Job Responsibilities:

Overall Product Development Process

• Collaborate with Design and Merchandising to develop and source innovative and directional yarns, trims and wash/print techniques that satisfy the vision of KR brands, while meeting the needs of the business and end product feasibility.
• Follow up on seasonal product development with outside vendors, Design and Merchandising.
• Manage all aspects of new development process for technical design including market research, presentation of forward development ideas, yarn/construction/ style.
• Partner with Design and Merchandising to determine key yarn/style initiatives and order prototypes and fit samples as needed.
• Work through any vendor issues related to new development processes (yarn, treatments, innovative ideas, new technology, etc.), until prototype sign-off.
• Attend industry shows as needed.

Legwear Sourcing / New Vendor Development 

• Assign vendors for all legwear products after each group meeting.
• Communicate to the vendors, major goals to achieve for the season (target costs, quantities, etc.).
• Manage the selection process of new vendors ensure compliance is in line with product need.
• Provide guidelines and training to new vendors on product development process, tech design approvals, calendar timing, PLM requirements, order process and sourcing guidelines.
• Ensure new vendors are trained on KR systems and overall process within the company.
• Cost negotiation for all sourcing legwear styles.
• Maintain cost charts for all developed styles.
• Load legwear costs to the relevant IGP.
• Manage Handoff each season from Product Development team to Production team for Legwear.
• Manage the placement and acceptance of purchase orders for all of KR overseas production.
• Resolve any delivery issues at time of placement by working with Customer Service and Business Planning.
• Ensure proper PO pricing and terms.
• Ensure all deliveries are on time and hit DC within the time needed.
• Travel as needed to monitor production, compliance, and product quality.

Technical Design (Legwear)

• Track and manage workflow and ensure seasonal deadlines are met.
• Work with Tech Design for the fit and approval process for legwear products, ensuring size and fit consistency within each brand.
• Oversee color approval process, Top and PP approvals.
• Develop partnerships with cross-functional teams to ensure adherence to timelines.
• Stay in close collaboration with KR Quality and Lab Testing team regarding production product integrity, testing and quality issues.

Miscellaneous Responsibilities / Social Compliance

• Facilitate special costing projects as needed to help drive company costs down.
• Approve vendor commission invoices as necessary.
• Ensure that all suppliers have the necessary social compliance audits based on the brands they are manufacturing.
• Manage social compliance certifications for all KR manufacturing facilities.
• Manage factory Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) as necessary.
• Ensure payment for audits for the purpose of scheduling in a timely manner.