Associate Manager-Product

JCPenney; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 63,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Employee discount

Job summary

Catalyst Brands seeks an Associate Product Manager for Lucky Knits to partner with Merchandising, Design and Technical Design to oversee the product development and production process from concept through production. You will actively seek opportunities to elevate the product, meet category financial goals, and improve operational efficiency.

Responsibilities include coordinating calendars, tracking samples and costing, maintaining PLM data, and preparing reports for milestones and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in fashion merchandising, product development, business or related field.
• 2-4 years in product development, sourcing or production in retail apparel.
• Experience with discounters and clubs business preferred.
• Understanding of the apparel product lifecycle and development process.
• Ability to coordinate with cross-functional teams to meet objectives and deadlines.
• Strong organizational, time management and follow-up skills for multiple priorities.
• Effective verbal and written communication across teams and suppliers.
• Attention to detail and problem solving.
• Understanding of costing, sourcing and production processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook); PLM experience preferred.
• Self-motivated, collaborative and eager to learn in a team environment.
• Hybrid work policy adherence and in-office presence.
• Travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and execute the seasonal product development process from concept through production under the Product Manager.
• Collaborate with Merchandising, Design, Technical Design, Materials, Sourcing and suppliers to hit milestones.
• Manage seasonal development calendar and production T&A, tracking samples, fit approvals, materials, costing and deliverables.
• Coordinate daily communication with cross-functional teams and global suppliers for timely execution and issue resolution.
• Monitor development progress, identify risks to quality, cost or timing and elevate with solutions.
• Support supplier communication to meet product, quality and delivery expectations.
• Maintain accurate product information and development status in PLM and other systems.
• Prepare product development reports, meeting materials and status updates for milestone reviews.
• Identify opportunities to improve development efficiency, calendar execution and cross-functional collaboration.
• Assist the Product Manager in executing seasonal product strategies and achieving category objectives.

Skills

Product development coordination

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Product Development, Business, or related field

Tools

PLM systems

Job description

Overview

The Associate Product Manager, in partnership with cross functional team (Merchandising, Design, Technical Design, etc.) managing the product development and production process for Lucky Knits. The Associate Product Manager proactively seeks opportunities to elevate the product, achieve the financial goals of the category, and enhance operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and execute the seasonal product development process from concept through production under the direction of the Product Manager.


• Partner with Merchandising, Design, Technical Design, Materials, Sourcing, and suppliers to ensure product development milestones are achieved on time.


• Manage the seasonal development calendar and production T&A, proactively tracking samples, fit approvals, materials, costing, and key deliverables.


• Coordinate day-to-day communication with internal cross-functional teams and global suppliers to support timely execution and issue resolution.


• Monitor development progress, identify risks to quality, cost, or timing, and elevate issues with recommended solutions.


• Support supplier communication to ensure Lucky’s product, quality, and delivery expectations are clearly understood and achieved.


• Maintain accurate product information, specifications, and development status within PLM and other business systems.


• Prepare product development reports, meeting materials, and status updates to support milestone reviews and cross-functional decision-making.


• Identify opportunities to improve development efficiency, calendar execution, and cross-functional collaboration.


• Support the Product Manager in executing seasonal product strategies and achieving category financial, quality, and delivery objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Product Development, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience.


• 2-4 years of experience in Product Development, Sourcing, or Production within a retail, wholesale apparel organization.


• Experience handling Discounters and Clubs business a preference.


• Working knowledge of the product development process and apparel product lifecycle.


• Ability to coordinate with multiple cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives and deliver results on schedule.


• Strong organizational, time management, and follow-up skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.


• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams and suppliers.


• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.


• Basic understanding of costing, sourcing, and production processes.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook; experience with PLM systems is preferred.


• Self-motivated, collaborative, and eager to learn in a team-oriented environment.


• Adhere to the company's hybrid work policy and maintain regular in-office presence to support collaboration and team engagement.


• Travel may be required, based on business needs.


• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor as the company retains the right to change duties to this position.


• Must have authorization to work in the United States

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.


• Ability to maintain regular and timely attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.


• Ability to remain in a stationary position for up to 8 hours per day


• Ability to constantly operate a computer, other office equipment and look at a monitor for up to 8 hours per day


• Ability to clearly and accurately communicate and exchange information verbally, in writing, or through other means in person, telephonically, or through virtual communication methods


• Ability to reach at or below shoulder level


• Ability to lift up to 30lbs (sometimes required to lift/transport showroom sample parcels)

What You Get

Enjoy a rewarding career at Catalyst, where we offer a competitive benefits package, a vibrant work environment, and the opportunity to make a difference with America's most iconic brands.

• Generous benefits: Medical/dental/vision insurance starting on day one, term life insurance, paid vacation/holidays, 401(k) Savings Plan with company match, and an associate discount across all Catalyst Brands.


• Opportunities for growth and development: We are committed to helping our employees grow their careers and develop their skills. We offer a variety of training and development programs, as well as opportunities for advancement.


• Collaborative and supportive culture: We believe in creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We encourage teamwork and collaboration, and we are always looking for ways to support our employees' success.

About Catalyst Brands

Catalyst Brands reflects the bringing together the rich heritages of our brands with modern excitement and a new vision for success. Six iconic brands came together under a unified powerhouse portfolio to celebrate the essence of American style. We will leverage our rich history, resources and best-in-class industry talent to further build the success of our brands. At Catalyst we are united in one shared purpose: We exist to ignite America’s most beloved retail brands to make fashion accessible to all.

Pay Range

USD $62,700.00 - USD $114,000.00 /Yr.