Product Specialist - Apparel

POSITION SUMMARY:

This is an onsite position in Springfield Missouri at our corporate office. It is not open to remote or hybrid work.

The Product Specialist for Apparel is a member of the product development team responsible for the development process and execution of a products development in the specified product category. The Product Specialist will learn to coordinate the development process working with their manager, designers, merchants, and vendors in taking product from the concept stage to production for the assigned product category.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Work with product development team identify/validate potential new product opportunities;
• Coordinate with the development team in the product development timeline from seasonal strategy, concept reviews, planning, sample reviews, approvals, production release, product launch planning, to 1st PO receipts;
• Develop and document project scope and product specifications with product development team;
• Work with designers on complete technical packages for factories to develop samples and quotations.
• Create cost analysis to understand baseline target cost relative to margin requirements at targeted retail price;
• Review detail of Bill of Materials to ensure appropriate costing. Address potential roadblocks (costs –tooling -materials- technology) in pursuing project and find solutions or seek resources to solve problems;
• Perform product review of samples, address challenges regarding specifications, materials, or pricing. Present sample to development team for feedback – communicate any revisions to factory;
• Update and confirm final specifications, upload spec sheet, costing, factory assignment, and development reviews into PLM system
• Provide field testers with final samples for testing (if needed); develop field testing requirements and conduct follow-up reviews with testers;
• Work with designers to develop packaging that is appropriate for the product and ensure it meets brand standards. Submit and review all product content for collateral materials to support product in packaging, infographics, and digital media platforms.
• Coordinate with quality and vendors to ensure that all product testing procedures have been executed, and advise on scheduling of new product factory PO audits;
• Ensure accuracy and submission of new item forms
• ALL OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Preferred Degree: Bachelor’s Degree in Product Development, Design, or Business
• Years of Experience: Entry level product development position; Less than 3 years in professional work experience in related field

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY:

• Ability to use MS Office suite; prior use of MS Excel
• Academic basis for analytical and trouble shooting skills
• Attention to detail: visually and functionally
• Well organized
• Ability to multi-task, excellent time management
• Ability to collaborate in a cross functional team environment
• Accountable to follow through on a task from beginning to end
• Capability to develop teamwork skills and learn to be flexible to changing business situations
• Learns positions responsibility for the outcome of projects
• Good verbal and written communication skills; with potential to develop presentation skills

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

Minimal. Domestic, possibly International as business dictates. Estimated travel less than 15 days per year.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Regular computer work, and sitting
• Ability to use hand tools to di-sect samples and use measuring gauges
• Occasional walking, standing, and lifting up to 50lbs

INDEPENDENT JUDGEMENT:

Performs duties within scope of general company policies, procedures, and objectives. Analyzes problems and performs needs assessments. Uses judgment in adapting broad guidelines to achieve desired result. Regular exercise of independent judgment within accepted practices. Makes recommendations that affect policies, procedures, and practices.