Product Manager - Athleisure (RTW)

Crisp color, graphic prints and playful sophistication are the hallmarks of Kate Spade & Company. From handbags and clothing to jewelry, fashion accessories, fragrance, eyewear, shoes, swimwear, home decor, desk accessories, stationery, tabletop and gifts, our exuberant approach to the everyday encourages personal style with a dash of incandescent charm. We call it living colorfully.

Kate Spade & Company has over 168 retail shops and outlet stores across the United States and more than 87 shops internationally. Our colorful products are sold worldwide, in every time zone and on every continent. Whether in San Francisco, Sao Paulo or Shanghai, our shops are always warm and inviting.

Welcome to Kate Spade & Company. 

As Product Manager Athleisure - RTW, you will be responsible for ensuring that the company’s best interest is kept in mind when sourcing raw materials, developing and allocating product for the Kate Spade brand.  This person will direct the internal process to increase efficiencies and continuously improve the production strategy, process, and management of priorities. 

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Manage the entire product development & production process for Athleisure from initial design concept through to bulk production
  • Deciding tech pack allocation and adhering to sourcing strategy
  • Ensuring all materials used and construction details identified meet cost parameter guidelines
  • Facilitating early material bookings and/or capacity reservations occur to guarantee on time delivery
  • Tracking and approving all samples and color/print
  • Ensuring costing meets IMU guidelines and LRP margin goals
  • Implementing required testing and approving final product, components and packaging
  • Managing all lead-time and minimum issues
  • Creating, tracking and managing bulk production orders
  • Ensuring factories achieve on-time delivery
  • Manage liability process and influence utilization
• Partner with design and vendors to source, cost and achieve margin
  • Identify viable factories, mills and suppliers
  • Outline cost parameters and ensure adherence
  • Manage vendor approval process
• Oversee seasonal production calendar, ensuring deadlines are met by all business partners, including design, merchandising and vendors
• Track sample development metrics and costs on a monthly basis to ensure we are within budget allowances
• Maintain very positive and professional relationships with vendors and internal partners in an effective manner
• Ensure teams adhere to all sourcing and manufacturing SOPs
• Special projects that drive results and brand initiatives

• College degree required
• 5-10 years of relevant activewear experience in production, sourcing, and product development
• Established relationships with garment manufacturers & raw materials suppliers
• Strong technical knowledge of performance materials and knitwear
• Expertise in product development and cost engineering
• Strong organizational, written and verbal communication skills
• Initiative/sense of urgency; demonstrated problem solving skills
• Proficient in windows-based software such as excel and word
• Strong ability to manipulate data for efficient analysis
• Able to adapt and excel in a rapidly changing and growing environment
• Strong ability to multi-task and demonstrate flexibility
• Building strong internal and external partnership critical
• Understanding cross-functional needs
• Manage and development of direct reports
• International travel experience a plus

Kate Spade & Company is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer: Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran

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