Coordinator, Product Development

Kate Spade New York is a global lifestyle brand that designs handbags, ready-to-wear, jewelry, footwear, home décor, and more. Part of the Tapestry portfolio, the company emphasizes optimism, inclusivity, and a distinctive brand DNA with a focus on communities of women around the world.

Primary

Purpose:

The Product Development Coordinator is responsible for leading the product development process of the Ready-to-wear collection from concept through to fit sample approval. A key partner to design, raw materials, merchandising, technical and regional teams; ensuring seasonal collections meet design vision, quality standards, targets cost and delivery timelines.

Location: New York, New York

Hybrid role, minimum in office 3 days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday). Flexibility required.

The successful individual will leverage their proficiency in product development to create and manage development processes for RTW collections.

• Assist in the full development process of RTW collections from initial concept to final fit sample approval.
• Partner with design team from concept and sketch to interpret creative vision and ensure execution is feasible and cost-effective.
• Adhere to all seasonal milestones.
• Attend all sketch hand offs recording details for product launch with external suppliers and support Designer on execution decisions.
• Create and maintain all style Bill of Materials.
• Oversee the coordination of all materials and trims being delivered to the factory at each sampling stage.
• Create and maintain development WIPs.
• Responsible for sample tracking of all samples to NY and designated regions. Troubleshoot delays and proactively plan to ensure timely delivery.
• Ensure samples are developed to spec, on time and within budget.
• Develop products within set target costs.
• Participate in cost negotiation. Contribute to cost engineering ideas throughout development process.
• Create and maintain seasonal costing chart from early development through final cost stages.
• Submit working costs in EcVision at each stage through approval process.
• Create production WIPs post final buy. Support maintenance until final fit approval.
• Attend assigned fit sessions and give feedback on relevant factory information. Collaborate with the technical design team to ensure timely execution of corrections.
• Actively risk assessing product from sketch launch through to final approval.
• Daily communication with factories and suppliers.

• 1+ year(s) experience in production/product development
• Knowledge of Ready-To-Wear manufacturing processes and materials
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, Microsoft Teams, EcVision or other PLM systems
• Experience in Excel with demonstrated ability in formulas and pivot tables

• Exceptionally well-organized, efficient, and analytical
• Proven ability to work within tight deadlines
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Demonstrated attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills
• Experience working in a global company with overseas partners

• Courage:
  Provides current, direct, complete, and actionable feedback; addresses issues promptly; can take negative action when necessary.
• Creativity:
  Generates new and unique ideas and makes connections between related notions.
• Customer Focus:
  Meets internal and external customer expectations and requirements; builds trust and relationships.
• Dealing with Ambiguity:
  Adapts to change and handles risk and uncertainty effectively.
• Drive for Results:
  Consistently aims to exceed goals and deliver results.
• Interpersonal Savvy:
  Builds rapport and constructive relationships across the organization.
• Learning on the Fly:
  Learns quickly, open to change, analyzes successes and failures for improvement.

Our competencies also apply to people managers:

• Strategic Agility
• Developing Direct Reports and Others
• Building Effective Teams

Kate Spade is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All employment decisions are based on qualifications and relate to the requirements of the position. These decisions are made without regard…