rd Manager

- Plan , coordinate and ensure effective work of sampling (preproduction) department.

- Collaborate with Merchandising, Production, Quality, and Purchase to communicate quality, cost and product needs to Customers' requirements

- Directly responsible for the product development process for a multiple product categories, from concept to final product, including the development and approval of new trims, assembling techniques, quality, durability and overall aesthetics.

- Work with Merchandising to understand and anticipate customer needs, the cost and margin goals, and also recommend low-cost alternatives that uphold the integrity of the design

- Maintain accurate and timely records within designated enterprise technology systems; utilize data to analyze and report style development status, product costs, supply risks and quality concerns

- Identify potential development, safety, quality or cost concerns, when styles placing in mass production. Understand and execute final product design changes

- Ensure fabric yardage for all required samples (proto, market, sales and design) was calculated and ordered properly; responsible for accurate documentation, validation and reporting of liabilities, excess fabric disposal and charges related to bulk production or sampling

- Prioritize competing demands to support the business and accelerate submit and sample delivery (prototypes, size sets, PP samples, etc...) to maintain or expedite production schedules; ability to approve submits with limited or no input from Merch

- Understand the logic and lead times associated with the Buy & Production calendars. Ensure approval deadlines and fabric/garment buy dates are met; balance business needs and design preferences to satisfy customer demand

- Support Merchandise & Sourcing Leadership with data management as needed, including costing Request for Quotes (RFQs) and capacity management attributes

- Perform competitor/internal product techniques & cost analysis

- Occasionally perform external research to identify process improvements, document procedures and drive efficiencies and/or automation