Product Manager RTW (DONDE ESTEBAN)

We are seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated, and highly organized Product Manager to join our dynamic team at Donde Esteban (www.dondeesteban.co). In this role, you will be responsible for the development and management of clothing prototypes, including Ready-to-Wear (RTW), Outwear, Outdoor, Knitwear, swimwear, accessories, and footwear. You will collaborate closely with designers, ensuring the efficient production of prototypes and samples, and preparing documentation for mass production. The successful candidate will also play a key role in strategic planning, supplier management, and cross-functional team coordination. This position requires proficiency in using Zedonk and other relevant software tools.

Responsibilities:

1. Planning:

1. Develop and manage product calendars for various categories, identifying and resolving conflicts to meet deadlines.
2. Continuously follow up with vendors to monitor progress.
3. Report development progress to production and design teams, maintaining a style tracker.
4. Engage in both operational and strategic planning to align product development with company goals.

2. Development:

1. Conduct final proofing of specifications before submission to factories, ensuring accuracy in technical drawings, patterns, and Bill of Materials (BOM).
2. Collaborate with the design and technical teams to review photo and salesman samples prior to fittings.
3. Troubleshoot issues as they arise during the development process.
4. Maintain meticulous BOMs and technical packages in PLM.
5. Manage collection costings and report findings to the team during range reviews.
6. Commercialize designs prior to production handoff.
7. Manage vendor invoices.
8. Utilize Zedonk for efficient project and supplier management.

3. Supplier and Materials Management:

1. Search for and create a comprehensive database of materials and suppliers.
2. Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure quality and timely delivery of materials.
3. Evaluate and onboard new suppliers as needed, ensuring they meet company standards.
4. Negotiate terms and pricing with suppliers to optimize cost-efficiency.

4. Team Coordination:

1. Establish work formats and collaboration protocols with other brand team members, including creative, design, and commercial teams.
2. Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless product development and launch.
3. Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between different departments to achieve project objectives.

5. Reporting and Documentation:

1. Prepare and maintain detailed reports on completed work, including weekly, monthly, and quarterly updates.
2. Document processes, project milestones, and key performance indicators to track progress and identify areas for improvement.

6. Fittings:

1. Participate in Proto, SMS, and PPS fittings to ensure product quality and fit.
2. Provide feedback and recommendations during fittings to enhance product design and functionality.

7. Production Handoff:

1. Ensure line sheets are accurate and complete before market launch.
2. Prepare and deliver all samples, pressed and in pristine condition, to the commercial team before market release.
3. Lead line reviews and promptly update and report any cancellations or additions.
4. Execute production handoff by working with allocated vendors to launch all PPS.

8. Additional Responsibilities:

1. Support the design team in translating ideas into market-ready products.
2. Initiate, monitor, and oversee the entire product development process from insights gathering to brief stage, through design, development, costing, and commercialization.
3. Demonstrate excellent organizational and project management skills to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
4. Participate in meetings to improve project workflows and guide the design and sampling teams, ensuring cost, quality, and brand objectives are met.
5. Work with manufacturers and suppliers on current development projects, which may involve travel to our production offices in Italy, Portugal, Turkey or other destinations.

Requirements

Experience:

1. Previous experience in apparel R&D product management and development.
2. Proven track record in managing product development cycles from concept to production.

Technical Skills:

1. Strong knowledge and understanding of the fashion industry, including garment construction, fabrics, and manufacturing processes.
2. Proficiency in using Zedonk for project and supplier management.
3. Experience with PLM systems for managing BOMs.
4. Expert in Joor; working knowledge of Google Suite and Asana is a plus.

Project Management:

1. Excellent organizational and project management skills.
2. Ability to plan, coordinate, and execute multiple projects simultaneously.
3. Strong attention to detail and accuracy in reviewing specifications and samples.

Communication:

1. Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, designers, and vendors.
2. Ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal teams.

Analytical Skills:

1. Ability to analyze costings, retail pricing, markups, and sustainability factors.
2. Capability to prepare and maintain detailed reports and documentation.

Adaptability:

1. Flexibility to work on external projects and adapt to changing priorities.
2. Willingness to travel to production offices, factories, and other destinations as required.

Additional Attributes:

1. Self-motivated with a proactive approach to managing tasks and responsibilities.
2. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
3. Commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Product Management, Business, or a related field.
2. Experience working with international suppliers and managing global supply chains.
3. Knowledge of sustainability practices in the fashion industry.
4. Familiarity with creative and commercial team workflows.

What We Offer:

1. Competitive salary.
2. Opportunity to work in a dynamic and creative environment.
3. Professional growth and development opportunities.
4. Collaborative and supportive team culture.