Senior Product Development Associate

At Theory, we create clothes that matter that empower and improve the way we live through exceptional fit, fabric, and style. In 1997, Theory was founded in New York on the simple idea that stretch fabrics in tailored clothing could change how we dress and live. Two decades later, we continue to perfect our offering of elevated wardrobe essentials for the ambitious, urban man and woman. From sourcing materials from the best mills in the world, to the innovation and craftsmanship at our atelier in New York's Meatpacking District, the integrity of our process is just as important as our final product.

In 2004, Theory was acquired by Fast Retailing, spurring the international expansion of the brand. Operating 440 stores worldwide, today Theory is a New York brand with a global mindset. Our customers dream big, achieve goals, and aim for perfection. So do we, and so do our clothes.

Theory is looking for an experienced and motivated Senior Product Development Associate to join their Men's Mainline Product Development team.

Responsibilities:

TRIM MANAGEMENT

• Manage end-to-end Trim Development and Procurement throughout proto and bulk stages, includes:

-Work with design team to determine new seasonal trim developments (including flat knit complements)

-Partner with trim suppliers and/or factories to request new trim developments, documentation, testing needs, and inquire on price negotiations

-Proactive follow up and review of all trim submits; work with design for comments and approvals

-Create new trims in Centric (PLM system); add new colors/SKUs and season libraries to applicable new and carryover Centric trims

-Create supplier quotes for seasonal active trims

-Work with Centric Support team to make sure trim allocation report is populating for the current season

-Once trims are selected, order for all styles and allocate each trim by factory from Proto to SMS stage

-Create/maintain a seasonal trim binder

-Work closely with Design to review each BOM per style- calling out discrepancies, ensure interfacing and all trim details are accurate

• Lead BOM pass off meetings between Production, Design, PD, and Merchandising teams; align with Production team on DDD for trim approvals; work with Merchandising to identify newly dropped/added styles; work with Design team to further revise BOM discrepancies
• Continue to maintain/update general trim and zipper charts - Maintain organization of trim closet - Pass trims to tech team for in-house sampling requests within a timely manner - Create and maintain seasonal trim binders; maintain organization/season trim consolidation of general trim binders
• Manage Trim development budget each season (development, proto, SMS)

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

• Closely partner with PD Director to manage end- to- end sample development process and calendar deadlines related to fabric R&D, style sketching, tech pack creation, and fittings to ready styles for commercialization and production
• Familiar with pre-costing process (flash costing) in order to determine cost options early in the development stage
• Work with Design, Tech and Fabric teams and factory partners to ensure accurate cost estimates and price targets are achievable to meet and/or exceed target FOB; partner with PD director to negotiate sample costs directly with factory to achieve desired margin requirements
• Own daily communication with factories on all proto & SMS sample development
• Work closely with Tech and Production teams to align on allocation strategy for each style
• Maintain consistency and accuracy of information flow between Design, Tech, Production, Fabric and Merchandising teams
• Own processing all dept invoices in Procurement systems
• Work with in-house sample room and Tech team to execute internal sample requests on an ad hoc basis

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• At least 6-7 years of experience in Product Development/Production required
• Independent, self-motivated & passionate about product
• Excellent written & verbal communication skills
• Innately curious and proactive in problem-solving
• Extremely detail oriented a must—especially across dozens of Trims
• Must be highly organized
• Ability to prioritize & multi-task in a busy office environment
• Must work well in a team
• Strong Work Ethic
• Analytical skills a plus
• Proficient in all Microsoft office programs (Excel is a must)
• PLM experience a must

Salary: $78,000.00 to 82,000.00*

*The offered salary or salary range is based on several factors, including, but not limited to, overall experience, relevant experience, education level, certifications, applicable skills and expertise, and location of the position.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Theory LLC does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, citizenship, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or because of any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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