Head of Product Development

POSITION SUMMARY STATEMENT

The Head of Product Development will be accountable for leading the company product sourcing and development strategies from inception through pre-production release. This role manages the product team. Sets critical path, ensuring deadlines are met, and helping the team stay on track. The Head of Product Development will evaluate and recommend current, and future supply chain. This role is a relationship builder with consistent delivery on Quality Standards, Price/Value and Performance. As product line evolves seasonal this role is responsible for all modification to Design from internal and external partners.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Partner with Design, Merchandise and Production Leaders to align on business priorities and assortment architecture to build resources (internal and external) needed to deliver on assortment needs.
• Drive financial results by providing design solutions for business opportunities that are differentiated from the market place and unique to Brand, including business shifts, key initiatives, new product concepts and seasonal focuses.
• Perform competitive research; continuously evaluate marketplace to identify and review applicability of key trends in manufacturing, fabrications and construction; identify significant innovations and share with partners in Merchandising and Design on regular basis; maintenance of archive of materials, hardware, etc. for development
• Proactive approach of all development from inception to pre-production release.
• Direct interaction with factories, mills, vendors and team(s) to execute efforts in special garment development and enhancements and modifications to designs and materials, including line and discount/derivative products, in order to maintain aesthetic and achieve financial goals.
• Partner with Merchandising, Design and Sales to develop and monitor successful execution of Creative Path timeline and in development workflow.
• Participate in fittings providing valuable feedback along with technical advisors
• Lead, develop and manage team members. Set clear objectives, provide ongoing performance feedback, and evaluate potential
• Leverage cross-functional synergy within the organization to leverage and champion the Product role
• Manage interoffice communication and follow-up with internal and external customers and contacts regarding production, including suppliers and vendors.
• Manage fiscal responsibility of Design Sample Budget and review quarterly reports from Finance Partners Department Head
• Attract, develop and retain talent
• Travel to factories and international trade shows, where appropriate
• Manage special projects on an as needed basis

 

 

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Demonstrates high degree of professionalism in communication, attitude and teamwork with customers, peers and management

• Required to have high taste level and understanding of Women’s Luxury Market
• Adheres to all Company Policies & Procedures and Safety Regulations
• Adheres to local, state and federal laws
• Additional responsibilities assigned by supervisor related to your position/department
• Must be able to travel 20% of time to visit International, US contractors, and St John factory in Tijuana Mexico based on business needs
• Ability to be flexible and willing to work extended hours when necessary

 

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervises, Development Team
• Provides coaching, direction, develops and empowers direct reports
• Ensures work flow and processes are to maximum efficiencies for business necessity

 

 

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

• Interacts with all levels throughout organization including employees and outside vendors

 

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The following are the minimum qualifications which an individual should possess in order to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.

 

 

 

COMPETENCIES:

• Adaptability
• Communication
• Negotiating
• Decision Making
• Solutions Orientated
• Results Orientated
• Leadership
• Motivator
• Organization
• Initiative
• Innovation
• Honesty & Integrity
• Embraces Change
• Teamwork

 

Education/Experience:

• 10+ years’ experience in relevant areas of product development, sourcing
• Women’s Luxury Fashion house experience
• In-depth knowledge and experience in garment construction, manufacturing methods and workflow management
• Degree or diploma in garment engineering or planning/scheduling highly preferred.
• Efficient working knowledge using Microsoft Office Programs (Word, Excel, Outlook) and company intranet

 

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: In general, the following physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to allow differently-abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job.

 

• Standing, walking and squatting less than 50% of the work shift
• Required to lift, move and carry up to 40 pounds
• Ability to read, count and write to accurately complete all documentation and reports
• Must be able to see, hear and speak in order to communicate with employees and other customers
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus