Product Developer, Denim

THE ROLE:

The Associate, Denim Product Development is responsible for effectively managing the product development process of chase category with key stake holders across Design, Merchandising, Production and vendors to consistently deliver production-ready garments that meet quality, design intent and financial goals.

The associate will be expected to use all aspects of their extensive knowledge and skillset in product development in this role. He/she can expect to gain experience across multiple product categories as they grow in this role. Perfecting technical aptitudes, engaging leadership and creative problem-solving become increasingly important for success as one progresses through the TR Brand career path. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

DEVELOPMENT: 

• Manage the flow of specs, proto, and sample materials for timely, accurate, and profitable execution of product designs. 

• Using development knowledge to recommend enhancement/alternatives to designs and materials that will maintain aesthetics and achieve financial goals. Reviews and resolves designs that cannot be achieved within these constraints.

• With design input, allocate development to vendors and factories capable of fully executing our design aesthetic, desired quality, and cost goals, while balancing the factory portfolio to avoid dependence on any one resource.

• Attends and participates in all concept, development, market and trend meetings for the brand.

• Reviews and communicates style and material minimums and lead-times to design, merchandising, and production. Negotiates advantageous terms with all suppliers for same. 

• Track and review proto samples' initial costing.

• Tracks all Line Adoption samples and SMS samples within deadlines. Update stakeholders regularly on sample status.

• Communicates daily with suppliers on changes to specs, and standards, and communicates design needs. 

• Schedules and tracks pre-production samples to ensure exact execution of final design spec. 

• Quantifies adoption rates for each category for review with management, merchandising, and design. 

• Work in all stages of product development of denim from concept to bulk.

• Set up Excel cost charts and enter all proto/sample costing.

• Follow up and track all Lab dip, handloom, strike off, wash, after treatment and trim submits. 

• Analyze, WIP management and time and action calendars with vendors and agents. 

• Monitor early fabric commits. 

• Collaborate on all chase orders. 

• Ensures that target costs are communicated to factories to aid in developing within budget. 

• Negotiates material and finished goods cost on a timely basis. 

• Maintains accurate costing sheets. 

SOURCING: 

• Locate viable trends, budget, and quality-appropriate materials and vendors to expand the brand offering. 

• Continually sources affordable, trend appropriate materials for use in line through direct supplier contact, tradeshows, factories, and agents. Visits retail and factories regularly to stay abreast of material and construction trends applicable to the brand.

• Develops materials with suppliers based on design direction, within design aesthetic and budget. 

• Sources alternate manufacturing venues to achieve design, production, product development, merchandising and financial strategies and maintains a balanced factory base for adequate capacity and technique options. 

• Schedules supplier fairs for material options in line with the development calendar.

• Must build strong cross-functional relationships with Merchandising, Design, Production and Techical design teams.

CALENDAR: 

• Maintains on-time development of product.

• Builds calendar and tracks adherence to ensure timely turnover of development, and receipt of proto and market samples. 

• Monitors calendar weekly to promote the flow of designs and materials and takes corrective action to accelerate late development and issues that would cause delays. Apprises management of items adversely affecting calendar

GENERAL:

• Work with the Design Team to use liabilities when possible. 

• As needed, works closely with production to resolve delivery issues arising from development.

Minimum experience:

• 2-5 years’ experience in product development 

• Varied background working with Men, Women. Kids. Denim experience is a PLUS but not mandatory.

• Knowledge of fabrics, garment construction, techniques

• Excellent communication and presentation skills

• Strong analytical and decision-making skills

• Ability to proactively troubleshoot and problem solve.

• Excellent organizational skills

• Initiative/sense of urgency

• Ability to interact with multiple departments and associates at all different levels.

• Ability to proactively self-prioritize workflow to ensure deadlines are met in a fast paced, dynamic environment.

• Attention to Detail

• Proficient in Windows-based software such as Excel and Word

Physical Capabilities:

• Visual acuity

• Sit for extended periods of time in one position.

• Ability to stand and maintain mobility for long periods of time. 

• Possess normal manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination. 

• Ability to lift out going SMS boxes (approx. 35 lbs.)