Director of Product Development & Merchandising

Our client, a fast-growing, successful DTC Men’s and Women’s Lifestyle Brands, needs an experienced Director of Product and Merchandising. Must have proven success with a competitive brand and a stable career trajectory in this space. The ideal candidate has managed and been directly involved in product development, merchandising, and managing design to oversee the product vision. This role is considered a leadership role and in office 5 days based in the LA area.

• The salary range is 150-200k.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement design and buying strategies across various product lines including mainline product, collaborations, third-party buys, private label, gifting programs, and category expansions.
• Lead, develop, and manage a dynamic team of designers, concept designers, and buyers, ensuring clear goals and milestones. Encourage proactive engagement and cultivate a collaborative environment within the design team.
• Product Development & Management: Take ownership of line plans and collection development, ensuring alignment with the brand vision.
• Manage the entire product development cycle, from the inception of design concepts to sampling and final production.
• Collaborate closely with patternmaking and production teams during daily fittings and drive issue resolutions.
• Trend Analysis & Forecasting: Research, review, and approve new trend stories, ensuring they align with brand ethos and market demand.
• Edit and approve color assortments and design pass-offs, ensuring market relevancy.
• Evaluate daily performance by style to pinpoint design opportunities and adjust styles to optimize sales.
• Work hand-in-hand with the Marketing, Creative, Ecommerce, and Planning teams to comprehend consumer engagement, shopping patterns, conversions, and other key metrics, leveraging these insights for product and merchandising opportunities.
• Business Expansion & Partnership: Strategize and spearhead outreach initiatives for private label and third-party business growth.
• Manage the annual OTB, discover new category opportunities, source and foster relationships with new vendors, and negotiate all terms, including pricing.
• Oversee execution of all partnerships and collaborations, ensuring clear communication, timely delivery, and high-quality output.
• Lead special projects such as the launch of new product lines.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Business, Merchandising, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a similar leadership role, preferably within the fashion or retail industry.
• Strong understanding of design processes, buying strategies, product development, and market trends.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and inspire teams.
• Proven track record of successful collaborations and partnerships.
• Exceptional organizational, project management, and multitasking abilities.
• Strong negotiation skills and a keen eye for identifying and leveraging business opportunities.
• Ability to understand and act on sales, conversion, and consumer behavior data.
• Experience selecting, negotiating, and working with factories/agents overseas.

If you meet the required qualifications and are interested in this role, please apply today.

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