Product Specialist-Apparel

Bass Pro Shops•Springfield, MO

About The Position

The Product Specialist for an assigned product category is a member of the product development team and supports the development process and execution of products in that category. Working with their manager, designers, merchants, and vendors, the specialist learns to coordinate products from concept through production. The role includes coordinating development timelines, preparing specifications and cost analyses, reviewing samples, supporting field testing and product content, and working with quality teams and vendors to support testing and production readiness.

Requirements

Less than 3 years of professional work experience in a related field.
Ability to use the Microsoft Office suite, including prior use of Microsoft Excel.
Academic foundation in analytical and troubleshooting skills.
Attention to visual and functional detail.
Strong organization and time-management skills, including the ability to multitask.
Ability to collaborate in a cross-functional team environment.
Accountability for following tasks through from beginning to end.
Ability to develop teamwork skills and adapt to changing business situations.
Ability to learn responsibility for project outcomes.
Good verbal and written communication skills, with potential to develop presentation skills.
Ability to use hand tools to dissect samples and measuring gauges.
Ability to sit and perform regular computer work, with occasional walking, standing, and lifting up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Product Development, Design, or Business.

Responsibilities

Work with the product development team to identify and validate potential new product opportunities.
Coordinate product development timelines, including seasonal strategy, concept reviews, planning, sample reviews, approvals, production release, product launch planning, and first purchase order receipts.
Develop and document project scope and product specifications with the product development team.
Work with designers to complete technical packages for factories to develop samples and quotations.
Create cost analyses to compare baseline target costs with margin requirements at targeted retail prices.
Review Bills of Materials for appropriate costing and address potential cost, tooling, materials, or technology roadblocks by finding solutions or seeking resources.
Review product samples, address specification, material, or pricing challenges, present samples to the development team for feedback, and communicate revisions to factories.
Update and confirm final specifications, and upload specification sheets, costing, factory assignments, and development reviews into the PLM system.
Provide final samples to field testers when needed, develop field-testing requirements, and conduct follow-up reviews with testers.
Work with designers to develop brand-appropriate packaging and submit and review product content for packaging, infographics, and digital media platforms.
Coordinate with quality teams and vendors to ensure product testing procedures are completed and advise on scheduling new-product factory purchase order audits.
Ensure accuracy and submission of new item forms.
Perform other duties as assigned.