Head of Optical Product

Zenni Optical, the world's leading online eyewear retailer, pioneered the industry in 2003 with a mission to make prescription eyewear affordable and accessible to everyone. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Zenni offers adults and children the freedom to express their personal style through high-quality prescription and protective eyewear curated with a sense for fashion and an incredible selection. With over 55 million frames sold worldwide, the company has brought massive price disruption to the traditional retail model. Zenni is proud to be the Official Eyewear of the San Francisco 49ers, Boston Celtics, Columbus Crew and the Chicago Bulls. Zenni has worked with designers and tastemakers on curations and collections, including Keke Palmer, Iris Apfel, Cynthia Rowley and George and Claire Kittle. Zenni VR Prescription Lenses for Meta Quest 3 launched across the U.S., Canada, UK and Japan in October 2023. 

For more information, please visit zennioptical.com/blog/press/.

Position Overview:

As the Head of Optical Product, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Zenni Optical product line. You will own the development of frames and lenses at Zenni and bridge the gap between ideation and execution.  You will assume leadership of an existing Optical Product team comprised of Doctors of Optometry and Frames Specialist. You will be interfacing with our internal R&D teams, manufacturing, brand/marketing, and vendors.  You will be responsible for launching new products and continuously refining our existing product catalogs, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the eyewear industry.  The ideal candidate has experience with the latest lens and frame technologies and can infuse clinical insights across various departments to solidify our standing in the optical marketplace.  

What we want you to own in this role

• Collaborate with Academia: Create and maintain partnerships with Academic Institutions for relevant opportunities in research, talent, and business.

• Product Strategy: Develop and implement a comprehensive optical product strategy that aligns with the company’s goals and market trends.  Drive innovation in eyewear design, functionality, and technology.
• Market Analysis: Conduct in-depth market research to identify emerging trends, customer needs, and the competitive landscape. Utilize insights to inform product development and positioning.
• Product Development: Lead the product development lifecycle from concept to launch, including writing design briefs, design, prototyping, testing, and production. Collaborate with design, engineering, third-party vendors, and manufacturing teams to ensure product specifications are met.
• Quality Assurance: Uphold the highest standard of quality.  Establish rigorous testing and quality control processes to ensure products meet regulatory standards and customer expectations.
• Team Leadership: Build and manage a high-performing team that takes innovative products from concept, Go-To-Market, and launch to drive impact.  Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and excellence.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with all departments in the company, including manufacturing, marketing, technology, and customer service teams to ensure product alignment with customer needs and market opportunities.  Provide expert input on product-related positioning, communications, and promotions.
• Sustainability Focus: Champion sustainable practices in product design and materials, aligning with the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
• Expert Oversight on Optical Frontiers: As the go-to authority on optical technology, patient trends, and market dynamics, you'll be instrumental in advancing our e-commerce platform for optical eyewear.
• Pioneering Product Launches: In collaboration with our Rx Lab, you'll navigate the research, development, and introduction of cutting-edge products, from conceptualization to market introduction, including testing, feedback integration, and educational efforts.
• Leadership in Knowledge Exchange: Craft and share essential documents, presentations, and insights on chosen topics, cementing your status as a luminary in lens and frame innovation.
• Own key KPIs on the performance of the optical product lines.

Requirements

Basic Qualifications

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in a role related to the optical industry, worked on all aspects of an optical product launch within the industry
• A passionate interest in leveraging research and cutting technologies to define the future of eyewear and eye care.
• Supreme problem-solving and organizational talents

Preferred Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of frame and lens technologies, and a keen eye for emerging market trends
• Deep understanding of the manufacturing of optical products and can be a strong evaluator of vendor performance and product performance
• An enthusiastic commitment to collaborative success across diverse departmental landscapes
• Demonstrated proficiency in both autonomous and team-oriented project management
• Unwavering attention to detail and organizational finesse
• Language proficiency in Mandarin and/or Thai is a plus

Benefits

• Annual Bonus Program
• Healthcare: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees (50% for dependents)
• 401k with 4% employer match
• Generous PTO in addition to our Week of Zen - the time between Christmas and New Year’s to relax and recuperate 
• Fully Paid Parental Leave - 16 weeks for birthing and non-birthing parents 
• Tech Stipend - $50 USD per payroll  towards tech & cell phone expenses
• Annual Zenni Gift Card - to use towards our products!

In addition to other forms of compensation like perks and benefits, the estimated range for this role is $230-310,000. The final offer will be determined based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors such as skill set, experience, geographical location, market conditions, and other organizational needs. The Company reserves the right to change, modify, or revisit the salary range for various reasons including business needs.

(U.S. ONLY) Please Note: While Zenni Optical is a remote first company, we are registered in most, but not all states. If you are located in one of the following states full time, we welcome you to apply: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington.