Job Title: Product Development Manager

Department: Import Production

Report to: VP Import Sourcing & Production (Melissa)

Position Summary

Sample / Development Manager works with the development requests for all import (overseas) and domestic factories to ensure accuracy in development, preproduction and delivery to meet in-house dates to support Walmart Commercial team in their meetings and product presentations. 

This position works closely with Design, Sourcing & Production and Sales teams to ensure accuracy, quality, and on-time delivery in development sampling by managing the end-to-end process from concept development to delivery. 

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities:

Ensures the Walmart development calendar is clearly communicated for all cross-functional departments and that all teams are aligned on dates to satisfy the customer’s needs.

Responsible for independent judgement and constant communication with both internal teams and vendors on development sample status updates, and potential production concerns buyer/licensing/testing submits, and documentation.

Position requires time and action, calendar manipulation and process knowledge including working with technical design, design, WIP management, development and logistics. 

Coordinate with overseas suppliers to ensure all files necessary for style development are dispatched and followed during the development process

Works with cross functional departments that are related to development to make sure deadlines are met & samples are sent out as requested. 

Captures and highlights potential issues during the development process and communicating this and resolve it promptly to ensure minimal effects on the development calendar.

Proactively plans, coordinate and manage external sources while identifying and addressing issues that may impact timelines or cost.

Creates a collaborative and positive team environment that encourages authentic and transparent contribution.

Understand and adapt the Company’s practices, culture, and colleagues and management team.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Logistics, or business preferred or equivalent relevant experience

4-6 years of experience in Product Development/Production/Sourcing and/or Supply Chain

Fluency or proficiency in speaking Mandarin or Spanish preferred.

Experience in printables, knowledge of garment construction and design

Self-starter - ability to act and operate independently with minimal daily direction.

Thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Assures that margin and financial goals process for the product cost throughout the pipeline are understood and achieved by monitoring, reporting, and influencing across function decision making.

Embodies the high standards of the sourcing & production department and actively represents the department in all calendar checkpoints and major milestone meetings.

Develop best in class partnerships with our suppliers and contract manufacturing partners.

Core Competencies

Must thrive in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment and work well under stress. This individual needs to have good people and leadership skills. They will need to work well independently and within a team environment—following and delegating directions, communicating and troubleshooting obstacles to effectively meet goals and objectives. 

Excellent communication skills (oral and written) with the ability to develop relationships across departments, at all levels. Must have ability to read and interpret documents including process, procedure, and vendor manuals.

Ideal candidate will have strong organization and critical thinking skills—including keen attention to detail, time management, and ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects with overlapping deadlines and production schedules.