About the RoleThe Merchandise Manager of Product Development will be responsible and accountable for monitoring the entire product development pipeline from development through to order placement by driving product excellence in the delivery, quality, cost and service level agreement required of external and internal customers. S/he will also be responsible for product innovation and proposing cost saving opportunities that are aligned with sourcing and vendor strategies cascaded by Brand team. S/he will also be responsible for bringing in new vendors to support the delivery of our business strategy and growth plan.What You'll Do

Manages garment and product development processes in a timely manner

Manages development sampling and initial costs

Ensures product execution meets the design aesthetic as well as commercially acceptable quality standards

Escalates product issues to the platform team

Works with vendors/tech team to ensure VDA for lab dips and ensure VDA for fits/sampling changes

Manage vendor relationship and new vendor on-boarding training

Manages vendor loading in capacity process

Monitors vendor performance and cost negotiation with vendors

Manages and facilitates major claim settlement between customers and suppliers

Executes the continuous improvement process for programs identified within his/her purview.

Manages, trains & and coaches the team to be customer-focused, innovative, fast and team-oriented in their work

Who You Are

Merchandise Sourcing knowledge – Experience in sample development/production follow up and with

direct factory production exposure; Good knowledge of construction and testing requirement

Customer Impact & Business Acumen – proven capability in understanding financial measurements and implications to product development. Ability to understand the target customer and knowledge of product trends

Planning & Execution – proven experience in plan, prioritize and adapt to change while achieving and maintaining results for multiple projects

Problem Solver & Drive Results - can see a problem from multiple angles and provide viable, innovative options for resolution; successfully lead complex negotiations

Talent Builder & Empowerment – experience in leading teams and developing talent

Excellent Communicator - proven capability to communicate and present effectively in adaption to the audience needs.