Product Management Specialist (Hybrid)

Description

Pay Rate: $60,000 - $65,000 per year based on experience.

Work Schedule: Hybrid Work Schedule is available after the training period – in office Monday through Thursday and work from home on Friday.

Position Summary:

The Product Management Specialist is responsible for managing the development timeline for assigned product verticals, as they support the growth and market initiatives established by the organization. The Product Management Specialist reports directly to the Product Line Manager or Sr. Product Line Manager and offers support in various product strategy, product development pipeline execution and timeline management. These activities include all levels of product creation from ideation to in-house product land, vendor communications, line reviews, product reviews, prototype fittings, and much more. This role will focus on product management with apparel, soft goods, and accessory hardgoods.

Responsibilities:

Product Development (60%)

• Assist in the development of new product and new product strategy in collaboration with Product Line Manager or Sr. Product Line Manager and key stakeholders to ensure the fill and ongoing support of the product pipeline.
• Ensure style details are properly documented and relayed to the suppliers and are in line with vendor capabilities and requirements (minimums, lead-times, etc.).
• Assist in creation and editing of illustrated design flats for in-house product development items.
• Coordinate the flow of Sales samples with Planning and Marketing associates to ensure timely delivery in conjunction with trade shows, international customers, marketing and in coordination with Logistics.
• Assist in color selection and Pantone color assignment for new development items, as well as coordinate lab dip and other color approvals with the appropriate team members, internal & external.
• Assist in coordinating the end-user focus group sessions to ensure that there is a continuous flow of ideation coming through the product development funnel, including working with contacts, salespeople, and distributors to invite and follow-up with potential participants. Organize all aspects of these end-user sessions, such as securing the necessary facility, travel arrangements, and other related tasks.
• Assist in development and sourcing of new fabrics with textile mills across the globe to ensure the correct textiles meet the needs of the product being developed; record all relevant information for newly developed textiles for future reference.
• Other duties as assigned.

 Process (40%)

• Manage timeline calendars for the assigned product lines relative to your job functions and ensure all deadlines are met throughout the development and manufacturing processes.
• Maintain reporting and progress tools (i.e. dashboards) to effectively communicate to key stakeholders, management and supporting cross functional teams; as well as benchmark performance.
• Utilize tracking systems to track product team deliverables and projects through a clearly defined project path with outputs, delivering those output on schedule.
• Participate in weekly design/development meetings with internal team members and contract designers, document communications and manage follow-up tasks.
• Document all line plans determined by the Product Line Manager and assist in managing flow of product through full development lifecycle. 
• Assist in creation of presentation materials with design flats and product information for external reviews with key stakeholders and/or sales team members. 
• Monitor development and sales sample status and communicate/resolve delays to ensure on-time delivery.
• Monitor invoice approvals submitted to and from suppliers in conjunction with Accounts Payable team members. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• 4-year college degree in Apparel Product Development, Fashion Design or a related field
• 1-3 years of experience in Product Development, Production, or related areas in apparel or soft goods development
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suites- Illustrator, InDesign, and Acrobat Pro
• Proficiency in MS Office- Word, Excel, and Power Point
• Occasional travel as needed.
• Strong organizational skillset and a willingness to learn new tools
• Understanding of the product development process- including forecasting, vendor communications, pipeline tracking, and product construction
• Ability to remain flexible, throughout constantly changing priorities
• Ability to communicate effectively within multiple departments
• Ability to contribute to, and possibly lead, interdepartmental meetings
• Focused and deadline-oriented; ability to think and work independently
• Exhibits leadership that drives to actionable results
• Strong listening skills, ability to learn quickly and pick up on complex ideas
• Exceptional project management skills and accountability
• Exhibits strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

Physical Requirements:

• Positional: Driving in accordance with job duties assigned. Infrequent standing and walking. Constant sitting.
• Gross Mobility: Rare climbing, or crawling. Infrequent balancing, stooping, kneeling, or crouching. Frequent to constant reaching and handling. Periodic lifting/carrying of 25-50 lbs.
• Sensory: Rare tasting/smelling. Occasional use of far visual acuity, depth perception, and field of vision. Frequent use of near and midrange visual acuity, and visual accommodation. Frequent to constant talking.  

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Qualifications

Salary : $60,000 - $65,000