Job Description:

Product Development Associate Position Overview The Sourcing Product Development Associate (The SPD Assoc.) is responsible for managing and supporting Global Sourcing, Product Development, Pre-Production activities in compliance with the company SOPs, protocols, financial goals, and initiatives. The SPD Assoc. will manage 2-4 product categories, and continuously champion driving flawless execution of our brand promises throughout product life cycle.Please double check you have the right level of experience and qualifications by reading the full overview of this opportunity below.Having experience working with Kohls is a HUGE PLUSRole & Key Responsibilities Sourcing Activities • Support the development and execution of the Seasonal Global Sourcing Strategy for the brand. • Support management of supplier base; continually assesses suppliers' capabilities, track vendor KPIs of the categories owned and report quarterly along with course correction recommendations where/if needed. Support Global Sourcing KPI reporting preparation and The Global Sourcing Risk Assessment & Mitigation Meetings. • Manage and support program and style allocation in alignment with Company Vendor Allocation SOPs and overarching and Seasonal Strategies. • Support management of new vendor on-boarding and training activities. • Stay up to date with the competitor market, global sourcing trends, macro-economic factors, continuously share and apply the information to everyday work. Product Development Activities • Collaborate with Design, Merchandising, Technical Services, Production QA teams as well as company supplier base and other internal & external partners throughout the stages of the product development cycle. • Support Design in seasonal fabric, trim, brand packaging development, and responsible for sourcing innovative materials/trims at affordable price range and in line with company Global sourcing strategy, materializing seasonal design concepts. • Ensure product specifications are communicated to suppliers clearly & on time for accurate sampling and production execution. Ensure the quality level and design aesthetic of the samples meets the expected brand quality standards for the categories owned. • Conduct strategic negotiations for cost, lead-time, delivery, quality terms for the company and bring closure in timely manner. • Proactively manage PD WIP Tracking and trouble shoot to ensure timely and flawless execution of the finished product. Report status at the Weekly Sourcing Team meetings and provide recommendations where trouble shooting is needed. • Own the accurate and organized samples status reporting in timely fashion; Support Sample Coordinator and proactively trouble shoot with internal and external partners for on-time and accurate sampling. • Support the scheduling activities for Seasonal Vendor/Supplier showcase events, help organize and run the seasonal innovation meetings with strategic vendor partners and design and manage post meeting follow ups in timely fashion to adhere seasonal product calendars. • Partner with production to achieve the advanced booking timelines to ensure maximum flexibility for product commitments. Support creating of core items fabric platforms to ensure stock levels where possible, allow for shortest possible lead-times and increase efficiency during product development cycle. • Manage the factory PD cycle performance for the categories owned by monitoring suppliers' flexibility on product development cycle activities including cost, lead-time, quality of fit and timely shipment of samples. Troubleshoot and seek guidance along with resolution proposal to Global Sourcing leadership proactively. Costing Activities • Responsible for seasonal pre-costing and bringing all other costing related activities closure in timely fashion. • Estimate and analyze the cost of each product through the development stage and establish product targets strategically based on the established parameters by Sr. Leadership. • Negotiate and achieve/exceed IMU goals for the assigned categories. • Work closely with merchandising and design on cost and make timely call outs of the concerns related to IMU goals along with brand relevance and advise alternative cost options. Pre-Production Activities • Analyze product development issues and proactively communicate any delays in samples and/or production to divisional leadership and cross functional partners. • Manage the approval process (proto, SMS and all components) to ensure timeliness of samples and bulk execution. Proactively troubleshoot /communicate potential issues along with applicable resolution proposals. • Monitor fit sessions to ensure on-time pattern/comment release from technical design. • Partner with Design/Merchandising for styles that could potentially delay or have potential production issues. • Ensure all products are production ready and meet/exceeds all cost, quality and testing standards. Spearhead hindsight meetings when applicable. Metrics/Reporting • Own and provide accurate summaries and status recaps for cost, allocations, PD/Pre-Prod in timely fashion for seasonal costing meeting with sales and design. Work with leadership to resolve any issues prior to the sales costing deadlines. Experience, Knowledge & Skills • Strong analytical skills, merchandising math and basic financial understanding • Solid knowledge of a PD product development system - PDS, PLM, Full Circle • Strong communication and cross-functional team collaboration skills. Ability to interact with all levels of the company • Experience in contributing to and facilitating company task forces and process building activities • Understanding of Supply Chain, PD Cycle, Calendar Management and sourcing strategies and ability to execute • Knowledge of yarns and fabric construction, garment fit, CSR and QA, trade policies and legislative action and how they relate to cost • Leadership capabilities to drive change and forward movement of business • Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple priorities efficiently • Strong sense of style and good eye for color • Intermediate+ MS Office knowledge and experience Minimal Prior Work Experience in Related Position and Education requirements • Minimum 3 years in supply chain and global sourcing experience in related business segment, business model • BA degree in Business, Product Development, Merchandising or Design If you are interested, please respond with your updated resume.