Manager- Branded Merchandise Development

Responsibilities

• Oversee the product life cycle from trend research to custom art development, vendor art management, merchandising plans, and web integration.
• Manage designs and prototypes with vendors, ensuring proper, timely execution and quality control, including creating detailed tech specs and developing artwork.
• Review and edit incoming design concepts to ensure commercial viability and adherence to brand standards, cost matrix, product quality, and uniqueness of the brand.
• Manage product quote sheets, line sheets, and project updates.
• Maintain and understand brand aesthetics in the development of an innovative product line and brand standard guidelines.
• Communicate with the product development team and vendors to ensure proper execution of prints and applications.
• Work with vendors to ensure accurate execution of designs and packaging while managing technical specifications.
• Collaborate with Category Managers in the selection, pricing, and purchasing of merchandise for a profitable assortment for assigned categories, including operational commodity items.
• Research and incorporate current trends into designs, ensuring consistency with brand aesthetics.
• Analyze market trends seasonally and competitor offerings to inform design strategy.
• Ensure appropriate use of trademarks and copyrights.

Qualifications

• Education: Degree in Apparel Design, Product Design, Graphic Design and/or Fashion Merchandising preferred or equivalent experience required.
• Experience: 3+ years in product design and/or sourcing experience.
• Experience: Experience with Oracle Fusion preferred.
• Experience: Experience with PLM a plus.
• Knowledge, Skills And Abilities: Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills; Knowledge of product development processes and industry trends in accessories, apparel, home goods, giftware and glassware; Highly creative with the ability to filter such creativity through the reality of brands and consumers; Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and manage time to ensure deadlines are met; Strong computer and graphic design skills; Intermediate to expert in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop.