Women's Product Developer, Swim

Company Introduction

The La Jolla Group is a worldwide leader in the action sports apparel business segment with a fast paced, high-energy environment that is continually on the move. With prominent brands such as O’Neill, PSD Underwear, Mountain Khakis, Sol Angeles, Voyager, and Hang Ten, La Jolla Group has proved to be a builder of great brands, a creator of innovative products, and a master of operational excellence.

Our team enjoys flexibility with a hybrid schedule of in-office and remote work. We offer awesome discounts on our clothing brands, early release Fridays (2:00pm), occasional on-site employer provided lunches, year-round local fun events as well as a full benefits package! We believe our employees are our strongest asset and invest in their growth by focusing on developing their strengths.

General Summary

The Women’s Product Developer manages the product life cycle from concept through handoff to production for assigned product categories. Proactively manages the TNA calendar with their counterparts to achieve deadlines. This function enthusiastically takes on product challenges and drives solutions that continually improve the product and process.

Essential Job Functions

• Responsible for development of product from design hand off through production hand off for assigned categories.

• Work closely with Director of M&D to develop product that meets company margins while maintaining design intent and targeted IMU goals.

• Negotiate with factory to achieve costs in order to meet target wholesale and gross margin targets. Suggest alternatives when relevant.

• Handle all daily communication with overseas vendors for assigned categories. Some factory travel overseas may be required.

• Participate in sourcing decisions based on volume, technique, fabrication and cost.

• Work closely with technical team to maintain brand fit standards and attend all fittings.

• Responsible for maintaining PLM for specified categories, all sample comments, approvals, costing, etc.

• Partner with design team in proto review meetings to ensure accurate and detailed presentation to sales team and management.

• Manage time and action calendar for assigned categories to meet all deadlines. Track and approve all necessary submits of artwork, trims and packaging.

• Responsible for issuing and maintaining salesman sample PO’s.

• The Merchandiser is the link between design, technical design, planning and the factories; it is essential that all communication is accurate, complete, timely and professional.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the entire product life cycle process from design handoff through production handoff.

• Ability to effectively identify and resolve problems.

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

• Strong organizational skills with attention to accuracy and detail.

• Ability to prioritize tasks appropriately to ensure deadlines are met.

• Ability to work independently and as a team player.

• Must be able to work effectively across multiple functions with business colleagues domestically and internationally.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree –Merchandising or equivalent experience/training.

• Minimum 4-5 years of experience in Apparel Product Development, swim experience a plus

• Intermediate computer skills with emphasis on MS Office software, Adobe Acrobat. Knowledge in Illustrator is a plus.

• Full Circle knowledge a plus

• Knowledge of Centric is a plus

• PLM software experience also a plus

Benefits

La Jolla Group offers a comprehensive benefits package for regular, full-time employees designed to support overall well-being and work-life balance. Eligible team members can participate in:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• 401(k) Retirement Plan

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays

• Enjoy additional perks and opportunities for growth within a collaborative, lifestyle-focused culture.

Physical Requirements

Seeing: Must be able to see well enough to read reports.

Hearing: Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with customers, vendors and employees.

Climbing/Stooping/Kneeling: Must be able to stoop or kneel to pick up products.

Lifting/Pulling/Pushing: Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds.

Fingering/Grasping/Feeling: Must be able to type and use technical sources.

La Jolla Group provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals in compliance with federal, state, and local laws. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Equal opportunity applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, training, promotion, compensation, and termination. La Jolla Group is committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and to fostering an inclusive, respectful environment where all employees can thrive.

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this position. This job description does not constitute a contract for employment, and the Company reserves the right to modify, interpret, or apply it in any way the Company desires at any time. Employment with La Jolla Group is at-will.

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