Senior Sample Merchandiser

About the Role

From concept through to pre-production stage, Product Development is the front-line regarding communication with the finished goods vendor base, launching sketches, requesting sampling, fitting product, and keeping an accurate data library of the life cycle of a product. Product Development is a truly cross functional working group that pivot to partners such as Design, Concept, Global Fit, Technical Development, Quality, Merchandising, Finished Goods Sourcing, Raw Materials, and Go To Market operations to deliver a commercially ready product to our buying teams. They are strong communicators who value and develop their cross functional relationships. This is a team of high performers who are constantly striving to develop personally and professionally, practicing open feedback in a trusting space. This team knows how to bring fun into their everyday, prioritising team connection and enjoying creative sessions together.

A Day In The Life

The Product Development Manager is responsible for leading a team of individuals to drive the commercialization of best-in-class product in partnership with creative and strategic counterparts, balancing function, time, cost, and quality while delivering design intent. They strategize product road maps, industry standards and drive team project management expertise to deliver premium, functional, and innovative product fit for production. Execute on short and long-term product development strategies.

• Lead, train, mentor, and coach the team to elevate business and soft skill set within team
• Reinforcing an environment for learning, open dialogue, collaboration, and transparency
• Drive internal process efficiency by encouraging co-creation with vendors and external partners as needed
• Mentor team members through personal development plans and career pathways
• Drive communication and influence cross-functional partners through issue resolution
• Collaborate with cross-functional team members to ensure full transparency and awareness of style status along multiple track seasonal deadlines
• Resource and allocate seasonal style capacity efficiently across various product classifications and team capabilities
• Manage seasonal product development to ensure cost parameters, quality, and design intention are achieved
• Maintain a knowledgeable overview of all product categories with the ability to proxy and aid in strategic decision making
• In partnership with cross-functional leaders, drive innovation and elevate process improvement
• Partner with cross-functional leaders to ensure raw materials and trim developments ladder into strategic product roadmaps
• Cooperate with all cross-functional leaders to ensure product is meeting cost objectives along the development timeline
• Recommend appropriate seasonal vendor allocation and partner with sourcing to provide insight on vendor

Qualifications

• 10+ Years industry experience in Design and Development
• Experience in people management and training
• Management of design and development calendars
• Proven ability to manage and develop x-functional relationships.
• Passion for Design and product creation
• Ability to build and develop teams focused on design – concept, digital and physical product.
• Attention to detail, initiative, organization, strong verbal & written communication skills.
• Deep knowledge of fabric, fit and construction.
• Strong applied comprehension of end-to-end product life cycle
• Self-motivated, strong sense of urgency, collaborative mindset
• Ability to work and thrive in a fast paced, cross functional team environment
• Excellent time management, organizational & problem-solving skills
• Curiosity for change & learning, capable of managing ambiguity
• Proficiency in MS office (Excel/Word/Outlook), Adobe Design Suite (Illustrator and Photoshop)
• Extensive technical knowledge of performance and or ready to wear product lifecycle, fit, construction, costing and international manufacturing; domestic manufacturing would be an asset

Must Haves

• Strong interpersonal skills including analytical, problem solving, organizational, issue resolution, and internal and external relationship management
• Decisive and strategic leader with a proven track record
• Passionate about mentoring, coaching, and training team members according to individual goals and objectives
• Approaches problem solving with a conceptual and strategic mindset
• Extensive knowledge of cross-functional team accountabilities paired with a detailed understanding of product creation calendar from design through to in store delivery
• Curiosity for change and learning, capable of managing ambiguity
• Professional written, visual, and verbal communication and presentation skills
• Self-motivated, strong sense of urgency, collaborative approach
• Thrive in a fast paced, cross functional team environment
• Ability to work through others by delegating and distributing work in order to meet goals

Job Type: Full-time