Product Development & Packaging Specialist (Case Goods)

Mercana is one of North Americas leading home furnishings wholesalers, with interior designers and retail partners around the globe. As a design-first company, we produce unique pieces for the home each season, including wall art, furniture, lighting, and home decor accessories.
Our robust sourcing operation in Jodhpur manages multiple manufacturing partners and ships quality furniture and decor across North America. With a dedicated team of professionals in Jodhpur, were committed to product development and delivery excellence.
Position Summary
We seek an experienced Product Development & Packaging Specialist to join our Jodhpur team. This dynamic role combines case goods development with packaging engineering, focusing on creating successful products for e-commerce distribution while implementing ISTA 3A packaging standards across our vendor network.
Key Responsibilities
Product Development:

• Coordinate case goods development from concept to production
• Manage prototype and sample development
• Establish product construction standards
• Conduct cost analysis and price negotiations
• Coordinate product photography and content creation
• Maintain product development database
  

Packaging Quality:

• Implement ISTA 3A packaging standards across vendor network
• Develop integrated packaging solutions during product development
• Create standardized packaging specifications
• Conduct factory audits and vendor training
• Analyze damage reports and optimize solutions
• Manage packaging cost optimization
• Maintain packaging specifications database
  

Success in this role will be measured by:

• New product development timeline adherence
• Sample approval success rate
• Packaging-related damage reduction
• Cost savings achievements
• Vendor compliance improvement
• Product launch success rate
  

Required Qualifications
Education & Certification:

• Bachelors degree in Package Engineering, Industrial Design, Engineering, or a related field
• Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) certification preferred
  

Experience:

• Minimum 5+ years combined experience in furniture product development and packaging engineering
• Demonstrated experience implementing ISTA standards, particularly ISTA 3A for e-commerce
• Proven track record managing multiple vendor relationships
  

Technical Packaging Expertise:

• Mastery of packaging testing protocols (drop, vibration, compression testing)
• In-depth knowledge of packaging materials (corrugate grades, foam densities, protective solutions)
• Experience with package testing equipment and methodologies
• Expertise in international shipping container requirements

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• Knowledge of sustainable packaging practices
  

Product Development Skills:

• Strong technical drawing and specification skills preferred
• Understanding of furniture construction methods and materials
• Experience with wood packaging material (WPM) regulations
• Knowledge of ISPM 15 requirements
  

Software & Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in packaging design software (ArtiosCAD, CAPE, or similar)
• AutoCAD or similar CAD software
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Quality control documentation systems
  

Language: Proficient in English and Hindi for effective communication with North American teams and local vendors
Travel: Travel within India will be required for this position.

Our application requirements:

• A detailed resume that includes highlights of cost-saving achievements.
• A portfolio that includes before and after packaging improvements, testing procedure documentation samples, packaging specifications samples, and professional references from the furniture industry.
• A technical assessment - shortlisted candidates will need to complete a packaging design challenge by analyzing and proposing improvements to existing packaging solutions and demonstrate knowledge of testing procedures