Product Manager & Designer

SUMMARY:
Exciting opportunity for a Product Manager & Designer to join a leading action sports and lifestyle company that designs, produces, and distributes branded apparel, footwear, and accessories.

POSITION INFO:
Requirements:

• Clothing design degree/diploma (or equivalent)
• At least 3-5 years clothing/textile design experience
• Knowledge of all aspects of the clothing design and production process (from design conceptualisation, fabrications, outwork, manufacturing processes, import processes)
• Understanding of/interest in the extreme sport lifestyle and surf snow skate culture

• The Product Manager (PM), will be responsible for Global Range Selection/Conceptualisation as well as Local Product Development for seasonal ranges.
• Supply Chain to Wholesale, working closely with the Sales Manager, Head of Product, Production Manager, Sales Manager, Retail Buyer and Planner.
• Product selection must be strategic to support brand stories globally directed at the Brand Consumer. The role is to manage a Product Selection Process through Retail and Wholesale assortment plan/map and be responsible for the delivery of product on time with global Buy logs and local production.
• The candidate must be operationally proficient, and able to thrive in a deadline-driven environment. Be able to coordinate the appropriate range selection and delivery from Global Ranges in conjunction with Retail and Wholesale Planning.
• The PM will act as a key contact point for chosen Brand as well as other departments such as Marketing and Product Development to ensure that the needs of the Retail, Wholesale and Cathedral business are met.
• The ideal candidate should be an experienced Fashion Designer with a strong commercial acumen and customer focus, coming ideally from multi-brand fashion, sports, outdoor or lifestyle retailer with in-depth understanding of brick-and-mortar retail supply as well as online shop omni channel.

• Responsible for product selection, buying and development process Supply Chain
• Accountable for delivery on time of product.
• Ensure compliance of all supply chain processes and procedures and recommend improvements when required. Approve exceptions to business rules in line with corporate guidelines. Escalate as needed to the relevant superiors.
• Work closely with the Sales Manager, Retail Planner & Buyer on seasonal product quantification and guide for their assortment demand.
• Follow product delivery into Warehouse, and work with Retail Buyer and Sales Manager to subsidize product, if a cancellation/production issue arises.
• Maintain close relationships with the Product Team and support departments to ensure a high level of day-to-day output and prompt resolution of product-related issues.
• Ensure that global product and marketing initiatives are adopted and implemented by retail through Product Selection and compatible Marketing Imagery.
• Works in conjunction with Product Coordinator, Head of Product and Production team to finalise product categories for the deliveries within each range.
• Meet deadlines set by Core Process Calendar and follow through to ensure that they are achieved.
• Prepares an analysis of past range sell - in to identify Hindsight’s for the next range.
• Research and compile current season Price Comparison Document to peg product into Best Price tiering strategy.
• Responsible for Costing the range to achieve Company required GP% and targets per product category.
• Oversee resourcing, placement and approval of local fabrics, trims, and outwork.
• Ensure that orders are placed timeously for any Special Make Up Samples required for Agents’ Range Road Sample Set and keep track of supply chain where orders are placed and follows up with these regularly.
• DTP requirements to build range catalogues, storyboards, and any other digital graphic requirements for the role.

• Confirms that the style guide/line list has been created on the internal template and uploaded into sync.
• Liaises with production department to commit to all bulk fabrics ordering in time for production to commence.
• Initiates outsource of patterns, specification measurements and fits on any new style developments for Local Production
• Ensures all costings have been finalised and approved in time for final range review.
• Compilation and final check of brand Catalogue=sales tool with correct Barcodes/Prices/Images/Descriptions.
• Complete Range set ready for Agents Sales Launch and other cathedral customers.
• Complete techpack handovers with sealed garment sample and comments in accordance with Bulk Requirements ready for Production to Process
• All agents receive Complete Range Road Set and Sales Catalogue (both hard copy and Digital)

• Interacts effectively with Product Head, team, and vendors to ensure a shared understanding is created
• Ensures that all written information is clear and concise.
• Can follow instruction from brief until complete and communicate the progress on task effectively with team lead.
• Is Mac proficient with Design Programs Creative Suites and Microsoft programs.

NB! This job is now closed. You can apply for other jobs by uploading your CV.