Product Development Manager- Fashion at Interstate Staffing

The Product Development Coordinator reports to and is supported by the Director of Responsible Sourcing. This position is primarily responsible for the successful completion of the product development life cycle from inception through to production for all assigned Accounts and Categories. The PD Manager works cross functionally to prioritize and complete assigned developments, requests and presentations. The PD Manager must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with short lead times that require quick, well-informed decision-making. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES The primary Responsibilities and Duties of this position are: Communicate with overseas staff and vendors to develop cost engineered items as needed Work Cross-functionally to manage development timelines for assigned categories/accounts Assign item and review spec sheets to ensure accuracy for vendor to properly make samples Work with overseas team to ensure Spec sheets are set up in systems correctly with accurate cost, descriptions and images. Make suggestions to modify/engineer product to meet needed costs and work with vendors to lower cost through changes in design/material Communicate daily with overseas staff and vendors to solve any pricing issues, development problems, or delivery issues Effectively communicate development status. Look ahead and identify potential roadblocks Target lower costs as needed to meet customer needs Supply cross functional team with updated cost and sampling details needed within needed time frame Create revised spec sheets as needed based on customer requests Re-source existing items either for better first cost/quality or due to customer specifications Work proactively to address any problems regarding design, existing samples, cost etc prior to posting order to vendors Ensure all details in system are accurate for ordered item prior to order posting Check all items ordered to ensure vendors have samples need to begin production Review approval board for all product details, accuracy Review PP samples for accuracy with relevant team members, and assist in communication as needed depending on account Maintain updated project details on department Project tracker Conduct weekly touch base meeting with Cross functional team for assigned accounts Continuously looking for ways to cut costs: Samples, supplies, time management, and copies SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS 1-3 years of related experience preferred Excellent organizational, oral and written communication skills Proficiency in PowerPoint and Excel Knowledge of Jewelry Manufacturing processes, materials, and terminology a plus! The ability to take initiative and make decisions, as well as, seek support when needed to gain positive results Strong creative problem solving skills and a 'team player' mentality Understanding of overseas product development processes and geographic strengths Ability to follow systems in place to keep workflow and department needs organized