Job Title

The Director of Product Development drives the seasonal product development process, in collaboration with a cross-functional team that includes Design, Merchandising and Production, to plan, create and execute product lines.

Specific Responsibilities Would Include

Strategy & Innovation

• Partner with Design, Merchandising and Production teams to develop seasonal product strategies, including trend identification, color palette, concept, category, style, costing and pricing; balance key items/fashion/basics; implement comprehensive costing and retail pricing framework to maximize consumer value; collaborate with Planning to leverage previous best sellers in current, trend-appropriate assortments.
• Drive execution of strategic direction and product plans for each brand and product category.
• Identify and generate new product opportunities; leverage competitive market intelligence to gain and maintain marketplace advantages; isolate key, relevant trends for each category or brand, where appropriate; drive Product Development team and partner with cross-functional teams to ensure brand cohesiveness across categories.

Operations & Results

• Drive Product Development calendar for optimum operational efficiency; partner with Design, Merchandising Production and Sales to ensure timely delivery of goods, sales growth, expense management and attainment of margin goals.
• Partner with Production to source vendors; advise VP of Product Development to help plan allocation of orders and balance workload among vendors to minimize risk; negotiate optimal pricing, where appropriate, and ensure superior quality for goods; identify and resolve quality and technical issues.
• Present line to senior colleagues; manage product review meetings, including edits, board review, pre-costing and post-season reviews; ensure Production and Imports properly determine duty rates and confirm with customs; review product line to ensure adherence to any or all legal requirements; monitor vendors to ensure that products are manufactured only in approved facilities and raise concerns to VP of Product Development.

Customers & Relationships

• Manage communication and follow-up with internal and external constituents around the world, including customers, suppliers, vendors and licensors, where applicable; partner with Production and Tech to source new suppliers and vendors and maintain relationships with existing partners, including internal constituents.
• Maintain relationships with collaborators and competitors; attend trade shows and industry events.

Leadership & Teams

• Contribute positively to team dynamic and manage up where necessary.
• Attract, develop and retain talent; create appropriate succession plans.
• Valuate performance of individuals and team.

Our Best Fit Candidate Would Have

• Experience and understanding of wholesale apparel merchandising, manufacturing, global supply chain operations, and mass market distribution.
• Entrepreneurial drive tempered by judgment and strong leadership skills.
• Superior organizational skills and excellent communication skills; experience managing and motivating teams.
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines; highly detail oriented, meticulous and creative.
• Creativity, sensibility for merchandising and customer needs.
• Knowledge of garment construction.
• Bachelor's Degree.
• 8 - 10 years experience in apparel merchandising, private label buying or product development; significant relevant experience in categories; previous responsibility as Senior Merchandiser, Product Development Specialist or as MM.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office, proficiency in SAP preferred.

In return, we provide an industry-competitive salary, along with a comprehensive benefits plan (medical, dental, vision) that includes a matching 401(k), Summer Fridays, generous PTO, merchandise discounts, excellent career development opportunities, and a work environment that reflects our industry leadership. Our social impact program, Centric Cares, focuses on volunteerism to make a difference in communities we live and work in and our D&I committee is shaping the future of diversity, equity and inclusion at Centric Brands though workshops, resources and inspiring conversation.

Salary Range: $115,000 - $120,000

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Centric Brands is an Equal Opportunity Employer