Product Development Associate Jobs in Buffalo, NY

Centric Brands is a leading lifestyle brand collective that designs, sources, markets and sells high quality products in multiple segments, including women’s, men’s and kid’s apparel, accessories, entertainment and beauty. Centric Brands is focused on our customers and our brands that will drive the company’s future growth. We are defined by innovation as we seize new opportunities and thrive in an environment informed by creativity and thinking that is both analytical and outside the box. Centric Brands reflects a team built on respect, for others and for the hard work it takes to achieve our goals and build our bright future together.

Production/Product Development

From sourcing raw materials to manufacturing, order placement, pricing, quality control and getting the finished product where it needs to be, our production/product development team is responsible for ensuring we keep our standards high and our business profitable at every step of the journey. If you are a focused, results-driven, tenacious and highly flexible team player, we’ll give you every opportunity to build a rewarding career with one of the world’s foremost major lifestyle brand collectives.

The Associate, Product Development supports the product development process from initial design concept through production for Baby/Layette. This role is responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely production of samples that meet both aesthetic and customer requirements. Additionally, the associate collaborates with the cross functional teams that include Production, Design, Sales, and our Overseas Offices to develop and execute assigned product lines.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy & Innovation

• Contribute to development of seasonal product strategies with Design, Merchandising and Production teams
• Regularly update senior Product Development team on new product opportunities; review category products as directed to ensure brand cohesiveness

Operations & Results

• Track and execute Product Development calendar and WIP report for optimum operational efficiency; partner with Design, Production and Sales to ensure timely delivery of goods
• Advise PD Manager and Director regarding production needs and issues to ensure superior quality goods; identify and suggest solutions for quality, cost and technical issues
• Contribute to product review meetings, including edits, board review, pre-costing and post-season reviews
• Effectively Communicate with overseas offices and vendors daily to advise comments, resolve issues, advise changes, etc.
• Review, comment and approve Lab dips, strike offs and bulk fabric submits across multiple brands and seasons
• Track pre-production, TOP and sales samples; attend and participate in fit process with Design and Production

• Partnered cross-functionally with Design, Merchandising, and Sourcing teams to align on priorities

Customers & Relationships

• Communicate and follow-up across the channels including customers, suppliers, vendors and licensors, where applicable; assist with problem solving as needed

Leadership & Teams

• Contribute positively to team dynamic and manage up where necessary

• Superior organizational skills and excellent communication skills; team oriented; highly detail oriented and meticulous
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines, balance creativity with technical capability, and interpret design sketches for tech packs
• Ability to work in a fast pace, high performance environment while maintaining a high level of accuracy and accountability
• Basic knowledge of garment construction, pattern making, silhouettes, color ways, sewing techniques, seam classifications, fabrication, trim and art techniques
• 2-4 years related experience and/or training in apparel
• Proficiency in FlexPLM systems is preferred
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe products, PC and Mac computers

In return, we provide an industry-competitive salary, along with a comprehensive benefits plan (medical, dental, vision) that includes a matching 401(k), Summer Fridays, generous PTO, merchandise discounts, excellent career development opportunities, and a work environment that reflects our industry leadership. Our social impact program, Centric Cares, focuses on volunteerism to make a difference in communities we live and work in and our D&I committee is shaping the future of diversity, equity and inclusion at Centric Brands though workshops, resources and inspiring conversation.

Salary Range: $66,300 - $75,000

At Centric Brands, we believe our people are our greatest asset, and we seek to structure competitive compensation offers to ensure that we are able to attract and retain the best talent. Our job postings include an annual base salary range at the time of employment. The stated base salary range represents our good faith estimate as to what candidates are likely to expect, and we tailor our offers within the range based on several factors, including the selected candidate's educational and professional experience, industry knowledge, location, technical and communication skills, and other factors that may prove relevant during the selection process. Base salary is a part of a total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include commission earnings, annual bonus and other Centric Brands sponsored benefit programs.

Be part of our growing community by getting involved with groups, teams and initiatives like Be Green, Be Giving, and Be Celebrated.

Centric Brands is an Equal Opportunity Employer