Associate, Product Development

About Us

 

Centric Brands is a leading lifestyle brand collective that designs, sources, markets and sells high quality products in multiple segments, including women’s, men’s and kid’s apparel, accessories, entertainment and beauty. Centric Brands is focused on our customers and our brands that will drive the company’s future growth. We are defined by innovation as we seize new opportunities and thrive in an environment informed by creativity and thinking that is both analytical and outside the box. Centric Brands reflects a team built on respect, for others and for the hard work it takes to achieve our goals and build our bright future together.

 

Production/Product Development

From sourcing raw materials to manufacturing, order placement, pricing, quality control and getting the finished product where it needs to be, our production/product development team is responsible for ensuring we keep our standards high and our business profitable at every step of the journey. If you are a focused, results-driven, tenacious and highly flexible team player, we’ll give you every opportunity to build a rewarding career with one of the world’s foremost major lifestyle brand collectives.

Specific Responsibilities Would Include

The Product Development Associate contributes to the seasonal product development process by participating in a cross-functional team that includes Design, Merchandising and Production, to plan, create and execute product lines.

 

Strategy & Innovation

• Contribute to development of seasonal product strategies for category with Design, Merchandising and Production teams, including trend identification, color palette, concept, category, style, costing and pricing; balance key items/fashion/basics; implement comprehensive costing and retail pricing framework to maximize consumer value; collaborate with Planning to identify and leverage previous best sellers in current, trend-appropriate assortments
• Regularly update senior Product Development team on new product opportunities; review category products as directed to ensure brand cohesiveness

Operations & Results

• Track and execute Product Development calendar for optimum operational efficiency; partner with Design, Merchandising Production and Sales to ensure timely delivery of goods and attainment of margin goals
• Advise Director and VP of Product Development of production needs to help plan allocation of orders and balance workload among vendors to minimize risk; ensure superior quality for goods; identify and suggest solutions for quality and technical issues
• Contribute to product review meetings, including edits, board review, pre-costing and post-season reviews; track assignment of duty rates and confirm with customs; track checklist of any or all legal requirements; verify that goods are placed in approved facilities and raise concerns to VP of Product Development
• Contribute complete Product Profile Sheets; track of proto and sales samples; attend and participate in fit process with Design and Production

Customers & Relationships

• Communicate and follow-up with internal and external constituents around the world, including customers, suppliers, vendors and licensors, where applicable; assist with problem solving as needed

Leadership & Teams

• Contribute positively to team dynamic and manage up where necessary

Our Best Fit Candidate Would Have

• Superior organizational skills and excellent communication skills
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines; highly detail oriented, meticulous and creative
• Creativity, sensibility for merchandising and customer needs
• Basic knowledge of garment construction
• Bachelor’s Degree
• 3 - 5 years experience in apparel merchandising, private label buying or product development, relevant experience in categories preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, proficiency in SAP preferred

In return, we provide an industry-competitive salary, along with a comprehensive benefits plan (medical, dental, vision) that includes a matching 401(k), Summer Fridays, generous PTO, merchandise discounts, excellent career development opportunities, and a work environment that reflects our industry leadership. Our social impact program, Centric Cares, focuses on volunteerism to make a difference in communities we live and work in and our D&I committee is shaping the future of diversity, equity and inclusion at Centric Brands though workshops, resources and inspiring conversation.

 

Salary Range: $65,000 - $70,000

 

At Centric Brands, we believe our people are our greatest asset, and we seek to structure competitive compensation offers to ensure tha