Manager of Product Development- Women's Lifestyle

Job Title: Manager of Product Development- Women’s Lifestyle
Reports to: Director of Product Development
Location: Ventura, CA

General Summary:

The Manager of Product Development (MPD) directs a team of Product Developers on the development/commercialization of a particular product line from 2D through check run/pre-production approvals. S/he is responsible for managing direct style development to ensure that products are commercialized and will result in on-time sample and production deliveries. The absolute definition of the Development function is the creation of accurate product specifications—BOMs, construction details, and measurements. Though this information may originate from multiple sources and through the participation of other entities, the Product Developer is responsible for the final form and quality of any individual product specification assigned to him/her.

The MPD collaborates strategically with the Product Line Directors, Designers and the Production Department to achieve the product initiatives for the season for his/her category. The MPD is the primary mentor for the development team and demonstrates excellence in service, communication and strategic planning. The MPD must lead the team to achieve the Company’s aesthetic, quality and environmental objectives in each product produced. The MPD must also hire and mentor Product Developers and make sure the necessary skill sets exist on the development team.

Essential Job Functions:
o Partner with the Production team to determine the sourcing strategy for each season.
o Initiate strategic objectives that support the Company’s mission and seasonal goals.
o Manage and foster vendor relationships.
o Lead product team meetings and ensure meeting objectives are met.
o Maintain seasonal metrics regarding the on-time development of product.
o Manage workload of the Development team. Assign Product Developers according to skill set, factory location, and other factors.
o Manage BOM level costing information throughout the costing process—communicate BOM estimates and work with the factories to control BOM costs.
o Effectively facilitate communication process with off-site Designers.
o Partner in developing new technologies which will ultimately create innovative product.
o Direct the development process to achieve commercial viability of designs through collaboration with such departments as: Fabric Sourcing, Design, Trim Development, Purchasing, Costing and Quality.
o Provide necessary support for new system implementations (PLM) and additional modules designed to streamline the development process.
o Develop and maintain BOM’s and accurate database information that result in efficient raw material purchasing.
o Manage approvals such as: proto, sample, counter-sample and pre-production to ensure the Company’s quality standards as well as the timeliness of deliveries are met.
o Responsible for managing the proto-type process including: insuring that the calendar deadlines and approvals for: costing, quality evaluation, color, fabric and trims are met.
o Work closely with Contract Managers in the placement of each product in the appropriate factory and thereafter support both the Contract Manager and factory in the production of all such garments.
o Coordinate all factory communication for the development of proto-types. Such responsibilities will include: establishing the timeline, raw material management, and approval requirements with the factory during the commercialization process.
o Support the sourcing and training of new factory resources.
o Collaborate with factories to achieve ‘state of the art’ opportunities for product innovation.
o Ensure that the Company’s standards for quality, function and reducing environmental impacts are met in all products of responsibility.
o General staff management responsibilities include but are not limited to: fostering a work environment that inspires creativity and growth, Performance Evaluations, budgetary responsibilities and insuring the department goals are met in a timely and efficient manner.

Physical Requirements:
o Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.
o Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
o Ability to look at a computer screen for extended periods of time.
o Ability to maintain a composed and professional demeanor within a flexible and (at times noisy) work environment.
o Must be able to travel internationally and domestically utilizing various transportation methods.

Minimum Job Qualifications:
o Bachelor’s degree; Apparel / Textile Design, Technology, Merchandising, Engineering required.
o 10+ years experience in design, development, production or merchandising.
o 5+ years experience in managing and developing staff.
o Extensive knowledge of apparel construction, material construction and properties, pattern making, costing, embroidery and surface applications (e.g. screen printing, etc).
o Thorough understanding of the design, development and merchandising process from inception through production.
o Ability to interpret design intent and offer alternative solutions.
o Ability to write product specs.
o Knowledge of garment fit and the ability to instruct a manufacturer on necessary changes to a pattern to influence the fit.
o Proven performance history with domestic and offshore vendors and manufacturers.
o Ability to be a technical resource to others.
o Proven skill at problem solving and product innovation.
o Working knowledge of such programs as: AS400, Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Illustrator and Access as well as a variety of data, voice and image communication programs.
o Extreme attention to detail and the ability to establish and maintain schedules.
o Comfortable with team-based work structure; ability to demonstrate flexibility on the job.
o Demonstrates initiative, is conscientious and provides complete follow-through on areas of responsibility.
Ability to communicate effectively- verbally, written and visually - with a wide variety of people.

Employee Conduct:
It is the responsibility of every employee to contribute to a positive work environment through cooperative and professional interactions with co-workers, customers and vendors.
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Posted By: Alysia Kreitem 11/9/08