Merchandise Product Developer (Apparel/Softlines)

JOB SUMMARY:

As a Merchandise Product Developer, you will implement the product development steps, encompassing category and creative design, vendor selection and management, and quality execution. You will collaborate closely with Brand, PDS, and ATI teams, ensuring effective communication and financial accountability. Your role involves driving innovation within specific categories to align with the Brand’s vision, while also providing leadership and development to direct reports. Your expertise will be pivotal in delivering exceptional products that support our strategic goals.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Product development process implementation: Ensures all aspects of product development steps are achieved and product is delivered and ready for point of purchase (including managing art-to-product, sample creation, fit sessions/paint master/tooling, where applicable, social and safety compliance and quality). Coordinates between vendors, suppliers, and Product Design & Development, Brand Team and ATI to facilitate kickoffs, submittals, and approvals executed on time.
• Category & creative design: Establishes calendar development timelines and production timing for specific items. Executes seasonal and long-range plans, based on strong understanding of the past and present product performance and landscape. Supports execution of key milestone meetings, working in collaboration with Category Product Manager and Product Design & Development. Maintains data in tracking system – buy plans, assortment sheets – and manages multiple projects per season
• Vendor selection & management: Supports business model (direct to factory or vendor) and vendor selection, with input and feedback from other team members. Works cross functionally with Product Design & Development to ensure production ready tech packs and control drawings provided to vendor. Monitors production work in progress and manages all reports/working files with vendors for development. Facilitates timely communication with internal and external parties.
• Sourcing & quality execution: Collaborates closely with the product sourcing team to manage both international and domestic vendors. Engages in strategic negotiations to reduce costs, tariffs, and minimum order quantities, while optimizing the flow of goods. Reviews competitor analysis, benchmarks industry standards, and focuses on practical trends, product innovation, and market dynamics to ensure quality execution.
• Partnership and Communication: Proactively fosters positive and efficient communication with partners, PDS, Creative, Planning & Operations, vendors, leaders, team members, and IP partners to resolve challenges and achieve objectives.
• Financial ownership & cost savings: responsible for specific category performance to include per cap, COG, and inventory goals. Responsible for hitting delivery dates to ensure these goals are met. Responsible for exploring all options for cost savings.
• Leadership: responsible for actively training, mentoring and developing their teams and have a strong influence on peers and partners
• Understands and actively participates in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree is required.

EXPERIENCE:

• 5 years’ experience required in retail product development/buying; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in apparel, fashion, and lifestyle/Softlines heavily desired.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Requires interaction with global partners outside normal business hours.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.

Your talent, skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.

Universal is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Universal Orlando via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from Universal Orlando HR/Recruitment will be deemed the sole property of Universal Orlando. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Universal Orlando as a result of the referral or through other means.

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