POSITION TITLE: Assoc Product Development Manager POSITION PURPOSE: Design a category under the supervision of the Buying team that successfully fulfills the needs of the brand/business. Responsible for the execution of both product planning and product development. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Constant partnership with Buying/Product Development/Production in analyzing the business, solving production issues, and researching new fabric and trim. Execute and/or supports product, marketing and business strategies and roadmaps to enable achievement of regional Plan sales and profit objectives. Participate on cross-functional teams to execute the New Product Development (NPD) plan. Attend all fittings relevant to product category and direct design changes and fit concerns. Assist with development of customer strategies. Understand role each customer plays and how to successfully market our products through our key customers. Work with internal departments to identify, analyze and implement programs based on consumer insight and trend data. Link consumer insights into tangible, strategic plans. Work with the Buying team to design a line that meets the needs of the brand through market research and analysis of the business needs. Responsible for identifying areas of potential market research to stay current on consumer insight, trends, new products and packaging (regional marketing teams are responsible for conduct of market research). Direct and perform existing product performance testing as well as new product testing. Execute designs through tech pack creations and input information into the Enovia PLM system. Seasonally contribute to the concept presentation meetings by preparing boards, and handouts. Continuously monitor product group performance and customer satisfaction in order to proactively resolve problems and minimize loss or exposure. EDUCATION: Associate Degree YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 4-6 Years