Manager, Design & Product Development Knitwear – Outlet

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Initiate new/seasonal development on all styles to meet division objectives.
• Develop product that meets the division’s goals and objectives and margin/cost parameters established in the line development plan.
• Research global, domestic and competitive markets to identify new trends, fabrications and techniques to translate into creative product that is viable for the Talbot’s Outlet customer.
• Focus on seasonal development of strong Key Item programs and Fashion Essentials that meet overall division’s objectives on an aesthetic and business level for the customer.
• Develop prints that meet the customer’s aesthetic needs and have the ability to create head –to-toe looks with team counterparts in Design/PD and Merchandising.
• Manage the activities to meet all calendar deadlines.
• Maintain seasonal development boards via Photoshop and Illustrator.  Maintain archives of past styles for historical purposes.
• Coordinate seasonal color palette execution.
• Attend weekly fit sessions to recommend garment construction in order to value engineer garments to meet IMU goals.
• Develop pre-production package and provide input on fabric/trim details, initial costs, wash standards, etc. to Sourcing and Technical design.
• Input all necessary supportive information into required systems such as WEB PDM.  Partner with Sourcing, Merchandising and IT to ensure all needs are being met.
• Coordinate with Sourcing to sample according global sourcing strategy.  Work with factories/vendors on implementing new ideas in production setting.
• Approve lab dips, trims and strike-offs to ensure standards are met and T&A’s maintained.
• Communicate approvals with overseas agents and vendors to meet Time & Action deadlines.
• People Management: develop, mentor, coach direct reports on performance expectations and provide a challenging work environment that fosters a positive team environment.

Job Requirements

• College degree required and 8+ years product development experience, preferably in production and/or merchandising
• 2 years managerial experience
• Expert fabric, knit and garment construction knowledge
• Thorough understanding of product development and merchandising process
• Strong business management skills to include product costing and knowledge of financial as it applies to business strategies
• Excellent organizational, time management, and negotiation skills