Manager Product Development Apparel

We are working on a full time freelance Product Development/Sourcing role with a top fashion apparel company in NYC. The Sourcing Manager drives the product development and commercialization process, working in collaboration with the internal/external cross functional partners (Design, Merchandising, Technical Design, Sourcing, RM, Hubs, Vendors & factories) to deliver product that meets business requirements for quality, aesthetic and price. You will establish consistent communication with hub teams/vendors regarding concerns on proper sample execution and costing, throughout the development process, mitigating challenges up-front. Must be a strategic thinker who can drive corporate initiatives while also managing day-to-day responsibilities including ad-hoc projects, requiring quick turn.

• Location: Hybrid, 4 days onsite and 1 remote
• $60-65 an hour pay rate based on experience

**Responsibilities:

**

• In season responsibilities for assigned product category:
• Drive pre-season product development, taking ownership on higher level initiatives and delegating where appropriate.
• Strategic style allocation which supports vendor strategy, product elevation and cost saving opportunities
• Lead product engineering efforts to build product into target costs while maintaining design integrity.
• Foster continuous communication with design and raw material partners to ensure collaboration / alignment throughout the development process.
• Ensure accuracy of costing, challenging where appropriate using product knowledge and/or history.
• Lead initiatives that support tech pack accuracy to drive future, data-driven systems forward.

Product category management:

• Partner closely with hub/vendor partners to ensure clear understanding of vendor capabilities and drive initiatives to expand competencies where needed.
• Provide input of country of origin strategy, track and report out on KPIs, create and execute initiatives in support of the strategic vision.
• Concrete knowledge of product costs — able to identify price distortions and engage cross functional partners for solutions.
• Facilitate & participate in seasonal product reviews to evaluate sample execution and alignment to tech pack requirements
• Drive cross-functional calendar adherence and alert cross-functional partners to calendar implications/business impact, should deliverables be missed.
• Collaborate with offshore offices and factories directly on daily tasks.
• Partner with Raw Materials, QA, Technical and Hub Partners to ensure a seasonal risk assessment is complete.
• Lead sustainable corporate initiatives with vendors and offshore teams.
• Facilitate raw material booking for proto samples between Design and Vendors.
• Oversee Late Add process and Line Finalization meetings.
• Responsible for alignment with business on cost approvals as required.
• Drive vendor counter-sourcing initiatives, in alignment with the Sourcing Strategy.
• Lead new vendor onboarding with cross-functional teams, ensuring vendors are connecting with all internal partners as needed to execute production.
• Facilitate vendor meetings to review in-season development, production & delivery challenges.
• Identify potential business risk as well as opportunities for improvement, escalating where necessary and offering suggestions to address.

Required Qualifications: Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years’ related experience
• Firm understanding of Product construction and costing
• Product development, textile or manufacturing-related background is preferred

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree

Skills:

• Experience in working with both development and production teams
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced setting
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally to meet team deadlines
• Flexible and Adaptable to change
• Solution Oriented
• Strong Communication skills, both verbal and written
• Excellent follow-up skills
• Proficient in Excel.
• Ability to create, update, and format data for tracking and reporting by using pivot tables and formulas
• Comfort learning and working in multiple systems is required

If you meet the required qualifications and are interested in this role, please apply today.

The Solomon Page Distinction Solomon Page offers a comprehensive benefit program for hourly employees. We pride ourselves on offering medical, dental, 401(k), direct deposit and commuter benefits to our employees, including freelancers – which sets us apart in the industries we serve.

About Solomon Page Founded in 1990, Solomon Page is a specialty niche provider of staffing and executive search solutions across a wide array of functions and industries. The success of Solomon Page reflects an organic growth strategy supported by a highly entrepreneurial culture. Acting as a strategic partner to our clients and candidates, we focus on providing customized solutions and building long-term relationships based on trust, respect, and the consistent delivery of excellent results. For more information and additional opportunities, visit: solomonpage.com and connect with us on Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Opportunity Awaits.