Product Developer, Sourcing Coordinator - Buffalo

  · New Era Cap, LLC. is an international lifestyle brand headquartered in Buffalo, NY with an authentic sports heritage that dates back over 100 years. Best known for being the official on-field cap for MLB, official sideline cap for NFL, and official on-court cap for NBA, New E ...

Job description

 

New Era Cap, LLC. is an international lifestyle brand headquartered in Buffalo, NY with an authentic sports heritage that dates back over 100 years. Best known for being the official on-field cap for MLB, official sideline cap for NFL, and official on-court cap for NBA, New Era Cap is the brand of choice not only for its headwear collection, but also for its accessories and apparel lines for men, women and youth. The brand is worn as a symbol of self-expression by athletes, artists and some of the most interesting people around the globe. New Era Cap encourages people to truly express their personal style and individuality through its products.

Since 1920, this family-owned business has hired employees who are masters of their craft. We are innovators, architects of culture, experts, and forward thinkers. We demand excellence because we pride ourselves on the quality of our products and the authenticity of our brand. 

Interested in working with us? Check out this exciting opportunity at New Era Cap's Headquarters (HQ) building located in downtown Buffalo, NY. This role is 100% on-site, encouraging employees to collaborate and connect in person five days a week. HQ offers an inviting atmosphere, complete with an on-site café, fitness center, and Flagship store.

Apply to join New Era's team 

The role of the Product Developer, Sourcing Coordinator (Headwear and Apparel) is to support and execute New Era's global sourcing strategy and the entire product development process. Work closely with the design and merchandising teams to develop on trend headwear and apparel across multiple product categories. Establish relationships with global suppliers and provide critical support to the overall product development process. The Coordinator, Technical Sourcing will work closely with peers cross-functionally to turn ideas into great merchandise. 

Responsibilities 

• Collaborate with internal teams (licensed management, merchandising, design, production, planning, logistics, customer relations, social compliance and quality) to execute the product development process while managing and executing the TAC (Time & Action Calendar)
• Clearly understand core supply chain strategies and how the development process impacts each supply chain partner in production and is able to use this knowledge to execute the global sourcing strategy
• Understand the headwear and apparel cost structure across multiple products. Able to use this knowledge to negotiate price across global suppliers to analyze cost, suggest methods to reduce cost and achieve all margin goals 
• Able to interpret and understand specs/sourcing tech packs and is able to effectively communicate and collaborate with design and suppliers to ensure design expectation is maximized and cost is minimized
• Issue, monitor and execute prototypes and sales samples development requests. Ensure all samples are shipped and delivered on time as per the TAC 
• Enter and manage all development details including timelines and costing information in PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) 
• Able to communicate style exceptions not meeting category margin targets to the merchandising and licensed management teams prior to finalizing cost
• Identify and proactively communicate any excessive lead time or minimum order challenges during development 
• Lead the development for all new fabric and trims to support finished goods production 
• Ensure all raw materials are developed, approved and forecasted prior to being ordered as per the TAC
• Execute and support all technical aspects of product development; including pattern, fit, construction, technical drawings, and patent drawings to support the technical specifications for product in development and production
• Responsible to execute silhouette development
  • Conducts fit research internally and externally
  • Provide recommendations to Sourcing and Product Management teams
  • Create development and measurement specs
  • Grade to size runs
  • Digitize final patterns upon approval and maintain pattern library
  • Maintain physical sample library of approved silhouettes
  • Manage and maintain all silhouette data in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system
• Support and execute color approvals for fabrics and trims
• Manage color and raw material standard library data in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system
• Lead communication, interactions and needs of various levels of hierarchy within the global teams/departments and overseas vendors
  • Communicate product details to Design, Sourcing, Product Management, Quality, and overseas vendors to ensure accuracy and brand integrity through the full lifecycle of the product
  • Plan and track developments to ensure timely completion, based on pre-determined timeline between Sourcing, Design and/or Product Management
  • Working closely with overseas vendors in all aspects of technical design and silhouette development and ensure all deadlines are achieved 
• Keep all sensitive matters confidential
• Other duties as assigned 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Strong computer skills; Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint and the ability to learn and utilize new systems
• Ability to establish relationships and interact with various levels within the organization
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines and efficiently prioritize workday to maximize productivity
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively and professionally
• Enthusiastic, pro-active, and positive person who adapts to change and with urgency and persistence
• The ability to be innovative and creative when handling difficult business challenges
• Experience negotiating finished goods costing 
• Comprehensive understanding of the headwear, apparel and accessories markets and a basic understanding of fabric and textile manufacturing 
• Knowledge of trade regulations, production cycle timeline and calendar management 
• Ability to analyze information, make decisions, and recommend actions to drive business results
• Understand the importance of this position and the role it plays and able to bring improvements to the bottom line through price reductions of goods and services
• Working knowledge of PLM/ERP/MRP systems, quality and supplier management
• Experience establishing credible relationships with suppliers, customers, and employees
• Must be able to accurately identify specific colors and fine details (Color Hue test will be administered)
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 10 lbs

Education and Experience

• One (1) to Three (3) years of global sourcing experience in Softline; strong experience in overseas sourcing preferred 
• Bachelor's degree in Textile Design or relevant field preferred; relevant job experience in lieu of degree will be considered
• Achieves "Superior" level on Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue test (to be administered during interview process)
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop required
• Technical Design and pattern making experience preferred 
• Strong PLM experience preferred 
• SAP experience preferred

Travel Requirement

• The location for this position is 100% on-site in Buffalo, NY
• 0% to 5%; domestic and/or global

The salary range for this posted position is $50,500-$57,000 (plus bonus & benefits) and pertains to candidates located in Western New York. Actual compensation is determined by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, education, essential job duties and requirements, and necessary experience.

New Era Cap, LLC's casual work environment celebrates individuality and encourages employees to showcase their personal style. We pride ourselves on offering competitive compensation, a generous PTO policy, along with world-class benefits designed to promote health, financial stability, and personal growth.

As an employee, you'll enjoy a range of perks, including paid parking, exclusive discounts on apparel and headwear, and professional development opportunities right here on-site. We can't wait for you to experience all that our dynamic workplace has to offer

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