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Product Development Specialist
URBN
Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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URBN is a portfolio of global consumer brands comprised of Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People, BHLDN, Terrain and the Vetri Family. We are passionate, creative and entrepreneurial. We create unique retail experiences with an eye toward creativity and a singular focus on pleasing our customer. Learn more about us at http://www.urbn.com
Title
Product Development Specialist
Overview
The Product Development Specialist is responsible for the business and operational execution of Design’s vision for their product category within their assigned Brand, and is expected to demonstrate expertise in their specific category
Responsibilities
• Facilitate and execute Design’s vision through the appropriate allocation of product and the sourcing of materials which deliver the right aesthetic while meeting product margin and timing requirements
• Achieve seasonal calendar actualization as outlined by the Brand Sourcing Directors
• Develop relationships with supplier base to ensure alignment of category business needs and successful business partnerships
• Attend Trend and Sketch Review meetings to understand and clarify Design’s intention, tone, and important style aspects.
• Collaborate with Fabric Manager and Brand Production Category Managers to develop category strategy for the season
• Own individual style development, insuring all styles serve up Design’s vision while also delivering the quality and cost the Brand requires
• Analyze and identify opportunities for Merchant to improve adoption rates and approved style count targets as dictated by seasonal line plan. Support Merchant’s business requirements by aligning product category needs, and update and communicate all style, cost, and delivery changes
• Coordinate with Fabric Manager, Creative Design and Technical Design on category development process, including research of pre-style development, tracking and review of pre-style packages, ensuring compliance of product within category to internal testing standards, and managing sample evaluation, accuracy, and quality
• Collaborate with Technical Design engineering options for category target costs and minimums, required lead times, and final IMU, with the goal of driving speed, sales, and financial results
• Transition adopted styles to Production Category Managers, including final IMU target, development target dates, status, and production concerns.
Qualifications / Job Skills
• 5+ years of progressive development and sourcing experience within a complex, fast-paced apparel environment. Specialty retail and/or direct-to-consumer experience is preferred
• Strong knowledge of global raw material procurement, garment construction, wash techniques, and manufacturing.
• Proven success developing teams, building cross-functional relationships, and effectively communicating with internal and external customers
• Ability to anticipate category business needs, and develop creative, long-term solutions
• Ability to assess and improve operational efficiencies.
• Continuously evaluates and improves strategy and processes in alignment with goals
• Works with a high sense of urgency and integrity, easily and quickly adapts to change, and is motivated by deadlines and new challenges
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Travel
As required
The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.