Free People Senior PD Coordinator - Sweaters

Free People is looking for a Sr. PD Coordinator who drives development and process efficiencies during development phases to effectively manage timing constraints needed for each season/delivery, under the direction of Sr. Category Manager. This individual facilitates and executes design’s vision through sourcing brand appropriate yarn and trims, trouble-shooting material, price, and potential delivery issues (as related to development and raw materials phase) while supporting design’s needs and business requirements. The Sr. PD Coordinator collaborates with Sr. Category Manager on sourcing strategy, development blueprint, and category calendar. There is an initial opportunity to promote the development of team through mentoring and training. This role collaborates with cross functional team members on meeting development requirements of product within the needs of the business.

Develop and adhere to development calendars. Analyze results regularly to look for opportunities.

• Management of Supplier Base for a Corporate & Brand Perspective; review, maintain, and analyze all factory development charts and resources, as well as brand reporting maintenance - highlighting areas of opportunity for improvements both internally and externally
• Receive, analyze and manage towards provided brand line plans for business and product needs
• Collaborate with Sr. Category manager on brand calendar and milestones required to manage and meet calendar deadlines measured by seasonal calendar actualization with the ability to pivot and/or course correct due to business needs/changes
• Collaborate with manager to develop and manage raw materials + pre-style development including stitch extensions, pre-costing, fabrics, washes, mock-ups, drapes, tailoring bodies, trims and prints
• Prepare for Sketch Review and attend Sketch Review recap meetings and clarify important style aspects and strategize on how to deliver design vision at the required price point. Preparations should include cross-functional touch points with design to enter sketch review as an aligned team - getting ahead of any roadblocks
• Prepare for Sketch Review wrap around meeting (ins/outs) to provide direction to cross functional team members on outstanding information, initial cost concerns, line plan adherence, and next-step deliverables within the calendar
• Intermediate target cost creation for brand-selected styles - to provide any cost exceptions to necessary team members with a goal to achieve alignment prior to tech pack set-up, ensuring that retails assigned match design expectations and vice versa
• Review of targets and collaborate on vendor allocation with category manager prior to cost exceptions meeting to ensure alignment. For exceptions, collaborate with category manager on best approach to enroll and receive final necessary alignment from cross functional team members at a style level
• Once final line assigned with units – management of continued adjustment to targets and cost negotiations with suppliers, reviewing weekly progress with manager and outlining any challenges, referring to total delivery IMU in relation to YTD and goals
• Preparation for key milestone product presentation meetings, working with direct report to gather all necessary information while reviewing exceptions with category manager
• Proficient understanding of the product in development, ie: stitch, gauge, yarn, and knitting construction
• Collaborate with Production Coordinator to ensure seamless PO handoff, gathering all information necessary to support this transition and to recap cross functional team members at a total delivery as well as individual style level at POHO
• Management of chase development process for non-ESU programs, following similar key-development point track above

Personnel Management:

• Ability to be a mentor to junior members of our team, providing coaching and insight when needed

• Ability to present in front of with all levels of Management
• Ability to think analytically and plan strategically to the needs of the business
• Strong communication skills necessary to orchestrate the efforts of others, both inside and outside of the company, in order to achieve the desired end result
• Voices concerns in a constructive manner and seeks feedback constantly. Communicates goals and progress proactively to team members
• Clearly communicates progress on individual tasks. Listens actively and asks questions that appropriately show understanding. Full grasp of effective global communication via email
• Organization skills to handle multiple tasks and reports and complete them within deadlines
• Problem predicting and problem solving skills that allow for a proactive approach to the business
• Drives development process efficiencies with support of manager
• Leads vendor conversations regarding daily roadblocks and sees through to resolution with the support of manager
• Ability to analyze current business and work outside status quo to creatively meet these needs
• Proficient in PLM software and Microsoft Office suite, including Excel
• 5 plus years in apparel production and or import business

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URBN offers comprehensive Perks & Benefits to employees. Availability and eligibility to specific benefits may be subject to your location and employment status. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, PTO, generous employee discounts, retirement savings and much more! For additional information visit www.urbn.com/work-with-us/benefits

URBN celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression), religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. We believe strongly in fostering a safe, fair and respectful work environment. To ensure compliance with our non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, we offer anti-harassment training to managers and employees.