PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

PURPOSE:

Leads the execution of the enterprise-wide private brand strategy for both the direct and indirect business by supporting and guiding the process for all key stakeholders.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Business Plan

1. Supports the strategic direction in collaboration with the Design Director, Sourcing Manager, Buyer and Brand Director.

2. Collaborates with the Buyer to ensure the conceptual plan supports the agreed upon strategy and Private Brand integrity.

3. Identifies market share / business opportunities, assists in driving category dominance and item dominance.

4. Provides subject matter expertise on competitive landscape for related product area.

5. Monitors, analyzes and reports business performance. Recommends appropriate action for use in future development.

6. Monitors, analyzes and reports business performance. Recommends appropriate action for use in future development.

Process/Business/Development Management

1. Supports the Private Brand process and exclusive brands, if applicable, by being a management leader in facilitation and problem solving.

2. Ensures all product approvals are complete within established timeline.

3. Leads the development process through Cycle Time Reduction (CTR) calendar management.

4. Directs CTR milestone meetings.

5. Manages the Indirect process for private brands.

People Management

1. Builds working relationship with cross-functional team to lead all partners involved in the creation/development of the Private Brand business.

2. Leads participants in Private Brand meetings to support strategies, resolutions, and decision making in alignment with strategic direction.

3. Ensures effective communication and alignment of multiple teams.

4. Manages and develops Associates utilizing Company developed training tools.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

4 year College degree preferred. 4 to 8 years' experience in retail buying or wholesale merchandising. Demonstrated leader; critical thinker, qualitative and analytical abilities; interpersonal skills, time management, prioritization, organization, strong presentation and communication skills.

KEY CHALLENGES:

1. Executing the Private Brand Merchandising Strategy.

2. Driving innovation across design, product and sourcing teams.

3. Ensuring the nature, quality and timeliness of assigned brands.

4. Ensuring brand strategies are followed through with effective preparation and presentation at key meetings.

5. Driving process by leading cross-functional teams to resolution.

DECISION MAKING:

- Conceptual development for all private brand merchandise.

- Indirect process for private and exclusive brands.

- Private brand product development impacts caused by competitive analysis.