Product Developer

Academy Sports & Outdoors • Katy, TX

80d

About The Position

Come work at a place where we take pride in creating a workplace environment that values hard work, commitment, and growth. Responsible for the Private Brand product assortment development, presentation and organization, this person would have excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate with not just their peers, but a variety of different levels of individuals. This person will be responsible for generating and communicating ideas regarding the overall performance and value of Academy's products to the designated manufacturing resources and develop technical knowledge of related product categories, including but not limited to, construction, engineering, fabrications, and fit.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field of study required.
• 3+ years of related work experience required.
• 2+ years of product development experience preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, written, verbal communication and presentation skills, with the ability to interface effectively with individuals at various levels internally and externally.
• Demonstrated analytical, organizational, problem solving and creative resolution and thinking skills.
• Ability to pay strict attention to detail, prioritize workload, and meet multiple, critical deadlines within a high volume, fast-paced, frequently changing environment.
• Self-motivated with the ability to meet and exceed position requirements under minimal direction and supervision, independently and within a team setting.
• Responds positively to change, embracing and using new practices or values to accomplish goals and solve problems.
• Working knowledge of product packaging programs such as Flex PLM's and Adobe Illustrator.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Build strength in the Private Label Assortment by refreshing the core business and increase market share by developing Private Label core items that sets us apart from our competitors, drives sales and increases margin.
• Consistently refresh the assortment by managing existing and new programs in partnership with the Buying team to understand Buyer's product needs, set a time and action calendar, and execute delivery.
• Collaborate with Production on vendor's shipping status and overall performance.
• Follow-up with Quality Assurance, Vendor Compliance, and Import Logistics teams on any open issues and deliver high quality at a lower price.
• Follow approval process through development timeline to ensure all art work is approved by the necessary teams for on time delivery.
• Maintain all records relating to communication, product specification, quality control, purchase records (spreadsheets, worksheets, purchase orders), cost spreadsheets, as well as securing and maintaining the sample library and inventory relating to pre-production, counter, and advertising.
• Leverage return on previous investment by creating and maintaining detailed product packages within Flex PLM.
• Manage production sample inventory.
• Visit stores and competitors frequently to ensure price competitiveness, trend, and packaging opportunities.
• Verify that suppliers conform to established product and delivery standards and coordinate label/packaging with suppliers and vendors; maintain trim cards.
• Prepare HTS pre-classification sheets and samples for Customs Compliance team.
• Elevate omni-channel by ensuring all Private Label new items are on E-Commerce and all copy is correct.
• Provide and process input for approval/rejection decisions for multiple variables that include, but are not limited to garment/footwear specifications and construction, hardlines and artwork designs, lab dip, packaging, labeling, testing, and sampling.
• Learn and adhere to company work hours, policies, procedures and rules governing professional staff behavior.
• Duties may change and team members may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Sporting Goods, Hobby, Musical Instrument, Book, and Miscellaneous Retailers
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees