Jr. Product Developer – Fashion, Health & Beauty Accessories

Our Toronto client has partnered with mass-market, mid-tier and independent North American retailers. The goal: to turn their private label collections into must-have wardrobe essentials. They specialize in fashion health & beauty accessories – combining fashion-forward designs and an uncompromising commitment to quality production to help retail partners build internationally-recognized brands that deliver strong bottom-line results.
They are looking for a Jr. Product Developer to bridge the gap between the designers and the sourcing team.

Responsibilities:
• Liaison between the design & sourcing teams
• Work with China vendors to source supply for the season
• Ensure designs are in line with the merchandise assortment guidelines for style count and retail pricing
• Daily tracking/follow up e-mails to vendors to execute initial samples towards the product development calendar milestones dates.
• Excellent communication skills – communicate with Sourcing, Design team & China teams
• Organize samples – excellent organization skills
• Initiate development each season
Requirements:
• Keen eye for style & fashion & understand trend
• Able to problem solve, trouble shoot & take initiative
• Understanding for costing and how to modify product to achieve a certain price point or customer request (or be eager to learn quickly)
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite- specifically ILLUSTRATOR + Excel

Behaviour/Skills:
• Communicates effectively and candidly – Communicates clearly and directly, is approachable, relates well to others, provides and seeks feedback, articulates clearly, actively listens.
• Achieves Results through teamwork – is open to diverse ideas, works inclusively and collaboratively, holds self and others accountable, involves others to accomplish individual and team goals.
• Leads through positive influence – Demonstrates strong character, builds partnerships, models a conscious balance between work and person life, takes personal responsibility for own development, role models leadership qualities such as motivation, inspiration, passion and trust.
• Executes with Excellence – Is action oriented, drives for results, sets clear expectations and milestones, reviews progress, acts decisively, solves problems, can be counted on to consistently meet or exceed goals.

Qualifications:
• Certification or designation in trend forecasting and fashion-based education
• Previous experience in the fashion industry
• Experience in retail and custom design an asset

Compensation: Commensurate with experience, Benefits