Product Development Commercialization Associate, Little Planet

Serving the needs of all families with young children, Carter’s Inc. is the largest North American apparel retailer exclusively for babies and young children, encompassing Carter’s, OshKosh B’gosh, Skip*Hop and Little Planet brands. Meaningful work, constant learning, genuine people, and a community guided by core values that promote inclusion and innovation is in everything we do. There are many reasons to build your career at Carter's.

HOW YOU’LL MAKE AN IMPACT:
This position assists in the product development process including building and maintaining accurate bill of materials (BOMs) and tracking development samples and submits  for a specific Brand and/or SBU. 
This role typically reports into the Sr Manager or Manager in PDC and is based in our Buckhead office.
40%: Product Management

• Daily communication with internal teams (Merchandising, Tech Design, Design, Product Integrity, Operations, etc.) and sourcing partners to lead communication on development and sampling needs, Quality standards and policies/procedures/requirements in a timely manner
• Lead the product development process for a product category, or designated categories, within a Strategic Business Unit/Channel including the development and sampling of all products, trims, art techniques, packaging and fabrications
•  Attend sample review sessions to note design changes, identify development, cost or quality concerns, and ensure revisions are clearly communicated to appropriate partners through clear communication and/or enterprise technology systems (e.g., PLM)
• Support cross functional teams to order, track and review product development inbound strike-offs and samples within the needed timeframe to keep development, photo shoots and production on schedule; expedite and prioritize to maintain delivery dates as well as support the sourcing teams on providing commercial acceptability guidance when necessary

35%: System and Product Governance 

• Maintain correct and timely Production Bill of Materials (BOMs) to meet the desired Design and Merchandising product aesthetics based on details and changes provided throughout the development lifecycle
• Actively engage with PDC colleagues to monitor fabric governance and process alignment
• Develop basic apparel costing insights for designated product categories; partner with Merchandising to understand customer needs, cost and margin goals, and research low-cost execution options to uphold the integrity of the intended design

25%: Calendar Management 

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the Product Development (PD) and Time & Action (T&A/production/Impact Management) calendars; monitor seasonal progress and ensure that deadlines, specific to approvals and fabric commitments, are met and partner with appropriate teams to expedite as needed
• Ability to anticipate potential customer needs (consumer, sales, merchandising, and design) and influence the decision-making process

WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU IF:
Must have:

• 2-4 years industry experience in either Textile and/or Apparel Manufacturing, Sourcing, Merchandising or Product Development
• Bachelor’s Degree or a minimum of 4 years of additional industry experience directly related to apparel Sourcing or Product Development
• Intermediate understanding of apparel construction and design, fabric qualities, product costing, printing techniques, and merchandising and product development activities
• Advanced grammar and communication skills; capable of interpreting and conveying international business concepts
• Intermediate skills using Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Strong analytical and project management skills; ability to anticipate and proactively arrive at viable solutions
• Ability to lift small parcels weighing up to 30 lbs.
• Preferred skills and experience:
• Sustainability experience preferred 
• Professional conduct and communication with matrix-based organizations and global teams
• Ability to lead special projects such as performing competitor/internal product aesthetics and cost analysis
• Identify process improvements, document procedures and drive efficiencies and/or automation

OUR TEAM MEMBERS:

• Lead Courageously: Have a strong sense of personal values that align with our Company values
• Collaborates Broadly: Build cooperation, trust, and thrive in a consensus driven environment
• Customer Focus: Proactively seek opportunities to leverage data and fact-based insights to serve customers and/or internal clients
• Drive Growth: Set aggressive goals and implement plans precisely
• Cultivates Innovation:  Respectfully challenge the “we’v