Sr. Product Development Coordinator (Apparel)

About the role

This apparel company is seeking a Senior Product Development Coordinator to manage the end to end product development process from concept through production handoff. This role serves as a key liaison between Design, Technical Design, Sourcing, Sales, suppliers, and domestic and international manufacturing partners to ensure right first time product and sample execution.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day to day product lifecycle for assigned categories, from fabric sourcing and style development through final bulk production handoff, partnering with Design to execute seasonal product and program objectives.
• Manage domestic and overseas sample development, coordinating materials, vendors, sample rooms, and factories to meet development timelines and quality standards, and lead local sample development by sourcing fabrics and coordinating with printers, dye houses, trim suppliers, and the in-house sewing room.
• Source and procure fabrics, trims, washes, embellishments, prints, and other raw materials, and partner with Technical Design to ensure specifications and patterns are received on time and accurately reflect product requirements.
• Maintain seasonal sample trackers, WIP reports, and development calendars to keep Design, Sales, and cross-functional partners updated in real time, and communicate regularly with overseas factories and sample rooms to monitor development, resolve issues, and keep samples on schedule.
• Manage color and material development by reviewing and communicating feedback on lab dips, strike-offs, and print approvals, track and coordinate sample revisions with factories and sample rooms, and coordinate internal sample reviews and presentations, preparing approved samples for shipment to customers for line review and adoption.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with domestic and international suppliers, factories, and overseas offices, and proactively identify and resolve development risks, sourcing challenges, and production issues.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Product Development, Apparel Manufacturing, Textile Science, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience
• 3 or more years of Product Development experience within the apparel industry
• Experience developing products for children's apparel, private label, or licensed brands
• Experience working with both domestic sample rooms and overseas manufacturing partners
• Strong knowledge of apparel construction, garment manufacturing, fabrics, trims, washes, embellishments, and print techniques
• Experience sourcing fabrics, trims, and sample materials from domestic and international suppliers
• Experience working directly with overseas factories and global vendors
• Understanding of garment costing and sourcing strategies

Skills

• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast paced, multi-channel environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate professionally across global teams
• Proficiency with PLM systems, Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

Preferred Qualifications

• 5 or more years of Product Development experience within the apparel industry
• Prior experience mentoring or overseeing junior product development staff

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off

Pay