Job Postings From Our Member Companies Title:
Product Designer – Fun Gift & Fashion Products

Post Date
10/9/2014

Expiration Date
12/7/2014

Details:
Product Designer – Fun Gift & Fashion Products

The Vermont Teddy Bear Company, located in Shelburne, VT is looking for you to join our Bear Crew! We work hard, but we also know how to have fun! Play in our summer-long bocce tournaments and dig in our community garden during work hours.

We offer competitive benefits, pay and other fun perks – employee 50% discounts, free gym members for employees and their families, Community Shared Agriculture (CSA) farm share reimbursement as well as onsite Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Massage Therapy and Nutritionist.

Vermont Teddy Bear Company is in search of a Product Designer. The qualified individual will be responsible for the development of products for the Vermont Teddy Bear Company: Beargram, PajamaGram, PajamaJeans. This person will drive the design process from concept to delivery by creating trend appropriate designs that meet market needs and drive sales as well as assist the Product Development Director in assortment planning. This position will collaborate with Technical Design and Production to execute product initiatives utilizing creative thinking and problem solving skills as well as manage and report on products and categories as they relate to the calendar. This person will also provide product information to cross-functional teams. Self-direction with the ability to manage many projects at one time is a must!

Work Day/Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30AM - 5:00PM (hours vary during holiday seasons).

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Design Strategy & Innovation

• Drives development of meaningfully unique products across brands: Vermont Teddy Bear, PajamaGram, PajamaJeans.
• Identifies, researches and defines new product opportunities that are consistent with seasonal trends, marketing channels, customer, and overall business strategy.
• Creates prototypes, artwork, sketches and any other collateral necessary for communicating and presenting product concepts.
• Works with vendors to develop custom or private label programs that hit our target price points and delivery needs. Develops lasting partnerships.
• Deep understanding of garment design and production processes to appropriately develop products to specific cost targets, while maintaining quality standards.
• Focuses on innovation - creating new practices, processes and design applications to increase product value and performance.
• Participates in brainstorming and create sessions with cross-functional members of the company.
• Collaborates on Assortment Planning and sku rationalization. Uses analysis to drive design decisions and justify product choices.
• Maintains knowledge of industry trends & innovations. Shops the market (comp shopping and trade shows) for new product ideas or inspiration. Shares findings with the team in presentation form.
• Travels both internationally and domestically.
Organization & Results
• Ensures accuracy of Product Development project trackers, line sheets & boards.
• Follows product life cycle calendar to hit deadlines, prioritizing and managing time effectively.
• Alerts cross-functional teams of issues arising with deadlines.

Cross-departmental Collaboration

• Collaborates with the Technical Design & Sourcing department in development of materials, product specs & garment patterns. Participates in fabric, color, fit approval processes.
• Presents new products and highlights unique selling benefits to cross-functional teams prior to launch.
• Completes product information forms assuring that the vision for the product is properly executed in all channels.
• Works collaboratively across the product development team to define and develop new processes that enhance team efficiency.
• Assists with tasks and projects within various departments as needed and as time allows.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Responsible for Share Our Staff (SOS) participation as required during Peak Periods.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Product Development or Merchandising is required.
• 3+ years industry experience in Product Development.
• Highly creative with the ability to recognize and forecast fashion and cultural trends as they relate our customers.
• Working knowledge of garment construction and pattern making
• Experience buying or developing products domestically or internationally.
• Experience costing and negotiating a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to juggle multiple priorities, while meeting all deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Willingness to work in a collaborative and creative environment.
• Proficiency in MS Office and Adobe Illustrator. Experience with CAD software preferred, with ability to learn new programs.

Comments:
Vermont Teddy Bear is an equal opportunity employer by choice.

To apply, please submit cover letter and resume online: http://www.vermontteddybear.com/Employment

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Employer:
The Vermont Teddy Bear Company

Website:
http://bit.ly/1ne7gqC