Job Description:

The Product Development Manager is responsible for leading the product development strategy and execution of all products, from design through handoff to the supply chain/production team. The Associate will lead the product development and commercialization process working in close collaboration with all of the internal and external cross functional partners from Design to Merchandising, Planning, Packaging, Quality, Sourcing, and supply chain/production teams as well as suppliers to deliver product on time and efficiently. This role is accountable for delivering the product, consistent with Merchandising and Brand aesthetic vision, on time and with a strong focus on meeting the business requirements for margin, quality and timelines. This position will also utilize product and process knowledge to execute the development and on-time commercialization of assigned styles. The position will also champion the company's Five Principles & practices by maintaining effective collaborative relationships and supports brand integrity and consistency.

What are we looking for?
Minimum Requirements
Required: Bachelor's degree
6 years product development experience or related field of work
Strong Product development skills and understanding of product manufacturing
Strong decision making skills supported with facts and analysis
Advanced computer skills required, including Microsoft Office
Experience working in a high paced retail environment highly recommended
Proven self-starter with a record of staying on track and pursuing solutions without supervision
Up to 25% travel


What will be your key responsibilities?
Project Management
Co-Creation of product development strategy and long-term goal setting for PD organization
Creation and implementation of product development tools and processes to promote efficiency and profitability
Leads the product creation process from initial concept to commercialization and production
Manages the creation of time and action calendar to ensure key milestones as well as critical stakeholder inputs are met and delivered in a timely manner
Leads the development process to ensure on time delivery and development according to critical dates, product specification, sustainability, performance, and profitability goals
Lead communication with Global G&G and Brand guidelines to ensure projects are completed within guidelines
Lead development input on overall costing strategy with Merchants, Commercial and Planning teams to achieve margin targets aligned to the corporate financial objectives
Lead cost and minimum order quantity (MOQ) negotiations with vendors to ensure we are achieving margin goals and targets for individual items and overall category
Lead concept and up-front development with merchants, R&D, and vendors, bringing the latest innovations to the forefront of the development process
Partners closely with merchandising/brand/planning teams, as well as external vendors regarding all relevant changes from design hand-off through product finalization
Identifies and addresses key issues and challenges in construction/manufacturing and plans accordingly to deliver proven and tested product
Communicate with outside vendors/internal partners to ensure that materials are developed, approved and purchased within calendar and budget requirements, ensuring that the product meets the high quality standards of the brand
Oversees the management and maintenance of the Brand Manager system throughout the product development process, including key stakeholder inputs


Product Management
Manages the creations and maintenance of appropriate documentation for assigned products; ensures all appropriate development documentation is completed, including product specs, costing and prototype notes
Responsible for the management of reference samples, sampling, prototyping and top of production samples for all products in and out of the Merchandising Lab
Accountable for ensuring appropriate samples are received for critical milestones, inclusive of samples needs for digital photography to support mms.com launch
Responsible for researching and understanding manufacturing capabilities to be able to anticipate problems, facilitate problem-solving and attain resolution in a timely manner
Oversees the set up and maintain tech packs/BOM's in system at the beginning of each season and make all necessary updates throughout the design and development process, including all comments, approvals, product specs, and packaging information that apply
Lead the design, product review sessions/approval process, as well as sending comments & maintaining documentation of development of each item
Keeps abreast of market trends, team goals, new technology and consumer needs throughout the development process.
Partake in consumer and marketplace trade shows to stay informed and up to date on latest and greatest trends, techniques, and technologies


Cross Functional Partnership
Lead and motivate the cross functional teams and vendors/factories to hit key deliverables each season, including all product development deadlines
Lead partnership with vendors and key stakeholders to promote more efficient and profitable ways of working within the product development process
Lead collaboration with cross functional teams and vendors to hit key deliverables, including all product development milestones
Collaborate closely with key stakeholders across the business to achieve a successful product launch


People Leadership
Coach, engage and inspire the Product Development Associate towards becoming a more capable, confident, and fulfilled member of the One M&M'S team
Responsible for ensuring strong connections and...

Equal Opportunity Employer - minorities/females/veterans/individuals with disabilities/sexual orientation/gender identity