DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT FAST FASHION
CHICAGO, IL
BRICK EXECUTIVE SEARCH has partnered with a company that in just 21 years in business has become the nation’s fastest-growing and dynamic contemporary, fast fashion retailer. With both Brick and Mortar locations and an e-commerce presence, this company is the “GO TO” for those who want to BE SEEN. We are searching for a DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT who can work in lockstep with one of the owners to drive this business to a global scope.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Negotiate effective product terms with local and overseas suppliers such as cost, quality and delivery lead-times
- Securing cost efficiencies through effective bottom-up approach and accurate costing benchmarking
- Follow up pre-production and production stages in a continuous communication with vendors
- Accurate production planning matching budgets with factories capacities
- Support the strategic objectives of the business by maintaining and developing an effective supplier portfolio
- Reporting on production status and sourcing planning
- Review and communicate emails daily with external overseas vendors and internal departments
- Seasonal buy placement per factory: prepare buy projection chart with factory allocation by season
- Create and manage the Production Calendar. Tracking and maintaining deadlines for all teams
- Follow up weekly WIP reports from multiple vendors to manage production schedule for samples, fabrics, trims and production to achieve on-time delivery
- Review and approve garment yield, check actual fabric consumption chart and PGA report to minimize fabric shortage and overage with merchant and fabric team, Review fabric quality and delivery issues with fabric team
- BMS – Manage Pos, reports and update all data related to production: yields, prices, delivery dates
- Excel – Create pivot charts and manage all report charts
- Manages PO tracker which is used cross functionally with planning, merchandising, logistics and operations
- Work closely with the Product Development team to ensure fabrics/trims are approved for production and chase into pending lab dips/strike offs/knit downs to ensure on time production delivery.
REQUIREMENTS / EXPERIENCE
- 5+ years experience in product development, fashion industry preferred
- Experienced and knowledgeable about products, suppliers, and factories
- Advanced knowledge about critical path, costing, manufacturing and calendar management
- Strong negotiation skills
- Excellent organizational and planning skills with high prioritization ability working on multiple projects simultaneously
- Ability to work under pressure in a fast paced and entrepreneurial environment
- Ability to establish trustworthy and durable relationships with suppliers and colleagues
- Advanced Excel skills