Apparel Product Development Operations Lead

Apparel Product Development Operations Lead

Position Details

Title:

Product Development Operations Lead
Department:
Global Product Development

Reports to:

Director, Product Development

Location:

Dearborn
Job Classification:
Hybrid
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Job Band:
Professional

The Product Development Operations Lead collaborates with the Global Product teams to manage systems and tools, data validity, processes, reports, and development timelines. The role is the lead administrator that oversees all PD functions, ensuring a seamless flow from product creation to finalization with a focus on the corporate quality mission. In this role, the PD Ops Lead will work on multiple projects simultaneously, identify process opportunities and efficiencies, and lead projects with little oversight.

• Leads projects, and at times project teams, by reviewing activities, facilitating meetings, evaluating and mitigating risk, regularly communicating on the progress and status of projects, and ensuring the deliverables are completed successfully, on schedule, and within budget.
• Owns the management of the Global Product team SharePoint site and supports functional areas to ensure tools (templates, processes, manuals, etc.) are maintained and updated regularly; files and documents audited for relevancy, accuracy, and redundancy.
• Leads GTM PD seasonal timeline creation across all PD functional areas; contributes to improvements/changes for efficiency; and continuously connects with GTM, Design, Merch, and Supply Chain teams for timeline mapping.
• Analyzes systems and tools (Centric, Texbase, etc.) on inputs (the work) and outputs (the results) to identify opportunities for enhancements, build/configure views for streamlining work/effort, and continuously support team and corporate initiatives. Leads and represents the Product Development department in company wide systems upgrades and enhancements of PD tools.
• Leads process mapping, enhancements, and modifications for both N. America and EMEA Workwear and PPE industry (raw material, product, and packaging & label) regulations related to product development and labeling.
• Reports weekly, monthly, seasonally on development status related to GTM timeline and milestones across all functional areas. Compiles seasonal scorecards for global supply chain KPIs for continuous improvement.
• Anticipates and minimizes disruptions created by assigned projects to normal operations and communicates potential problems with relevant managers and leaders.
• Aids in the department’s continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities, creating and implementing processes and procedure improvements. Supports leaders to drive change through process efficiency, streamline processes, and identify opportunities to use resources effectively.
• Develops, maintains, and fosters key relationships with counterparts in Supply Chain, Design, Merchandising, Quality, Product Compliance and Legal.

• Bachelor’s degree in Textiles, Apparel, or a related field; or equivalent years of related experience in lieu of degree.

• Minimum 7 years of experience in the Apparel or Textile industry.
• Strong Product Development background within the Apparel or Textile industry.
• Experience with workwear and PPE apparel regulations.
• Excellent organization and planning skills; the ability to prioritize workloads and manage multiple projects at the same time.
• Proficient with Microsoft 365, Adobe, PLM, Texbase, and other company software tools.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Experience in process definition (process flows, RACI, task-procedure, change management).
• Strong interpersonal and meeting facilitation skills.
• Effective communicator, verbal and written.

• Normal office environments, extended periods of sitting/standing or typing at a computer are required.
• Willing to work some weekends if necessary.
• Light lifting may be required, up to 25 lbs; up to 10% travel domestically and/or internationally.
• This position has a Hybrid location: the Associate will work on-site regularly as needed for work activities.
• Carhartt is a tobacco-free workplace.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All associates are required to understand and act in accordance with the Carhartt Core Values. Carhartt reserves the right to change, modify, suspend, interpret or cancel in whole or in any part, the job duties outlined above at any time and without advance notice to the employee.

At Carhartt, we serve and protect all hardworking people by building durable products.