Associate Product Development & Production Manager - Handbags - Talbots

The fundamental responsibilities of the Associate Product Development & Production Manager are to provide daily support to the Director for all functions of the product life cycle from concept to delivery. The Associate Product Development & Production Manager will report directly to the Director of Accessories for our leather goods categories.

What We Offer:

• Growth! Here at Talbots our goal is to give you the opportunities to grow with us. Our Performance Feedback Program allows for healthy career conversations and goal setting throughout the year.
• Condensed Work Week! If we have no work obligations and have fulfilled our 40-hour week, our Life-Work balance approach allows for us to start our weekend at 1pm on Fridays.
• Complete Benefit Package! Our benefits kick off the first day of the month after your start date! Discover more about our full benefits package here. We have competitive time off, including paid time to volunteer within the community.
• Merchandise Discounts! Our associates receive 50% off Talbots and select Haven Well Within brand items. Additionally, you may also be eligible for discounts at the brands across KnitWell Group.

The starting salary range is $70,000 - $80,000. 

What You’ll Do:

• Assist Director by driving results that support sourcing strategy.
• Daily communication with internal and external business partners.
• Respond to emails without delay with fact-based information and closure.
• Thorough and consistent follow through on emails, pending deliverables until satisfactorily closed.
• Manage Time and Action Calendar through each seasonal life cycle.
• Set up and maintain Bamboo Rose PLM system and Excel spreadsheets.
• Set up and maintain orders in purchase order software system; ensure accuracy and distribution.
• Track, receive, unpack, distribute, and ship packages in various stages through the product life cycle.
• Weekly review of Work in Progress (WIP) Manufacturing Reports with Director & external business partners.
• Track bulk production product shipment deliveries for on time in distribution center (DC) receipts.
• Assist in costing of product, product analysis, cost entry, generate cost summary reports, and maintenance of same.
• Analyze and recognize risk assessments and timely communication of same.
• Identify solutions for category, departmental, and risk assessment challenges.
• Set up fit, confirmation samples, and any other sample reviews that need timely seasonal approval.
• Manage photo sample tracking and review.
• Verify technical design packets with manager and design business partners to ensure clarity and accuracy before handoff to overseas agents.
• Request Custom’s style classifications from Imports team, general maintenance, and data integrity in TradeStone.
• Ability to think critically and assist manager in daily roles and responsibilities.
• Foster relationships with internal business partners and external business partners.
• Support manager and other category team members on special projects as needed.
• Support Footwear when needed.

Who You Are:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 3+ years textile, apparel, and accessories product development and sourcing industry experience or business background preferred
• Experience in leather goods required. Handbag experience preferred
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
• Understanding of PLM systems
• PC proficient with emphasis on Microsoft Excel and Word. Working knowledge of MS Teams, a plus
• Customer service focused -- ability to build collaborative working relationships and understand partner’s needs
• Effective analytical and problem-solving skills
• Disciplined follow through and operational skill set
• Results driven
• Organized with ability to multitask and deadline oriented
• Culturally sensitive and aware and able to adjusts personal style to different cultures