PRODUCT DEVELOPER (SMU’S/PARTNERSHIPS & ACCESSORIES)

PRODUCT DEVELOPER (SMU’S/PARTNERSHIPS & ACCESSORIES)

The Product Manager will oversee the entire product design, development, and production process for products in their designated category. This individual will follow Stussy product across all aspects of the design, development and production cycle. These cycles include design, fabric & trim development, prototype sampling, salesman sample ordering, and production. The Product Manager will work closely with external collaborators to ensure both parties needs are met on all collaborative projects. They will make it their mission to ensure that all projects stay within deadlines and timelines. By constantly innovating, paying attention to detail, and through excellent communication, they will ensure that products are created on time and with the highest regard for the quality of the outcome.

This role is based in Los Angeles California.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and manage the SMU & Accessory product calendars. Proactively identify exceptions and offer solutions to conflicts in order to meet or exceed calendar date goals. 

• Communicate product calendar deadlines to Design lead, product team, factories & external collaborators.
• Continually follow up with production to confirm that projects are always ‘on calendar’.
• Complete a final proof of all specs prior to submitting to factory, ensure that all elements of the product / collaboration are considered in tech pack development and hand-off.
• Work with development team to review photo, salesman, and pre-production samples for accuracy and quality with unwavering attention to detail.

• Provide factory with detailed instructions along with photos or samples for any changes that must be made to samples. 

• Proactively identify potential issues, propose solutions for process challenges, and execute faster and higher quality goods in both sampling and production stages.
• Work with marketing department to ensure appropriate samples for launches.
• Communicate with business development and sales operations to ensure product builds and styles are successfully input and accurate with all product descriptions/sizing/pricing details. 

• Examine, report, and track success and failure of the company’s products in the marketplace. Determine reasons for success or failure. 

• Develop and deepen our relationships with vendors, suppliers, customers and logistics managers. Work with Stussy’s head of sourcing to identify the best possible producer for each collaborative project.
• Learn external approval procedures and work closely with the Legal team to ensure all special requirements are being met for both parties.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of the entire Stussy inline collections and work closely with other Product Managers and the entire development team.
• Provide product lifecycle calendars for both internal and external partners, manage design phases of feedback and ensure projects are taken from ideation to fabrication with the buy-in and inclusion of both internal and external teams.
• Communicate exceptionally with external partners on a regular basis with proficiency and represent the brand in all product conversations.
• Partner with development, design, production and sales ops to ensure projects are effectively handed-off with complete tech packs and design considerations to deliver the best possible product to market.

About You:

• Minimum 3 yrs. exp. In Product Development within the fashion/retail industry

• Experience in product line management, development, design or production for a fashion brand

• Brand experience preferred, strong agency backgrounds considered

• Strong communication and relationship building skills and the ability to balance and complete multiple projects

• Excellent organizational and time management skills

• Entrepreneurial spirit, self-motivated and results oriented

• Excellent analytical/problem solving skills with the ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously

• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills

• Knowledge of production, importing, exporting and operations considered an asset