DESCRIPTION

Please apply directly to Z Supply for this role.

Position Title: Product Developer - Speed to Market/SMU

Position Type: Full Time / Salary Exempt

Reporting To: Director of Merchandising

Location: Z SUPPLY Headquarters - Costa Mesa, CA

Schedule: HYBRID = Partial In Office 4 Days / Partial Remote 1 Day

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are currently seeking a Product Developer – SMU/Speed to Market who will lead the product development process against strategic opportunities and SMU’s across wholesale and eCommerce from start to finish for all categories. This role will collaborate with Design, Tech, Production, Merchandising, Sales and Planning to oversee all steps of the SMU process and manage all internal SMU documents and communications to ensure all information is updated and correct. This role will also work directly with key accounts to identify SMU and speed to market opportunities. Must be a “hands on” creative problem solver, who is detail oriented, an inventive thinker and able to juggle multiple seasons.

POSITION DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the development and execution of products in all categories for Speed to Market/SMU
• Collaborate with merchandising, design, sales, tech and production teams on conceptualizing, developing and executing speed to market and SMU opportunities.
• Work directly with key accounts and sales management to identify product segmentation or SMU opportunities to drive incremental revenue and penetration for the brand
• Work closely with designers in reviewing prototypes and submits for approval for all categories from design concept to production.
• Daily communication with factories as their primary contact on development to ensure products execute correctly, hit targeted price and margin goals.
• Ensure that all artwork, prints, and fabrics for sourcing are sent in correct format with all correct information to suppliers
• Work closely with production team to ensure that styles are executed properly in bulk production.
• Responsible for the daily maintenance and communication of SMU’s between design, sales, tech, production and planning
• Management of internal SMU documents ensuring all information is updated and correct
• Ensure timely completion of product in accordance with customer development calendar
• Managing & prepping samples for customers and other needs
• Identify new sourcing opportunities to drive quality, innovation, and speed to market for the brand
• Help with line drawings, art pages, tech packs etc. when workload demands it.
• Understands style cost build ups, and opportunities for value engineering
• Maximize gross margin opportunities through leverage, product re-engineering and product versioning
• Have an in-depth knowledge of market, trends, innovation, competition, and product

QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE / SKILLS / COMPETENCIES

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred but not required
• 5+ years of experience in women’s apparel development, swim & accessories experience a plus
• Hands on experience in communicating and negotiating with overseas vendors
• High level of understanding of product costing / development
• High level of understanding of product development calendar, timelines and deliverables
• Must be able to do basic cad work in Illustrator. Ability to work with print files a plus.
• Must be able to multitask and work in fast paced environment
• Must be proactive with a solution/results-oriented attitude
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication and follow through skills
• Must be highly organized and detailed oriented
• Experienced skills in PLM System, Google, Excel, Word and Outlook. Working knowledge of retail math, a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIORNMENT

• Frequently required to stand & walk & sit
• Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
• The employee must occasionally lift and /or move less than 25 pounds

Z SUPPLY PERKS

At Z SUPPLY, departments work cross-functionally enabling everyone to further their knowledge and expertise in an inclusive, supportive environment that is committed to healthy work/life balance, peer mentorship, and community outreach. In addition to a collaborative and supportive culture, here are a few additional perks that are enjoyed by the Z SUPPLY team:

• Half-Day Fridays year-round
• Generous clothing discount
• New chic and modern offices located near top restaurants and shopping in Costa Mesa, CA
• Comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• 401K with discretionary employer match of up to $2500
• Collaborative, cohesive team environment focused on a thriving, progressive, inclusive & fun company culture