Catagory Manager - Knits (2768)

Free People, Urban Outfitters, Inc.'s branded wholesale division, designs, develops, markets and distributes a cohesive assortment of casual tops, bottoms, dresses and sweaters targeting sociable, fashion-conscious, educated young women. Our ability to offer our aesthetic of blended feminine, athletic and urban preppy styling at affordable prices has created a point of differentiation in a crowded wholesale apparel market. By complementing our product advantage with recent brand building initiatives, we expect to raise consumer awareness and retail sales of the Free People brand. In November, 2002, the company opened its first retail store as part of a national brand building initiative. Located in the heart of Philadelphia, the corporate headquarters of Urban Outfitters, Inc. is only steps away from historic and scenic attractions such as Rittenhouse Square, Walnut Street, and The Philadelphia Art Museum.

 



Free People - Category Manager for Knits


Reports to: Brand Director


Oversees: Product Development Coordinators; Associate Production Manager


Objective: Lead and manage the category team from concept to delivery into the distribution center. Create and adhere to brand calendar. Establish Strategic plans with the intent to meet brand objectives including IMU, MMU & Sales Plan and brand right product.


Job Skills:

Strong leadership and communication skills as necessary to orchestrate the efforts of others, both internally and externally, toward desired end results
Ability to work with all levels of management and in a matrix reporting environment
Ability to think analytically and plan strategically to the needs of the business
Strong problem predicting and problem solving skills that allow for a proactive approach to the business
Knowledge of raw material development and sourcing & costing globally Ability to analyze and determine cost of goods
Ability to visit a buying office or factory and assess whether or not the facility has the necessary infrastructure and is capable of handling the Company's development and production needs
Technical knowledge of raw materials and apparel construction
Strong organization skills in order to handle multiple tasks and reports and complete them within deadlines
Must have solid experience with washes


Responsibilities:


Sourcing:

Possess the ability to create a development calendar based on multiple lead-times and requirements and monitor adherence
Research and Development of new fabrics & trims that will enhance the established sourcing strategy of esthetic & cost.
Effectively coordinate the process of new fabric developments, trims and washes using line plan for planning purposes.
Allocate accurately and successfully to the established parameters of corporate sourcing matrix strategy for both suppliers & mills
Actively monitor existing suppliers & mills and new resources for potential key supplier development
Actively monitor internal and external processes and performance to insure we are continually optimized for speed to market
Be an expert in development lead-times globally and use the knowledge to challenge vendors, working to reduce when possible
Development yearly projections by supplier. Monitor actual bookings on a regular basis and make adjustments to plans accordingly
Develop and monitor production capacities for vendors on a monthly basis with the intent to book production space as required
Provide Analysis on Developed Fabrics & Styles vs Line Plan. Report on Calendar Actualization.
Anticipate potential quality problems of new styles and fabrics
Understand and manage product development costs; work towards strategies for reducing and/or eliminating development charges
Manage the chase/ reorder process to ensure required lead-times & processes are met
Provide Proto Rating in Web PDM and act accordingly based on results


Costing:

Take a proactive approach to prices and offer up cost competitive alternatives during product development
Understand raw material costing for product development and negotiation purposes
Possess ability to predict best estimated garment costing in sketch and style development stages and balance with merchants' target retail needs.
Ability to provide fair and accurate price range targets to suppliers according to established corporate guidelines.
Analyze and negotiate all final costing components incrementally after orders are placed.
Understand global costing
Ability to review mini-markers and identify opportunities in efficiency and cost
Understand fit and design modifications that affect price and follow through with vendors for updating as required
Insure opening and final PO's are made available to production team in accordance with established guidelines.


Manage the Time and Action Process:

Monitor T&A gathering; understand predictable and expected production timing; insure validity and compliance.
Review vendors' and internal adherence to the approval calendar and manage by exception
Ensure vendors' and internal adherence to the Bulk Fitting process


Management of WIP:

Manage the order placement process to ensure the best possible deliveries are acquired
Oversee management of the WIP for potential delivery issues--troubleshoot and offer workable strategic solutions
Personnel Management:
Supervise the efforts of the Product Development Coordinators and Assistants
Supervise a close interface between PD team and production team that results in consistent on-time deliveries
Responsible for personnel duties such as monitoring performance, training, providing motivation and constructive feedback
Identify and develop staff for succession planning.
Develop and execute cross-functional training activities


 

 

Please apply online:

 

http://hostedjobs.openhire.com/epostings/jobs/submit.cfm?fuseaction=dspjob&jobid=258291&company_id=15602&jobboardid=24