Associate Product Development Manager

About Us:

Earthbound is a leading product design, licensing and brand growth company that expands the reach of brands in the market on a global scale. With over 20 years of expertise in retail licensing, product development, and product design, Earthbound augments brand potential by offering unprecedented growth for powerhouse brands. Our seasoned, innovative, and agile capabilities deliver superior results while maintaining our uncompromising values which place people first, embrace change, and act with humility and integrity. For more information, please visit www.earthboundbrands.com.

About You:

• Are passionate about design, style, and decorating.
• Love to work collaboratively in a group and have an innate willingness to dig in and contribute with your team.
• Are driven and motivated by the possibilities ahead.
• Think innovation is critical in a business environment and support others in creative thinking.
• Pride yourself on the quality of work and are a stickler for the details.

Overview of Position:

Manages and facilitates the communication/development of Earthbound LLC brand; at Wal-Mart Omni Organization. Assess and identify opportunities while working within a cross-functional team of omni merchants, PD/Sourcing, brand, design, licensees and CTL to develop an assortment that fits strategic business needs for the categories of responsibility. Manages all phases of the PD process, collaborates with design and supply base, provides market feedback, analyzes COE’s for each season and maintains brand integrity.

Job Functions:

• Assortment Development: Under the direction of the Sr Product Development Manager/Director, lead & manage category assortment development for both stores and ecommerce including competition review, analysis, strategy, alignment, & initiating product request with suppliers. Champion brand/category alignment & clarify business objectives for each season.
• Relationship Management: Act as key liaison with cross functional teams (Walmart Stores, Walmart Ecommerce, Walmart Technical, Earthbound Creative, Brand, Licensees, & Global Sourcing Teams) to build strategic relationships/team support & address multi-channel environment needs.
• Product Lifecycle Development: Work with cross function teams to align on strategy, create & distribute product inspiration to supply base. Initiate, conduct, lead supplier meetings to review/discuss product details & business needs.
• Milestone Meetings: Manage communication, procure samples/designs, create presentations/meeting collateral for key strategies, conduct presentations, and drive alignment.
• Travel & Expenses: Domestic and International Travel - Accountable for managing/submitting travel/sample expenses.

Responsibilities:

Assortment Development:

• Compile & share market & competitive data with cross function teams (pricing, positioning, quality, merchandising, & assortments within the market) to include retail & ecommerce markets.
• Understand macro & micro trend direction for the category(ies). Collaborate w/ design team on trend interpretation & product updates.
• Collaborate with Walmart merchants, PD, & brand teams to evaluate sales, focus assortments, & drive brand clarity.
• Partner with teams to review/discuss, constructively challenge, edit & revise products throughout assortment development.
• Implement a plan of action to efficiently resolve outstanding opportunities.

Relationship Management:

• Build & foster, long lasting relationships with suppliers/vendors.

Product Lifecycle Development:

• Collaborate with suppliers & technical team to create fabric/material/quality standards library
• Initiate & lead meetings to discuss specific project/item objectives, review sample needs, align on timing.
• Manage timelines & hold necessary parties accountable.
• Communication of all necessary follow up/changes to suppliers & cross functional teams.
• Create informative recaps for each milestone meeting; to include imagery, item details, strategy, etc.
• Communicate new product/packaging formats to Packaging Team & collaborate during packaging development process.

Milestone Meetings:

• Manage & provide direction in the assembly of all meeting materials (pin boards, print collateral, etc.).
• Physically assist in transport and set-up in all facets of Milestone Meetings/Walmart Presentations
• Attend events, present, & provide necessary commentary to ensure alignment & drive brand clarity.

Manage packaging/marketing request:

• Brand photography, marketing, & editorial requests.
• Walmart photography, marketing, & sample requests.

Review and analyze sales performance for categories.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor Degree preferred.
• 2-3 years relevant business experience –retail/manufacturing, PD, design, buying, merchandising, sourcing.
• Strong communication and presentation skills. Ability to collaborate with cross functional teams.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to execute multiple projects concurrently.
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment.
• Ability to present solutions to problem situations
• Travel within the US and Overseas.
• Proficiency in MS Office, Excel, Word & PowerPoint. Preferred knowledge of retail link, PLM and Adobe Illustrator.
• Valid driver’s license.

Physical Demands:

• Management of samples: this position involves constant moving, standing and lifting. May occasionally involve reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and climbing ladders. May involve reaching above eye level.
• Involves close vision, color vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment

Salary range: $55,000 - $65,000 Based on Experience

Salary : $55,000 - $65,000