Director, Product Development

About Us

Centric Brands is a leading lifestyle brand collective that designs, sources, markets and sells high quality products in multiple segments, including women’s, men’s and kid’s apparel, accessories, entertainment and beauty. Centric Brands is focused on our customers and our brands that will drive the company’s future growth. We are defined by innovation as we seize new opportunities and thrive in an environment informed by creativity and thinking that is both analytical and outside the box. Centric Brands reflects a team built on respect, for others and for the hard work it takes to achieve our goals and build our bright future together.

Production/Product Development

From sourcing raw materials to manufacturing, order placement, pricing, quality control and getting the finished product where it needs to be, our production/product development team is responsible for ensuring we keep our standards high and our business profitable at every step of the journey. If you are a focused, results-driven, tenacious and highly flexible team player, we’ll give you every opportunity to build a rewarding career with one of the world’s foremost major lifestyle brand collectives

Specific Responsibilities Would Include

The Director of Product Development drives the seasonal product development process, in collaboration with a cross-functional team that includes Design, Merchandising and Production, to plan, create and execute product lines.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy & Innovation

• Partner with Design, Merchandising and Production teams to develop seasonal product strategies, including trend identification, color palette, concept, category, style, costing and pricing; balance key items/fashion/basics; implement comprehensive costing and retail pricing framework to maximize consumer value; collaborate with Planning to leverage previous best sellers in current, trend-appropriate assortments
• Drive execution of strategic direction and product plans for each brand and product category
• Identify and generate new product opportunities; leverage competitive market intelligence to gain and maintain marketplace advantages; isolate key, relevant trends for each category or brand, where appropriate; drive Product Development team and partner with cross-functional teams to ensure brand cohesiveness across categories

Operations & Results

• Drive Product Development calendar for optimum operational efficiency; partner with Design, Merchandising Production and Sales to ensure timely delivery of goods, sales growth, expense management and attainment of margin goals
• Partner with Production to source vendors; advise VP of Product Development to help plan allocation of orders and balance workload among vendors to minimize risk; negotiate optimal pricing, where appropriate, and ensure superior quality for goods; identify and resolve quality and technical issues
• Present line to senior colleagues; manage product review meetings, including edits, board review, pre-costing and post-season reviews; ensure Production and Imports properly determine duty rates and confirm with customs; review product line to ensure adherence to any or all legal requirements; monitor vendors to ensure that products are manufactured only in approved facilities and raise concerns to VP of Product Development

Customers & Relationships

• Manage communication and follow-up with internal and external constituents around the world, including customers, suppliers, vendors and licensors, where applicable; partner with Production and Tech to source new suppliers and vendors and maintain relationships with existing partners, including internal constituents
• Maintain relationships with collaborators and competitors; attend trade shows and industry events

Leadership & Teams

• Contribute positively to team dynamic and manage up where necessary
• Attract, develop and retain talent; create appropriate succession plans
• Valuate performace of individuals and team

Our Best Fit Candidate Would Have

• Experience and understanding of wholesale apparel merchandising, manufacturing, global supply chain operations, and mass market distribution
• Entrepreneurial drive tempered by judgment and strong leadership skills
• Superior organizational skills and excellent communication skills; experience managing and motivating teams
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines; highly detail oriented, meticulous and creative
• Creativity, sensibility for merchandising and customer needs
• Knowledge of garment construction
• Bachelor’s Degree
• 8 - 10 years experience in apparel merchandising, private label buying or product development; significant relevant experience in categories; previous responsibility as Senior Merchandiser, Product Development Specialist or as MM
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office, proficiency in SAP preferred

In return, we provide an industry-competitive salary, along with a comprehensive benefits plan (medical, dental, vision) that includes a matching 401(k), Summer Fridays, generous PTO, merchandise discounts, excellent career development opportunities, and a work environment that reflects our industry leadership. Our social impact program, Centric Cares, focuses on volunteerism to make a difference in communities we live and work in and our D&I committee is shaping the future of diversity, equity and inclusion at Centric Brands though workshops, resources and inspiring conversation.

Salary Range: $115,000 - $120,000

At Centric Brands, we believe our people are our greatest asset, and we seek to structure competitive compensation offers to ensure that we are able to attract and retain the best talent. Our job postings include an annual base salary range at the time of employment. The stated base salary range represents our good faith estimate as to what candidates are likely to expect, and we tailor our offers within the range based on several factors, including the selected candidate's educational and professional experience, industry knowledge, location, technical and communication skills, and other factors that may prove relevant during the selection process. Base salary is a part of a total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include commission earnings, annual bonus and other Centric Brands sponsored benefit programs.

Be part of our growing community by getting involved with groups, teams and initiatives like Be Green, Be Giving, and Be Celebrated.

Centric Brands is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Please note that Centric Brands will only reach out to interview, make an offer of employment or conduct onboarding activities for candidates who have applied through our careers site. When interviewing for a position, the candidate experience will include live interaction, such as a video conference or telephone call, with a Recruiter and/or company employee(s). We will never ask for any money or payments from applicants at any point in the recruitment process. Be aware of suspicious recruitment activity. If you think you are a victim of an employment scam, you may contact your local law enforcement agency and/or visit the Federal Trade Commission website here: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams.

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