Product Development Assistant

Company Description

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.

Job Description

In a time of unprecedented expansion, we are currently searching for a Product Development Assistant who’s passionate about education to join our Research, Design and Development team. As we continue to scale, our development team is busier than ever, and our developers could use your support during all stages of product creation—from conducting research and brainstorming ideas to conducting real-world product testing. The successful candidate will have excellent collaboration skills, strong organizational and project management skills, and a great eye for detail to ensure the delivery of outstanding products and play experiences. This role offers lots of hands-on experience with the product development cycle and cross-functional business processes—with plenty of potential for future growth. And we’re here to help you succeed—in 2022 Lakeshore earned its Great Place to Work® Certification™ and is proud to put its associates first.

This role will be on-site full time.

A day in the office looks like this: 

• Assisting product developers with daily product-related tasks
• Conducting market/education research to support our product developers
• Participating in product brainstorming sessions
• Creating product mock-ups and PowerPoints for product presentations
• Setting up product and photo displays for meetings
• Creating inspection sheets
• Using our products to ensure an excellent customer experience
• Hands-on product-use testing with various materials for durability
• Partnering with the Art and Editorial teams to create content for product guides, packaging and other components
• Ensuring the timely communication of product information, such as final product names, to cross-functional teams 
• Observing and documenting real-world testing with intended user

Qualifications

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

• 1+ years of Education experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Education strongly desired
• Familiarity with school environments, education standards and current education trends
• Ability to thrive in a fun, fast-paced and deadline-driven environment 
• Ability to proactively manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent attention to detail
• Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• A strong desire to learn and grow

Additional Information

And here’s our end of the bargain! 

• Hourly: $25-$29 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 on products that make you smarter
• 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 professiona