Functional Skills | To get an idea of the functions I delivered on in my most recent role, read on below:
Product Design 
  • Design for targeted customers (existing and aspirational), responding to audience aesthetic, assortment gaps, buyer needs and portfolio management data
  • Conduct trend research and compile storyboards
  • Maintain brand guidelines and develop visual language
  • Create product presentations for B2B buyers, and present alongside Sales Rep
  • Design merchandising solutions including planograms, PDQ’s, pallets
  • Develop packaging concepts and work with factories and Graphic Designers to execute 
Product Development
  • Lead product development process  including: producing product spec sheets, negotiating quotations, producing artwork files (as needed), coordinating samples and approvals by stakeholders
  • Create timelines and buy plans for initial orders, passing over to Purchasing for replenishment
  • Ensure product meet customer’s requirement including compliance testing, packaging standards, etc.  
  • Implement and monitor quality compliance with internal or 3rd party quality assurance team
  • Maintain factory relationship and growth strategies; stay up to date on factory’s new products and range of abilities
  • Visit factories to see production facilities and work with staff on product development and sample reviews 
  • Collect and maintain detailed product data for entry into data systems, customer setup forms, etc.
  • Attend tradeshows to source new vendors or product; follow up and vet potential
Portfolio Management
  • Analyze portfolio sales performance and recommend items to add/remove/modify, working with Sales and Purchasing to execute on the transition plan
  • Create customer-specific pricing strategies for new product introductions in alignment with margin goals, market prices, etc.
  • Look for opportunities to improve low margins from the purchasing side; source from another factory, implement volume discount structures, etc.
  • Build planograms and conduct other space planning exercises to optimize footprint and sell-through
  • Select product assortment to be included in catalogues/marketing materials, working with Graphic Designers to execute
  • Work with sales to manage buying calendar and prioritize opportunities