Product Development Manager
St. Louis, MO
Product Development /
Full-time /
Summersalt is looking for a detail oriented product development manager who is driven to produce premium, sustainable, high-quality garments in rapid iteration. Your responsibilities will include working with the product development team on sourcing strategies, day-to-day communication with international factories, pricing, timelines, sample requests, implementation of new processes, PLM onboarding, and manufacturing processes.
ABOUT THE JOB: Product Development Manager
- Communicate and follow-up with vendors, mills and business partners on a daily basis regarding development, costing, packaging, and freight for international production.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to lead new product launches and initiatives.
- Review, communicate and manage sales and production forecasts at the SKU level.
- Monitor, track and manage critical product development and production calendar timelines.
- Manage first sample production and quality to meet short term critical deadlines.
- Confirm accurate specifications for individual samples and production orders.
- Process, organize and track inbound orders and samples.
- Manage data for weekly production meetings, including production work in progress.
- Coordinate samples to meet deadlines for photoshoots and influencer requests.
- Review weekly and monthly inventory reports.
- Partner with quality assurance team members to review and organize all quality control documents for testing labs and factories.
- Source new packaging vendors for cost effectiveness and innovative materials.
- Maintain time and action calendars for internal teams and external partners.
- Manage additional projects as needed.
ABOUT YOU:
- A bachelor’s degree in product development, fashion merchandising or related field.
- 5+ years experience in product development.
- Experience working with Centric or similar PLM system (implementation experience a plus.)
- Strong attention to detail and excellent follow-through.
- Knowledge of apparel construction and components.
- Experience working with overseas partners and effective communication skills.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Illustrator and Google Docs.
- Flexible to changing demands with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a fast-paced business environment.
- Strong communication, project management and computer skills.
- Ability to proactively manage issues and to problem solve.
ABOUT SUMMERSALT:
Summersalt is a generation-defining apparel brand, providing wardrobe essentials for women who are going places. Summersalt launched in 2017 with swimwear made from recycled materials at a $95 price point — designer quality swimwear without the designer price tag. Since then, we’ve launched additional categories including loungewear, knitwear, sleepwear and activewear. Summersalt pieces are modern, sophisticated and fun, with an impeccable data-backed fit based on millions of measurements from over 10,000 women. In the few short years since our founding, Summersalt has built a loyal following of customers, influencers and celebrities, while garnering praise from leading fashion media including ELLE, Vogue and People.
This role is a unique opportunity to join a well-funded, close-knit team that is redefining the apparel and swimwear categories and at the forefront of e-commerce, design and brand innovation. Sustainability, inclusivity and diversity are core tenants of the brand, and we work hard to inspire joy through our products and every interaction with the customer. If you want to be a part of a diverse, hardworking and fast-paced team filled with motivated and thoughtful people, please consider applying.
Summersalt champions diverse backgrounds, perspectives and opinions. We strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Summersalt is an Equal Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals. We hire the most qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, parental status, age, disability, genetic information, gender identity or expression, transgender status, sexual orientation or any other status protected under applicable federal, state and local laws. We respect the laws enforced by the EEOC and are committed to fostering diversity across our organization. Please note that candidates will be asked to consent to a pre-employment background check. This will be conducted to ensure compliance with company policies and industry standards.
