Product Manager

PRODUCT MANAGER (FORME)

JOB PURPOSE:

The Product Manager generally handles major accounts or an assortment of product categories while working closely with all groups involved in the sourcing, development, production and delivery of all merchandise sold in our stores; works hand in hand with our vendors to ensure that every piece of a collection is delivered in-full and on-time.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

BUYER

• Negotiates price and delivery timelines with vendors
• Prepares Price Docs and POs for approval of Merchandise Manager
• Monitors progress of all orders in all key stages (from product development to delivery) or via factory visit
• Alerts concerned departments about concerns on Purchase Order or if there are inconsistencies/ deviations from agreed plans
• Issues documentation for all date changes and recommends penalties, if applicable

CONTROLLER/COLLABORATOR

• Ensure adherence to Merchandise Working Calendar timelines and compliance to established business processes, policies and guidelines.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Monitor progress of orders based on delivery reports and status updates from buyers.
• Review and analyze performance reports and recommend action plans to hit targets.

VENDOR RELATIONS/ NEW VENDOR SOURCING ADVOCATE

• Review and evaluate performance of new vendor applicants and make the appropriate recommendations to the Merchandising Services Department
• Conduct regular vendor meetings to review performance and address issues and concerns.
• Spearhead sourcing of new vendors in coordination with Vendor Relations Group.
• Look out for emerging trends and new product ideas and communicate these trends to the brands.

CUSTOMER RELATIONS ADVOCATE

• Maintain a fair, equitable and professional working relationship with internal customers

(brands, other departments).

• Facilitates meetings between Merchandise Managers/ Designers and vendors in cases where consultation with the Merchandising team is necessary

SUPERVISOR/ COACH

• Effectively direct team members towards the achievement of goals; lead & inspire.
• Conduct regular performance appraisal of team members.
• Recommend employee regularization, transfer or dismissal. Enforce employee discipline

RESEARCHER

• Solicits/gathers new technology, products, colors & materials from vendors

Furthermore, they also perform the following tasks in the course of their work:

• Product Development - To a certain extent, they take on the role of product developers. They must be able to make suggestions for items that would be salable under the store’s label. An understanding of the technical language of the job is important as well an up-to-date knowledge of market trends.
• Factory Visits - Constant interaction with his/her own pool of vendors to monitor status of orders, assess vendor capability, source ideas and gather feedback for process improvements. Although this is demanding in terms of time, it is vital that the buyer do these visits periodically.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION REQUIRED

Clothing Technology, Fashion Design and Merchandising, Business Management, or other related courses.

EXPERIENCE

5 years related working experience. At least 2 years working experience as a Product Manager or Category Manager

COMPETENCIES

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ATTITUDES

• Negotiation skills; ability to get the best deal; proficient in basic mathematics
• Basic knowledge in costing and basic garment production
• Possess a highly entrepreneurial spirit and good business management skills
• Ability to analyze a problem, formulate a logical rationale and recommend effective action plans
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Good people handling skills
• Ability to relate to people in an ethical manner befitting someone who represents his team and company
• Ability to adapt easily to diverse audiences and environments
• Possess strong presentation, listening, verbal and written communication skills
• Strong in building cross-divisional partnerships
• Self motivated with the ability to handle multiple tasks.
• Excellent customer service, communication and telephone skills.
• Strong organizational and supervisory skills.
• Work toward high levels of individual job performance and productivity.
• Ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines efficiently and effectively.
• Flexible and able to adjust to changing conditions and circumstances.