Description:
We are seeking a Product Development Specialist for our leading retail client to bring fresh, trend-right products to life and support a seamless process from concept to shipment. This role collaborates closely with Merchants and Managers to execute product visions, ensuring quality and timely delivery that aligns with market demands.
The Product Development Specialist will cultivate strong relationships with Agents, Buyer Vendors, and internal teams, acting as a key point of contact to maintain smooth operations. With an eye for fashion and trends, this role involves regularly shopping competitor stores to stay ahead on style, color direction, and value, helping to deliver products that resonate with customers.
Responsibilities:
- Develops strong working relationships and communication skills.
- Ensures styling details and product standards are clearly communicated and understood by Agents/Vendors.
- Facilitates problem resolution in a timely manner.
- Coordinates the development process according to time and action deadlines.
- Develops an understanding of how to create achievable programs and how to add efficiencies while working with the Manager and team.
- Knowledge of tech pack production, works with technical design and design team to ensure that the product styling is consistent with current market trends. Works with their Managers, the Agents and Vendors to develop new techniques and concept samples.
- Works closely with the Sourcing Team with some experience with Excel and pivot tables.
- Reviews all submits received from vendors for compliance to standards.
- Communicates technically achievable direction to the vendors on how to correct color, strike offs, components, and samples.
- Consults Product Manager or team members for functional guidance as necessary.
- Assists in monitoring delivery and production flow according to the Time & Action deadlines. Monitors WIP reports with Product Development team, Agents, and Vendors to ensure on time delivery for all programs.
- Travels domestically and internationally as needed.
- Approves submits including trims, dips, print strike offs, fabric quality and samples against established standards.
- Resolves issues as they arise in accordance to the Time and Action calendar.
- Ability to prioritize work load.
- Acts with integrity.
- Recommends methods to improve the product construction and quality.
Qualifications
- Degree in Business / or Home Product /Fashion and/or Merchandising knowledge.
- Minimum of 3+ years Product Development experience.
- PC skills including EXCEL, Microsoft Office, PowerPoint (PLM, Web PDM, Adobe Illustrator a plus)
- Effective communication skills.
- Strong math skills.
- Ability to communicate and interpret conceptual design ideas.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Works well in a team environment.
- Ability to handle multiple projects in a fast pace environment.
- Strong organizational and follow-through skills