PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Inno Knits designs, markets, produces, and distributes a distinguished portfolio of branded and private label brands throughout North America. We work with retailers in every tier of distribution, seamlessly adapting to the dynamic retail landscape to reach our widespread consumer base. Our focus is on achieving long-term growth by delivering the most innovative product and product strategies in the market.
Inno Knits, Inc. currently has a great opportunity for a Product Development Manager. The Product Development Manager will coordinate and manage the new product development needs for our customers. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Create and manage company’s internal time and action calendar based ahead of individual client’s/Product development calendars to feed them new trends, fabrics and designs.
- Identify and suggest new product opportunities; leverage competitive market intelligence to gain and maintain marketplace advantages and increase company sales.
- Create and manage sample fabric tracking chart
- Source new fabrics for design/customers
- Maintain fabric and trim library
- Communicate daily with overseas vendors, mills, factories and sample rooms
- Request samples from vendors as needed
- Resolve product development issues
- Understanding of market trends
- Attend all relevant customers/ department, brand and cross-functional meetings
- Attend cross functional meetings and follow up on issues
- Attend client product development meetings
- Liaise with design, fabric R&D, production, and sales
- Report to COO & President of the company
- Work with President/Sales team for feeding new products to new customers with the sole objective of increasing TOP Line
- Work with Account Managers to understand customer direction to offer new products
- Act as central resource for product development ideas for account managers and sales team
- Understand costing structure of customer to offer new products.
- Other duties as assigned
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
- Must have knowledge of various, fabric technologies, performance applications, finishes, laundry and garment production
- Strong Understanding and Knowledge of knit and woven
- Highly organized
- Outstanding communication, presentation and persuasion skills
- Proficient in MS Office Suite
- Strong Excel skills
- Experience working with multiple calendars
- Strong project management skills
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and work in fast paced environment under pressure