance.
• Strong aesthetic and brand sensibility with an eye for packaging, product appeal, and market differentiation.
• Experience managing vendor relationships, including contract manufacturing and sourcing.
• Ability to balance creativity with commercial acumen — and move fast without sacrificing detail.
• Exceptional communication, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
  
  

What We’re Looking For

• A tastemaker with business instincts.
• Someone who eats seasonal strategy for breakfast and dreams in gummy bears and marshmallows.
• An entrepreneurial spirit who thrives in fast-paced, growth-focused environments.
• Passion for the artistry, nostalgia, and future of candy.
  
  

Ready to shape what’s next in sweets?

Join us in crafting moments of joy, one delicious innovation at a time.