At Lakeshore, we create innovative learning materials and world-class guest experiences for teachers, parents and children. Since 1954, we’ve grown into a global community—with a thriving e-commerce business, multiple catalogs, 60+ retail stores, a peerless national sales force, plus international offices that support our preeminent supply chain division. But today we’re working better, smarter and faster than ever—and setting our sights even higher. We’re building an infrastructure designed for scalability, embracing data-driven decision-making and using technology to improve efficiency and ensure the best tools for the best work. Most importantly, we continue to invest in a diverse team of inquisitive top talent who fuel each other’s passions and curiosity, take risks, try new things, and believe that every new day brings opportunities for growth.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Associate Product Developer to join our RD&D New Product Development Plastics team. This role is responsible for the end-to-end ideation, development and launch of educational products. The ideal candidate should have strong communication skills, a solution-oriented mindset and a keen attention to detail to drive quality products. The Product Developer should have a solid understanding of cross-functional teamwork and possess proficiency in data analysis and customer perspective to drive decisions. Our team environment is fun, fast-paced and deadline-driven. We have the greatest respect for our employees—and Lakeshore is simply a wonderful place to work.    

A day in the office looks like this:  

• Analyzing market trends and sales data to inform development of future products 
• Participating in new product ideation and presenting to peers and management 
• Providing clear direction and collaborating with cross-functional teams, including designers, engineers and our Asia team to ensure successful execution of products 
• Conducting market research and gathering customer insights to inform product development decisions 
• Ensuring that target price and product functionality expectations are met 
• Ensuring that all products meet the highest standards of quality and safety, with a focus on attention to detail 
• Taking active steps to move product forward and meet deadlines 
• Utilizing effective communication skills to appropriately inform various levels of the organization and team members of project progress, as well as to report any concerns or project risks  

Got the skills and experience? Here’s what we’re looking for: 

• Bachelor’s degree in education 
• 1+ years of experience in Product Development  
• Experience working in education 
• Highly detail-oriented, hardworking and professional personality with excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Understanding of the development process for physical items 
• Ability to analyze complex problems and provide solutions 
• Strong organizational skills, a team mentality and outcome orientation 
• Ability to thrive in an atmosphere with multiple overlapping deadlines 
• Experience presenting projects to leadership 
• Superb attention to detail and follow-through 

And here’s our end of the bargain! 

• Salary: $70,000-$80,000 with an annual bonus of up to 10% 
• Paid leave for new parents to support work/life balance and family bonding 
• Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage—EPO, PPO and HSA 
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution (because you will retire someday) 
• Flexible benefits—choose what you like, ignore the rest 
• On-site preschool for our employees’ children 
• On-site employee gym for all levels/fitness needs 
• Generous employee discount 
• Casual dress…and we really mean it 

At Lakeshore, we know our diversity makes us stronger, and when everyone feels included and valued, we all win. We strive to embrace our differences and create an intentionally diverse and inclusive community that is representative of the teachers, families and children we serve. 

We know we couldn’t do the extraordinary things we’re doing without the people on our team. Thanks to the passion and enthusiasm of this spectacular group, Lakeshore is more than a great place to work—it’s a great experience to be part of. Day in and day out, we give everything we’ve got to create products that instill a sense of wonder and foster a true love of learning. To help maintain this high bar for success, we’re constantly on the lookout for people to join us. So if you’re a down-to-earth professional who shares our desire for making a difference, we’d love to hear from you.  

To learn more about Lakeshore, visit www.lakeshorelearning.com/careers  

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy 
People are selected to become members of the Lakeshore family based on skill, merit and mind-boggling talent—not based on race, color, creed, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, marital status, domestic partnership status, military status, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, alienage, AIDS or AIDS-related complex status, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, status as a victim of domestic violence, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If things aren’t equal, we all lose. 

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