Product Development Sample Coordinator - In-Office

Position Overview

The primary purpose the PD Sample Coordinator is to work directly with merchants to organize the end-to-end product development sample process. This role ensures samples are delivered on time, accurately tracked, and properly reviewed. The position will streamline communication between merchants, vendors and internal teams while enabling merchants to focus on driving business needs.

Position Overview

The primary purpose the PD Sample Coordinator is to work directly with merchants to organize the end-to-end product development sample process. This role ensures samples are delivered on time, accurately tracked, and properly reviewed. The position will streamline communication between merchants, vendors and internal teams while enabling merchants to focus on driving business needs.

A Day In The Life

Coordinate Sample Flow & Communication

• Track Pre-Production (PP) and Top of Production (TOP) samples by following up with vendors to ensure samples are delivered to the office in a timely manner
• Tag samples and enter product descriptions into the system to maintain an accurate and up-to-date inventory
• Partner with internal teams to ensure samples are organized and accessible for reference
• Share sample approval status and feedback with vendors to ensure clear and timely communication
• Run and review sample inventory reports to support consistent purging of outdated and excess samples

• Review samples to ensure they meet quality standards on required incoming samples, ranging from but not limited to:
• Color consistency with buyer expectations
• Weight and construction feel, compared to prior sample or other benchmarks
• Finishing and craftmanship
• Has product knowledge / ability to understand and assess product from a construction perspective
• Maintain accurate records of sample status, delivery dates, and approvals to support analysis

• Develop and maintain working relationships with cross-functional departments and vendors with a full understanding of the product development sample process
• Schedule and conduct weekly meetings with merchants to review samples and communicate any quality callouts, flagging any quality issues for review
• Collaborate with PD Sample Manager on streamlining workflows
• Maintain organization of physical sample space in accordance with sample lifecycle standards, in partnership with Facilities & other cross functional teams

• Enter and update sample information in internal tracker / support in tool development to build out database
• Lead effort to upload images and documentation into tracking system
• Support in testing and provide feedback on tools under development with IT with Sample Manager

• Strong leadership and coaching skills
• Exceptional attention to detail and quality control
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Analytical mindset with comfort reviewing reports and sample data
• Creative problem-solving skills, with ability to find solutions to challenges that arise in product development.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and build alignment across teams

• 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

• Ability to work in a fast-paced office and occasional fieldwork to visit stores and vendor showrooms
• Lifting of samples up to 25 pounds
• Work is in person, in office up to 5 days a week