ROLE PROFILE, The WHY:
Act as the main point of contact with factories.
Bring to life design tech packs to 1st proto with nominated suppliers.
Work alongside Garment Technologists & Designers to follow up on factory counter samples.
Help the team stick to critical path & obtain initial cost prices for Trade.
Responsible for:
* Leading the production schedule meeting.
* Attend all design review meetings.
* Work closely with designer to take over all communication in the development process, from 1st proto to SMS.
* Bringing commercial awareness and supplier knowledge to the rest of the product team.
* Source, investigate and onboard new potential suppliers.
* Collaborate with fabric team on new developments to ensure that target prices are achievable.
* Make everyone aware of the impact of using expensive and imported fabrics, in line with target cost price.
* Work with GT re size specs and ensure comments are sent in a timely manner.
* Interact frequently with factories and mills through site visits or video calls.
* Coordinate daily communication with all suppliers re samples and new developments.
* Evaluate the supply base for capability, quality lead time, prices and location.
* Update the product team regarding new manufacturing techniques, concepts and vision ... be ahead of the game.
* Investigate new territories and categories and where to source them.
* Coordinate the requirements for marketing samples, to minimise cost and disruption.
* Ensure all suppliers follow the Merabi supplier manual.
* Managing suppliers against contractual obligations, manuals and terms and conditions.
* Working alongside the Garment Tech team to ensure correct garment labelling and swing tag management.
* Working with the Garment Technology Team and Factory to capture and communicate "lessons learnt" in the production process.
Accountable for:
* To help the PD team to stick to the critical path. Ensuring all timelines are met.
* Help achieve target prices and margin.
* Lead production schedule meeting confidently and accurately.
* Awareness of all factory shipment dates using CP.
* Ordering and managing the supply of SMS
Essential Skills & Experience
o Minimum of 2-3 years as a PD for a luxury women's brand or retailer
o Strong organizational & time management skills.
o Key understanding of high quality and construction of garments
o Experience with high quality trims and details e.g. opening moulds etc and the cost impact to the business.
o Excellent communication skills when dealing with factories where English is not 1st language.
o Happy to take the lead when required, but also a team player.
o Demonstrate a pro-active approach to problem solving.
o Strong factory site visit background
o Happy to travel overseas when required.
Preferred Skills & Experience:
o Experience in Atelier, luxury or bridal, but not essential.
o Sound understanding of fabrics and trims and their cost impact on the target prices.
o Experience in a fast-paced environment.
o Knowledge of Excel, Adobe Illustrator and Powerpoint.
o Flexible and open to evolving business needs and priorities.
o Own the role and make things happen.
o Be comfortable with change.
o Love product!
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