Melissa Mullen
FREELANCE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Los Angeles | United States
Skills
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Interests
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In my own words
— MelissaFuture-thinking professional with an extensive background in product development, sourcing and manufacturing • Effective communicator, team leader, and project manager with a talent for solving issues, gaining cooperation amongst stakeholders, and delivering quality product on time and within budget guidelines • Expertise includes all aspects of development, specification, manufacturing, global sourcing and procurement, negotiating, analyzing cost, project management, and production planning • Build and manage calendars ensuring adherence to deadlines with vendors and cross-functional teams • Collaborate with vendors to drive strategies improving efficiencies, thereby reducing overall costs
Trajectory
Jan 2017 — Now
FREELANCE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT · Development & Consultation
Short and long-term projects providing services and consultation on development processes, raw materials,
sourcing strategies, manufacturing, planning, calendar development, costing, and tech-pack /BOM creation.
• ARBOR COLLECTIVE: Recruited to organize and implement all aspects of the newly envisioned apparel line,
partnering with CEO and PLM's of Snow & Skate divisions to understand customer needs and expectations.
Worked with vendors to create standard processes for all development and pre-production stages, create fit
blocks for each product category, and establish overall raw material and quality standards.
• ATELIER & REPAIRS: Worked with founders of this vintage and upcycled product line to address
infrastructure challenges. Redesigned existing manufacturing model from tailor-made to in-line production,
significantly increasing efficiency. Partnered with CEO to establish short and long-range goals to drive
process improvement, system enhancements, and organizational alignment between departments
Oct 2012 — Oct 2016
Manager of Product Development, Apparel · FILSON
• Managed product creation from design hand-off to production in all apparel categories
• Established, evaluated and managed domestic and global suppliers within the Americas, Asia, and Europe
• Implemented and assessed standard procedures for internal and external processes and communication
• Created product placement strategies to drive better pricing and strengthen key vendor relationships
• Negotiated costs and terms based on target mark-up, while developing product to meet Filson standards
• Worked with Demand Planning on MOQ, buy dates, reorder dates, lead-times, and greige commitments
• Oversaw outcome of all production issues, vendor claims and raw material liability claims
• Key member in ERP implementation representing all product team users; collaborated cross-functionally to standardize and test operations from start to finish, co-authored SOP's and Product Creation user manuals
Feb 2012 — Oct 2012
Manager of Product Development & Pre-Production · RICH & SKINNY
Anticipated and resolved production issues during the development and pre-production phases, addressing
all aspects of construction, quality, fit, fabric, and finish
• Supervised and prioritized workflow for sample room, patternmaker, and tech designer
• Oversaw all aspects of off-price programs for discount retailers, development through production
Jul 2010 — Feb 2012
Manager of Product Development, Denim · VINCE
• Solely managed and executed all development from concept through production with full-package vendors
• Collaborated with Creative Director on seasonal themes, new concepts, in-line edits, fit, and fabrications
• Increased gross margin 4-8% by negotiating costs and sourcing alternatives in raw materials and finishing
• Communicated all changes with a sufficient sense of urgency, thus allowing timely delivery of goods
May 2006 — Nov 2009
Pre-Production Manager · HUDSON JEANS
Formed a structured Pre-Production department by directing, recruiting, training, and empowering team
members within patternmaking, tech design, and sample sewing
• Created managed all pre-production processes, revising as needed to meet changing needs of the company
• Executed strategies to reduce overall lead-time, allowing a competitive edge in marketplace
• Worked with patternmakers to create standard blocks for all silhouettes, ensuring consistency of fit
Mar 2004 — Jul 2005
Design & Product Development Assistant · PAIGE PREMIUM DENIM
• Intimately involved in all aspects of building the brand from initial concept to first market
• Teamed with Director of Product Development on design, fit, wash development, and sourcing
• Managed all prototype development, approval, production, inventory, and distribution
• Implemented sample room inventory and maintenance systems for all fabric, trims, and salesman samples
• Created and maintained seasonal line lists, development calendars, BOM's, and cost sheets
Oct 2002 — Dec 2003
Design Assistant · SEVEN FOR ALL MANKIND
• Oversaw the development, sourcing, and costing of all trims, embroideries and screen prints
• Coordinated the production and distribution of salesman samples to 18 showrooms and global distributers
• Delivered complete garment costing to production team
Activity
Education history
FASHION INSTITUTE OF DESIGN & MERCHANDISING
Associate of Arts
