Product Development Co-ordinator

Job Description

This is a contract role under Manpower Group - 6 months maternity cover (could be renewed)Overall purpose of the role:- Upgrade the product offer, tying in, aligning to and integrating the latest Fashion & Home trends.- Plan, manage and execute the product development and approval process for Fashion & Home.- Drive the Product Development process in the Region & support business development needs for Fashion & Home Categories.AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:Product planning, development & approval- Drive all stages of the Product Development process from cad inception, concept, strike off, pre production, production and to distribution in an effective and timely manner.- Develop ranges with the local licensees, monitor and supervise the different Product Development stages and control the final product.- Watch over quality in line with Disney standards.- Understand partners creative needs, processes and lead times and provide a creative brief whenever relevant.- Establish strong, open and transparent relationshios with partners to be able to constantly improve their product portfolio and and offer.- Permanently educate licensees to ensure understanding of all the available Disney tools (DMC, OPA, branding guidelines)- Maintain an excellent knowledge of Disney, Marvel, Lucas (Star Wars) characters to advise relevant product opportunities.- Understand local and global trends in Fashion & Home and apply this information to guide the Product Development process to develop relevant and compelling products.- Provide local and regional Fashion & Home team with timely updates and Product Development and new initiatives.Business development and support- Understand the local business strategies and objectives to ensure Product Development is in line with the business expectations.- Drive Product Development according to market positioning and marketing segmentation defined by Key Accounts Managers, pushing the licensees beyond their limit.- Suggest new business opportunities based on gap analysis when looking at licensees developments.- Propose new product ideas in line with Disney?s strategies and partner?s positioning and egmentation.- Conduct store checks and dedicsate appropriate time to research on Medias (fashion trends, product ideas, concept proposal, franchise inspiration)- Help partners to establish better product, franchise planning by providing all the necessary information.Creative Asset Management- List and store product samples, keep archives of products and creative assets.- Communicate seasonal guides and relevant product initiatives.- Maintain update to date presentations on product inspiration by franchise when needed.AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:- Accountable for timely servicing and feedback/approval of product development of partners.- Provide seasonal pitches, franchise pitches and product updates.- No budget responsibilityEXPERIENCE & PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:- Degree in Fashion and Design or similar fashion related course.- 5yrs experience in the fashion industry ideally in design.- Experience working in a big company is a plus.- Strong communication and relationship building skills.- Ability to multi task within a small, fast paced and dynamic group.SKILLS & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:- Knowledge of product manufacturing processes and print techniques in Fashion & Home.- Good presentation skills to convery design ideas to partners.- Organised and able to work under pressure.- Good time management skills.- Ability to communicate design ideas via best practice, computers techniques.- Good graphic design eye.- Excellent command of english language.- Skilled in Illustrator, Photoshop, Powerpoint/Keynote- Understand the dynamics and challenges in a fast growing and mulitcultural environment.

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