Product Development Specialist

Position Summary:

The Product Development Specialist is the primary liaison between the designers and vendors to bring the creative designs of our design and global sourcing team to life.

The PD Specialist assists with the product development life cycle from design inception, sketches, fabric and trim development, and through final PPS approval and production; and manages each product development to the time and action calendar and production schedule.

The role requires a passionate and motivated individual, well versed in men’s apparel, fabrics, design principles, and the design, development, and sourcing process.

Key Accountabilities:

·         Drive calendar adherence

·         Escalate exceptions or issues to the development calendar

·         Participate in presentation of divisional assortments at Buy Meetings

·         Request/track material/swatch development based on handoff from Design

·         Collect Fabric Spec forms and input to PLM

·         Initiate RFD and track color combinations (including handloom, strike-off, etc.) and follow-up communication

·         Approve/reject bulk standards

·         Request and track trial run from mill to establish K-match standard

·         Communicate approval/rejection of bulk K-match readings to mill

·         Collect Trim Spec Forms and input into PLM: exterior/interior trim

·         Collect Trim Spec Forms and input into PLM: internal/technical trim

·         Records and updates materials and their colors on the product BOM

·         Records and updates internal trims for the product

·         Associate sewing details to the product

·         Create/manage label placement sketches

·         Create PROTO and BUY sample requests, track progress and   communicate feedback

·         Review PROTO and BUY samples for materials, external/internal trims,   sewing details, tension & weight

·         Track PRE-PRODUCTION sample

·         Review PRE-PRODUCTION sample for materials, trims, packaging, etc.

·         Enter HTS classification and applicable duty rate onto the product costing   record

·         Calculate costs and enter into PLM for all products

·         Communicate costing to buyers to write POs

Skills, Abilities, Experience & Qualifications:

·         Degree in fashion design or merchandising or related field strongly preferred

·         Three or more(3+) years of experience working in product development,   merchandising, direct sourcing or apparel/textile design role

·         Experience working with DeSL product lifecycle management software   strongly preferred

·         Demonstrated knowledge of textile and apparel design principles

·         Ability to work well in a collaborative and creative environment with little   supervision

·         Highly self-motivated and directed

·         Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented, and   collaborative environment

·         Highly dependable with a strong work ethic

·         Background in compiling data, creating reports, and analyzing and   presenting information in a professional format

·         Strong analytical abilities, focused on research, compilation, and   interpretation of data

·         Demonstrated experience effectively collaborating with business partners   across multiple departments and all levels within the organization

·         Strong organizational skills, with ability to prioritize, juggle and execute   tasks, and deliver results on strict deadlines

·         Keen attention to detail,  and demonstrated customer-service focus

·         Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

·         Adaptable and flexible to change, new ideas, and innovative approaches

·         Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships   with management and co-workers

·         Proficient use of Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel and   Outlook

·         Ability to maintain a sustained posture in a seated position for prolonged   periods of time and operate computer equipment

·         Ability to work at least 40 hours per week from the Company’s New York   office with flexibility based on project needs

Work Environment, Physical & Mental Demands:

·         Ability to sit and work at a computer keyboard for extended periods of time.

·         Ability to stoop, kneel, bend at the waist, and reach on a daily basis.

·         Able to lift and move up to 25 pounds occasionally.

·         Must utilize visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination   and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office   equipment.

·         Hours regularly exceed 40 hours per week.

Note: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with this job.