Product Development Sample Support Supervisor

Position Overview

The Product Development Sample Support Supervisor is responsible for overseeing and supporting the day-to-day operations of the Product Development Sample process. This role ensures samples are accurately tracked, reviewed, organized and managed to improve merchandise quality. The Supervisor acts as a leader for the PD Sample Coordinators, providing guidance, support and effective problem-solving while partnering closely with the PD Sample Manager, merchants, vendors and cross-functional teams.

The goal of this role is to maintain a consistent, efficient and reliable PD Sample process that reduces merchant workload and allows them to focus on other business needs. This is a working supervisor role that leads the team while also contributing directly to the PD sample tasks.

The Product Development Sample Support Supervisor is responsible for overseeing and supporting the day-to-day operations of the Product Development Sample process. This role ensures samples are accurately tracked, reviewed, organized and managed to improve merchandise quality. The Supervisor acts as a leader for the PD Sample Coordinators, providing guidance, support and effective problem-solving while partnering closely with the PD Sample Manager, merchants, vendors and cross-functional teams.

The goal of this role is to maintain a consistent, efficient and reliable PD Sample process that reduces merchant workload and allows them to focus on other business needs. This is a working supervisor role that leads the team while also contributing directly to the PD sample tasks.

Team Leadership & Support

• Provide day-to-day guidance and support to the PD Sample team
• Set clear expectations for workload, accuracy, timelines and quality standards
• Prioritize daily and weekly workloads to meet business needs
• Delegate tasks effectively across coordinators to support workload balance and efficiency
• Serve as the primary contact for issues related to sample tracking, timing, quality, or workload constraints
• Train and educate new PD coordinators on sample process, tools and best practices

Coordinate Sample Flow and Coordination

• Ensure Pre-Production (PP) and Top of Production (TOP) samples are:
• Received on time
• Properly tagged and logged
• Accurately tracked in sample tool
• Reviewed and documented correctly
• Monitor sample status and approvals to ensure no gaps or delays in the review process
• Validate that sample feedback and approvals are communicated clearly and timely to vendors
• Oversee consistent purging, storing and/or donating of samples

Support Quality Process Review

• Support and oversee quality checks, ensuring coordinators consistently review the following, including but not limited to:
• Color accuracy and consistency
• Weight, construction and hand feel
• Finishing and craftsmanship
• Assist with sample reviews when issues or discrepancies are identified
• Ensure quality callouts are documented, communicated and followed through
• Partner with merchants to review and clarify quality concerns or feedback
• Apply product knowledge to understand and assess product from a construction perspective

System & Data Maintenance

• Ensure coordinators consistently and accurately enter sample data into internal sample tracking tool
• Support in testing and provide feedback on tools under development with IT with PD Sample Manager
• Lead efforts to ensure images, documentation and approvals are uploaded and maintained properly
• Identify process gaps and recommend improvements

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Develop and maintain working relationships with cross-functional departments and vendors with a full understanding of the product development sample process
• Act as the primary point of contact for PD Sample Coordinators `
• Partner with Corporate Facilities to maintain organization, storage, and effective use of physical sample space
• Represent the PD Sample Coordinator team in meetings as needed

• 3+ years of product development, sample management, or related experience
• Prior experience leading a team
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Experience with PLM or sample tracking systems preferred
• BA degree preferred