Product Developer

About us

The Aboriginal Art Centre Hub of Western Australia (AACHWA) advocates on behalf of its member art centres located in regional and remote Western Australia. AACHWA delivers professional development programs for managers, boards, and artists; provides recruitment advice and services; and acts as an advocate to, and central point of contact for, Regional, State and Federal funding bodies.

The Project: Make it Real

Make It Real is a social impact project designed to disrupt the existing fake Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander souvenir and merchandise market, ensuring the participation of Western Australia’s remote and regional Aboriginal arts centres in the development of authentic products.

The scale of this economic opportunity has led to the misappropriation and misrepresentation within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and crafts industry. The growing presence of inauthentic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander “style” art and craft products and merchandise for sale across Australia, demonstrates the exploitation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture for financial gain by non-Aboriginal people.

• We celebrate the rich cultural and artistic diversity of Indigenous Australia through art, fashion, and textiles.
• We help them connect to markets, grow their capability, build their networks and grow their businesses.
• You’ll be working with Indigenous artists and communities, WA arts organisations, and colleagues across Australia.

About the role

We are seeking a driven, creative & entrepreneurial Product Developer Coordinator to join our dynamic team at our Perth office for a 12 month fixed term appointment. This role will focus on supporting developing and managing a key segment of our Product and retail portfolio. Occasional travel will be required to support and collaborate with Art Centres, suppliers, attend industry events, and oversee product development processes.

Reporting to the Project Manager, you will lead our Prototype and future design product ranges and support Product Design Learning assets. Your development will bring storytelling and learning to Tourist consumers through innovation, category leadership and exceptional product performance.

Key functions of the role will include:

• Oversee the complete product lifecycle, from ideation and new product development to sourcing, pricing, competitor analysis and range management
• Collaborate on strategic category planning to align product development with company objectives
• Manage new product development including reviewing and comparing quotes, assessing product performance, setting quality standards and developing packaging design.
• Handle budget management for product category-related expenses
• Negotiate with suppliers on pricing, MOQs, sampling, quality and delivery.
• Manage relationships with Internal and external stakeholders, ensuring smooth communication and alignment
• Stay informed on current market trends, consumer preferences, and competitor products to drive innovation.
• Monitors and tracks critical path and highlights any concerns and takes corrective actions to ensure on time delivery of products, as committed to our retail partners.
• Presents final ranges for licensing within critical path timeframes.
• Develops a deep understanding of the end consumer profile for each Retailer.
• Seeks feedback from Retailers, reviewing product and gaining feedback for continuous improvement for Product Development processes.
• Coordinating the workstreams of cross-functional team members
• Support Developing Product Development Instruments and the Learning Resources for Remote Art Centres
• Provide Training and coaching to others in Independent Product development

Who are we looking for?

Essential Criteria:

• Bachelor’s degree in commerce, marketing, or related field or equivalent experience
• 3-5 years’ experience in a similar role
• Strong product management and coordination
• Must be detail-oriented and ability to meet tight deadlines, handle multiple projects and priorities
• Commercial acumen with the ability to analyse product performance and make informed recommendations
• Ability to analyse reports and offer actionable insights
• Pricing experience and sales knowledge.

Desirable Criteria:

• Aboriginality will be highly regarded but is not essential for this role.
• Proven experience in product development, particularly in the Indigenous merchandise Industry
• Knowledge of Art Centre industry is highly desirable
• Ability to build a buyer portfolio

Personal Attributes:

• Positive and friendly attitude.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately deal with sensitive information.
• Flexible and adaptable approach to work demands.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a small team.

Other Requirements:

• Must be an Australian Citizen / Permanent Resident.
• COVID 19 Vaccination.
• Hold Valid Australian work rights.
• National Police Clearance.