Product Development Manager

Aug. 8, 2010

New York, NY

Confidential

Product Development Manager
New York, NY

Leading supplier of fashion accessories to the department, sport and specialty channels has immediate opening for a Product Development Manager. The ideal candidate will flourish in a fast paced, innovative setting founded on creative thinking and a collaborative work environment.

The Product Development Manager develops merchandising strategies and products that achieve targeted costs, retails, GMROI, quality, and perceived value that meet or exceed sales and profit projections. In addition, the Product Development Manager will develop product and shop the market for brand right product that will support and drive the merchandise strategies.

Specific responsibilities include:
• Understand and facilitate the interaction between merchandising, design, the overseas import agent, the vendor community and an overseas factory base.
• Identify and interpret trends and directs the sourcing and development of appropriate key items and product assortments and develops goals for each item/assortment including target retail, GM, quantity, packaging, promotional and marketing opportunities and life cycle.
• Travels internationally as necessary to accomplish trend, sourcing and overall product development responsibilities by searching for and identifying appropriate sources to develop the items/assortments and executes the production process.
• Works with existing and new vendors on products that they are developing to present to the merchant team as additional opportunities.
• Responsible for awareness and resolution of any sourcing, developing, production, and/or other issues that will affect the product as well as communication of issues/resolutions to team.

Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree in Product Development, Fashion Merchandising, Business, or related field. Consideration will be given to equivalent work experience in lieu of degree.

Strong relationship building skills with demonstrated track record of building partnerships and teamwork.

Minimum 3+ years in Merchandising including Product Development and International Sourcing & Production. International travel experience and creative passion for trends and fashion is required.

Understanding of the creative process and the ability to interpret all current trends and fashions are a must.

Must be efficient with sourcing and organizing fabrics, trims, embroideries, embellishments and some artwork as well.

Solid computer and communication skills are both imperative! Must be detail oriented, able to multi-task, and able to produce while under strict time deadlines.

If you want to be part of an innovative team that recognizes and rewards initiative, then email your resume including salary history for immediate consideration to jcoutros@optonline.net.