Product Development Specialist (New York)

Ulla Johnson is seeking a Product Development Assistant to join the team! The successful Product Development Assistant supports the development team, working closely with the Director of Product Development tracking samples, assisting with domestic and overseas factory correspondence, general upkeep and studio organization and providing overall support to the Design Studio throughout the development process from concept through final market samples. The Product Development Assistant reports directly to the Director of Product Development.

RESPONSIBILITY & ACCOUNTABILITY:

Design Development:

• Assisting in the development and execution of designs for seasonal collections, special projects and collaborations based on direction set forth from Design.
• Partakes in the ongoing communications with overseas factories to follow up on developments, whether it be for proto or SMS stage, and sample schedules.
• Aids with fabric & trim sourcing for local sample development. Making and issuing POs as needed.
• Assisting Director with NYC sample development - Maintaining communication with local pattern & sample makers, in addition to making sure they have materials needed for protos/SMS and assisting with post development season needs.
• Working with Tech Team to prepare garments and materials for development fittings.
• Monitoring SMS inventory each season once samples are in house for styling, before & after being transported to photo shoots/show venues and before Market begins.
• Assisting Knitwear Team by following up on sample status, trim needs and SMS inventory.
• Organizing and maintaining non-leather accessories inventory from season to season.
• Participate in cross-collaborative team meetings for seasonal concept, allocation and trim development as needed.

Calendar Management & Process:

• Prepared with daily reporting of prototype and sample status to team. Updating charts and seasonal overview on weekly, even daily, basis.
• Being mindful and aware of development calendar to help maintain all sample deliveries.

Organization & Studio Management:

• Help organize and maintain sample status charts – Including Factory WIPs and SMS ETA charts that are shared across departments.
• Maintain sample & material package tracking chart.Problem solving and troubleshooting any shipping issues that arise.
• Assist in entering of information, such as BOMs, into production management system or excel. Create and maintain style entry into RLM and working collaboratively with Merch team to ensure system is up to date.
• Track team expenses and organize receipts. Monitor local purchases for seasonal budget.
• Facilitate a smooth transition between design and production by creating binders and charts, whether it be related to product or materials.
• Assist Tech Team and in-house sewers with ensuring materials/supplies are readily available for show/photoshoot prep.
• Work with interns to facilitate projects and monitor their progress.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND DEVELOPMENT:

• Excellent motivational skills, honest, intelligent, results driven, excellent verbal, listening and written communication skills.
• Serve as a role model for others by modeling teamwork, professionalism, poise and composure.
• Possess a positive, solution-minded attitude and be willing to step into a myriad of roles as needed.
• Foster open environment through idea sharing and active listening.
• Ability to work comfortably within a team finding solutions to move the development process forward.
• Pragmatic, able to enter into minutiae and still maintain global picture.
• Desire to learn and show resourcefulness.
• Design & Technical background a plus.

Salary Range: $66,000- $71,000

Born and raised in Manhattan, the daughter of archaeologists, Ulla Johnson honed her signature style between the streets of New York and the far-flung destinations of their family travels. Her eponymous line, founded in 1998 just after her graduation from university, immediately caught the attention of the fashion press. Growing from a handful of directional boutiques and with an early endorsement from Barneys New York, Ulla Johnson’s collection has gained a dedicated following and the support of retailers across the US, Europe, Australia, and Asia. She has never wavered on her steadfast attention to the details of construction that have become her hallmark, basing each of her collections on a foundation of natural fibers, beautiful finishing, and ease of fit and form. Ulla lives in Brooklyn with her husband and three children.