Product Development & Sourcing Specialist Internship

The Paper Store is committed to being the premiere destination for all of our customer’s gift-giving needs. Our mission is to share our passion for The Paper Store with each customer, during each visit, by going above and beyond their expectations for both selection and service.

The Product Development & Sourcing Specialist Intern is responsible for supporting the development and execution of private label products from concept through production. You will collaborate closely with cross functional teams, including buyers, managers, graphic designers, and factories in Asia, to bring these products to life. Your primary responsibility will be to assist in ensuring the timely shipment of quality, trend-right products. This internship offers a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in Product Development and sourcing within a dynamic and collaborative environment.

The Product Development & Sourcing Specialist Intern reports directly to the Director of Import Buying.

COMPETENCIES:

• Accountability: Demonstrates a sense of corporate responsibility. Takes personal ownership and responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work. Ensures that actions are consistent with words.

• Communication: Communicates information with consistency and clarity; uses active listening to effectively understand and provide feedback. Adjusts communication style to suit the audience to promote engagement and increase understanding.

• Creativity and Initiative: Forward-thinking, recognizes opportunities and finds new ways of doing things and implements improvements whenever possible. Encourages creativity and innovation.

• Professionalism: Maintains a professional and positive manner even under changing or uncertain conditions. Works well with a wide range of individuals to provide support, encouragement and direction. Engages others to accomplish organizational and departmental goals. Is seen as a role model.

• Personal Development: Displays self-awareness, a high level of energy, persistence and a positive outlook. Continuously seeks ways to improve and learns from mistakes and constructive feedback.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Be a TPS brand ambassador

• Conduct market research, product research, pricing analysis, and competitive analysis

• Assist in the development process from design inception to sourcing, price negotiation, and commercialization • Support existing relationships with overseas factories capable of producing quality merchandise

• Gain a working knowledge of overseas logistics

• Assist in identifying and sourcing key items/classifications in open market goods

• Ensure clear communication of styling details and product standards to Agents and Vendors, facilitating timely problem resolution

• Support managing and specifying all packaging requirements to enhance store presentation

• Review vendor submissions for compliance with standards and communicate achievable corrections for color, components, and samples

• Aid in monitoring delivery and production flow to meet time and action deadlines, ensuring on-time delivery for all programs

• Support updating the status of multiple projects and devising solutions to anticipated problems

• Help develop strong working relationships with the internal Buying team and external contacts

• Contribute to continuous research on Color & Trend information

• Gain knowledge of competitive products/brands in the gift market

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Junior status (rising Senior at the time of the internship), pursuing a bachelor's degree with strong academic performance; pursuing a Degree in Fashion/ Product Design or Business

• Demonstrated strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills

• Proficiency in MS Office, including Excel

• Strong math skills

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Ability to work well in a team environment

• Capacity to handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment

• Strong organizational and follow-through skills • Ability to multitask, prioritize, and meet deadlines

• Ability to work 3+ days/week at the Corporate Office in Acton, MA • Professional presentation in attire, demeanor, and appearance

The Paper Store is an equal-opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, veteran status, or any other classification protected by state, local or federal law.