Apparel Product Development Operations Lead

Position Details

Title: Product Development Operations Lead

Department: Global Product Development

Reports to: Director, Product Development

Location: Dearborn

Job Classification: Hybrid

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Band: Professional

The Product Development Operations Lead collaborates with the Global Product teams to manage systems and tools, data validity, processes, reports, and development timelines. The role is the lead administrator that oversees all PD functions, ensuring a seamless flow from product creation to finalization with a focus on the corporate quality mission. In this role, the PD Ops Lead will be required to work on multiple projects simultaneously, identify process opportunities and efficiencies, and lead projects with little oversight.

At Carhartt, the values of hard work—dependability, honesty, and trust—are rooted in the legacy of our founder, Hamilton Carhartt. His commitment to serving hardworking people continues to inspire everything we do. Guided by his legacy and our mission—We serve and protect all hardworking people by building durable products— we remain dedicated to upholding these principles in every decision we make and every product we create.

• Leads projects, and at times project teams, by reviewing activities, facilitating meetings, evaluating and mitigating risk, regularly communicating on the progress and status of projects, and ensuring the deliverables are completed successfully, on schedule, and within budget.
• Owns the management of the Global Product team SharePoint site. Supports functional areas to ensure tools (templates, processes, manuals, etc.) are maintained and updated regularly; and files and documents audited for relevancy, accuracy, and redundancy.
• Leads GTM PD seasonal timeline creation across all PD functional areas; contributes to improvements/changes for efficiency; and continuously connects with GTM, Design, Merch, and Supply Chain teams for timeline mapping.
• Analyzes systems and tools (Centric, Texbase, etc.) on inputs (the work) and outputs (the results) to identify opportunities for enhancements, build/configure views for streamlining work/effort, and continuously support team and corporate initiatives. Leads and represents the Product Development department in company wide systems upgrades and enhancements of PD tools.
• Lead process mapping, enhancements, and modifications for both N. America and EMEA Workwear and PPE industry (raw material, product, and packaging & label) regulations related to product development and labeling.
• Reports weekly, monthly, seasonally on development status related to GTM timeline and milestones across all functional areas. Compiles seasonal scorecards for global supply chain KPIs for continuous improvement.
• Anticipates and minimizes disruptions created by assigned projects to normal operations and communicates potential problems with relevant managers and leaders.
• Aids in the department’s continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities, creating and implementing processes and procedure improvements. Supports leaders to drive change through process efficiency, streamline processes, and identify opportunities to use resources effectively.
• Develop, maintain, and foster key relationships with counterparts in Supply Chain, Design, Merchandising, Quality, Product Compliance and Legal.

• Bachelor’s degree in Textiles, Apparel, or a related field; or equivalent years of related experience in lieu of degree.

• Minimum 7 years of experience in the Apparel or Textile industry.
• Strong Product Development background within the Apparel or Textile industry.
• Experience with workwear and PPE apparel regulations.
• Excellent organization and planning skills; and the ability to prioritize workloads and manage multiple projects at the same time.
• Proficient with Microsoft 365, Adobe, PLM, Texbase, and other company software tools.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Experience in process definition i.e. process flows, RACI, task‑procedure, change management.
• Strong interpersonal and meeting facilitation skills.
• Effective communicator,…