Bloom is a full-service workplace design consultancy, proudly supporting Poppy & Peonies as they look to hire a Senior Merchant for their fast-moving team. As Talent Advisors, we act as the link between our Bloom partner and you throughout the hiring process. At Bloom, we don’t use automated systems to filter applications—each resume is reviewed by a real person to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. If you’re selected, you’ll join Poppy & Peonies directly as a valued member of their team. We’re excited to review your application. Please note that applications will be accepted throughout the holiday season. Thank you for your patience and interest in this opportunity!

Hi, I’m Natalie Dusome, Founder and CEO of Poppy & Peonies.

At Poppy & Peonies, we’re a fun, energetic brand that believes style and function should always go together. We’re passionate about creating practical pieces that make everyday life a little easier—and that genuinely lighten the load.

Building Poppy & Peonies has been an incredible journey. It began when my daughter, Poppy, was born, and I realized my accessories no longer worked for my new life as a mom. I needed bags with pockets and organization that looked great, but also delivered real functionality. When I couldn’t find what I wanted, I decided to create it myself. That’s how Poppy & Peonies started in 2015.

Since then, we’ve come a long way—from fulfilling orders out of my basement, to appearing on Dragons’ Den, and now expanding into new product categories and collaborating with exciting influencers and brands. It hasn’t always been easy, but because of our incredible community, we’ve never felt more supported or appreciated.

We believe we have a responsibility to care for the environment, and we’re passionate about protecting the health and wellbeing of our planet and the animals living on it. That’s why all of our bags are made from high-quality vegan leather, and our full product range is vegan, cruelty-free, and PETA-approved. We ship plastic-free and use a mix of recycled, compostable, and biodegradable materials to reduce shipping waste. We’re continually looking for better ways to make our products and supply chain more sustainable, lowering our carbon footprint.

**The Opportunity**

In the Product Developer (Handbags) role, you will report to the Director, Sourcing & Production and play an important part in bringing innovative handbag designs to life.

This position focuses on technical product development rather than design. You’ll take ideas and develop them into production-ready handbags through strong execution, attention to detail, and close collaboration with factories and cross-functional teams.

This role is ideal for someone with deep knowledge of handbag construction, materials, and development, who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Are you passionate about turning concepts into high-quality, functional products?
Do you have strong technical expertise in handbag development and construction?
Do you enjoy owning the development process from concept through production?

If you answered yes, yes, and yes—please keep reading!

**More About the Role**

**Product Development & Technical Execution**
– Own and maintain detailed tech packs, including BOMs
– Translate design ideas into production-ready handbags and accessories
– Review and approve multiple factory counter samples to ensure they match approved designs and existing styles
– Work with factories on sampling, pattern development, and improving construction
– Create and maintain a tracker for all samples and materials across the development process and seasons
– Partner with design on core collections, limited drops, and special projects
– Suggest construction improvements (stitching, reinforcement, hardware placement, etc.)

**Sampling, Fit & Functionality Optimization**
– Organize and lead internal wear testing for new developments; review feedback and act on it
– Provide clear, practical feedback to factory partners to improve design and usability
– Manage sample requests and coordinate shipping for internal and executive approvals (including CEO reviews)
– Join sample reviews with the Design team to evaluate structure, durability, functionality, and finishing

**Timeline & Production Readiness**
– Manage development timelines from concept through production readiness
– Ensure all tech packs, BOMs, strike-offs, and approvals are completed before PO handoff
– Partner across teams to align on launch calendars and key milestones
– Coordinate pre-production and final sample approvals
– Allocate materials and trims to factories at every sampling stage

**Materials, Sourcing & Costing**
– Lead seasonal material sourcing with vendors and manage material reservations for sampling and production needs
– Manage all vendor-supplied materials, trims, and components to ensure readiness for approval
– Partner with production and sourcing teams on MOQ limits, lead times, and surcharges
– Manage and negotiate product costing
– Support material testing for durability, quality, and performance

**Sustainability & Compliance**
– Help source sustainable and ethical materials aligned with brand standards
– Support ongoing sustainability efforts and vendor accountability

**Cross-Functional & Vendor Collaboration**
– Serve as the main point of contact between design, production, sourcing, and manufacturing partners
– Ensure expectations, revisions, timelines, and approvals are communicated clearly
– Partner with production on material testing and quality control
– Support successful launches through strong project management and alignment across teams

**What You Bring to the Role**
– Strong understanding of handbag construction, materials, and manufacturing processes
– Hands-on experience creating and managing tech packs and working directly with factories
– Knowledge of materials such as vegan leather, textiles, linings, and hardware components
– Experience managing sampling, costing, and vendor relationships
– Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple timelines, priorities, and stakeholders
– Strong communication skills, including experience leading vendor conversations and negotiations
– A passion for quality, craftsmanship, and thoughtful product design
– A collaborative mindset and ability to work cross-functionally
– Interest in sustainability and working with a growing, female-founded brand

Don’t worry if you don’t have everything listed above. We value growth and curiosity. If you have some of these qualities and are excited about this opportunity, we’d love to hear from you!

**Location**

We’re a fully remote team across North America, so you can work from wherever you do your best thinking, problem-solving, and customer-focused work. While this role is fully remote, there may be opportunities for domestic or international travel for team gatherings, special events, and the occasional chance to meet in person.

**Interview Process**
1. Video screening with Jeannine Cafaro, HR Advisor at Bloom
2. Video interview with Molly LaDuke-Wheatly, Director, Sourcing and Production, and Erica Peres, HR Advisor
3. Reference checks
4. Offer

$75,000 – $100,000 per year

**Total Rewards**
– 15 days of paid vacation
– Health benefits coverage
– $250 annual period & menstrual budget
– $1,000 annual allowance toward Poppy & Peonies products
– $400 home office setup allowance

**Our Commitment to You**

Like Bloom, Poppy & Peonies is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equitable employment practices and do not discriminate based on race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or veteran status.

We’re looking for motivated, compassionate people who are excited to contribute, grow with the team, and support the values that Poppy & Peonies believes in.

Poppy & Peonies is committed to developing an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment process and work environment. Please let us know if you require any accommodations, and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs. Requests for accessibility-related support can be made to jeannine@buildwithbloom.com.

**We believe transparency matters, especially as technology evolves**

At Bloom, we may use AI as a supportive tool when creating role descriptions, interview questions, take-home assignments, and interview guides, where appropriate, to improve clarity, consistency, and accessibility for candidates. However, we do not use AI to source, assess, screen, or interview candidates. Every application is reviewed by a human, every interview is conducted by a human, and all hiring decisions are made by people—not automated systems. Human judgment, care, and accountability are central to how we hire.

**About Bloom**

Bloom is a full-service workplace design consultancy representing Poppy & Peonies as they build their team. As Talent Advisors, we will be the liaison between our Bloom partner and you during this recruitment process. We don’t use advanced technology to search through resumes at Bloom—every resume is reviewed by a human to help ensure we maintain a consistent and equitable interview process. If you’re selected as the successful candidate, you’ll join our client’s team directly. We look forward to receiving your application!