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Freelance Product Developer

Engineering & Production

I'm a creative and analytical product professional with 15+ years experience in product design/development, merchandising, marketing, sales, and project management for global brands in fashion, retail and CPG industries. Proven ability to guide strategic brand direction, identify growth opportunities and deliver data-driven, customer focused solutions.  Consistently cultivated solid relationships, leveraging resources throughout to ensure quality and transparency while elevating brands and generating positive ROI.

-Passion for product and providing best value for the customer
-Commitment to LEAN processes, sustainable practices, and continuous improvement
-Expert in product sourcing, execution, and target price points
-Broad experience with Private Label accounts and Licensing partnerships
-Strong written and verbal communication skills
-Ability to synthesize data and effectively report consumer insights and performance metrics
-Knowledge in subscription box programs
-Entrepreneurial mindset with team-oriented spirit



Freelance Consultant-Denise LeMons Inc., Los Angeles, CA Periodic 2013-2021
 *Guide design direction, creative merchandising, and digital content for global B2B/B2 and licensed markets
Clients Engaged: Jessica Simpson Kids, Trimfoot, Eastar Intl., Anthropologie, Brighton, Torrid, ALDO, Steve Madden

Oversee art direction, specifications, costing, and proofs, meeting key deliverables for packaging, print, trims, and promotional assets
*Effectively implemented processes, and tools to positively impact productivity, accountability, collaboration, and service 
*High level stakeholder engagement, balancing shifting priorities, escalation management, and dedicated relationship building

Product Development Manager

*Inform NPD process supporting workflow alignment and efficiency across multiple cross-functional teams
*Own project calendar and scheduling, ensuring adequate resource allocation and adherence of critical project milestones
*Manage vendor relationships, negotiate for cost optimization, coordinate prototypes and sample shipments
*Facilitate weekly meeting schedules, set agenda, formulate timelines for integration and execution
*Develop R&D briefs, procure raw materials, assess vendor capability, certifications, issue RFQ/RFP, QA/QC standard

Project Coordinator

*Provided creative leadership and execution of innovative product styles for built-in orthotic footwear collection
*Developed directional outsole construction with a fully 3D printed midsole, engineered breathable knits, and designed modular branded components
*Conducted quantitative and qualitative analysis for consumer insights, informing development of best-in-class products 
*Initiated daily communication with overseas vendors, tracking development, guiding prototype modifications, and troubleshoot at risk issues





Senior Product Developer

*Scaled business 20% by identifying white spaces bridging seasonal gaps and championing category extensions
*Partnered with Sales and Marketing leveraging metrics and KPIs, identifying key volume drivers for accurate segmentation, market demand, pricing tiers, and ROI
*Increased revenues from Value Channel Retailers 15%, value-engineering MTO designs for target cost and quality
*Collaborated with Macys stores to design “Abominable” capsule collection coinciding with movie release
*Accelerated speed-to-market by implementing lean methodologies, resulting in improved quality and 32% waste reduction

Product Line Manager/Brand Strategist

Clients: 
-Sequential Brands Group-Jessica Simpson Kids Footwear & Accessories
-DOLCE by MOJO MOXY-TORRID Inc., Anthropologie

Freelance Creative

*Researched and designed unique, market-right footwear and fashion accessories for mass, mid-tier, and specialty retailers such as Target, Kohls, Walmart, DSW, and Nordstrom
*Achieved margin targets and business objectives, by pro-active oversight of design feasibility, cost, quality, and timing 
*Forecasted market trends, monitored inventory levels and OTB planning, ensuring dynamic and consistent product flow for retail and e-commerce channels
*Presented global industry trends and pitched seasonal themes to key internal and external senior management 
*Extensive domestic and international travel for trade show, market research, development, and sourcing


Senior Designer/Merchandiser

*Managed product development lifecycle for over 200+ SKUs/per season with a large variety of footwear brands, categories, and complexities
*Mentored and motivated 5-person remote PD team, composed training manuals, implemented guidelines and SOP
*Introduced new product concepts, sketch/CAD design silhouettes, produced style guides, prepared tech packs, detailed spec sheets, and BOMs



Design & Product Development Manager

Denise Lemons is a Freelance Product Developer at Denise Lemons Inc. in Los Angeles, CA.

Denise Lemons

Denise Lemons

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Education history

The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising

UDACITY