Certification in Textiles Fundamentals and Textile Testing

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Product Development Director

Engineering & Production

Resourceful Product Developer with a diverse background in Product Planning and Development, Production Methodology and Procurement of Accessories in the Action Sports Industry. Consummate leader willing to work outside the job description in order to establish vision, strategy and execution of long and short-term objectives for complex and evolving manufacturing environments.

CORE COMPETENCIES

- Enthusiastic team player with exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
- Adept to working in fast-paced, deadline driven environments.
- Extensive attention to detail related to calendar, quality, innovation and performance.
- Strong business acumen developed from on the job experience, knowledge imparted from mentors and a persevering work ethic fueled by a dedicated state of mind.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

- Recipient of 2013 Flexfit Vendor Preferred Partnership Award.
- Identified the need to create an environment in which Accessory development and design could operate competitively and profitably in a global market. The result of this effort lead to a 30% increase in year-over-year sales growth for a leading Accessory category.
- Created a leveled flow in the development process during critical stages of restructuring by implementing Lean principles of standardization.
- Mentored and trained newly promoted design personnel on the fundamentals of product design and development processes.
- Standardized existing tech pack format to enhance the organization and management of content for consistency and easy vendor comprehension.

Directs the preparation and execution of creating a Product development infrastructure that will strategically allow the business to scale while remaining profitable and competitive in market.

Produce creative development solutions from design ideation to mass production by defining sourcing and manufacturing variants for a comprehensive soft goods line.

-Extensive knowledge of cut and sew construction techniques in relation to backpacks, laptop bags, luggage, and tech accessories.
-Research, source and develop new textile innovations directly with Taiwan and China mills.
-Created a material database for inventory management purposes on raw materials and bulk yardage to help expedite product speed to market as well as competively drive price negotiations down on core replenishment programs.
-Partner with design in delivering new 2D CMF CAD visualizations for seasonal and SMU projects.
-Provide all prototyping critiques including tooling approvals for product molds and hardware, trim packaging and lab dips for sampling and bulk material yardages.
-Implemented material and product testing standards that best support design intent.
-Manage all product costing in order to achieve target and marginal goals.

Product Development Manager, Accessories

Improved operational efficiencies by identifying wasteful practices in the product development process. Maximized team and product performance by standardizing technical documents, consolidating the vendor pool and establishing a uniform
adherence to a set of high quality standards for vendors to comply with. Succeeded in creating a controlled development platform from which streamlined design practices, increased product quality and accelerated development cycles could generate product profitability, growth and consumer value expectation.

-Demonstrated proficiency in achieving commercial viability of proprietary designs that support SKU productivity and categorical growth for headwear, socks, towels, PU and Leather wallets and belts.
-Strong comprehension of line plan development.
-In-depth knowledge of Accessory construction and materials that support design intent.
-Provided Merchandising and Design with strategic product initiatives that help elevate product quality and increase market share.
-Maintained product creation milestones for seasonal work in progress.
-Ensured timely dissemination of seasonal technical documents.
-Coordinated trim and packaging development with nominated 3rd party suppliers.
-Sourced new fabrics, findings and applications on biannual development trips to oversee SMS execution.
-Furnished detailed critiques on all samples from initial prototypes to pre-production.
-Negotiated FOB/LDP costs with vendors to ensure margin goals are met or exceeded.
-Communicated clearly with overseas counterparts to effectively translate design vision and troubleshoot development issues.
-Completed Full Circle and PLM style entry based on product specifications.
-Worked cross functionally with Merchandising, Design and Production teams on seasonal directives.
-Assisted Merchandising in monitoring brand performance through marginal and seasonal sell through analysis.
-Established vendor relations with domestic and global suppliers to be surety for superior product quality, timely delivery of samples and seasonal bulk production.
-Frequent international development travel to manufacturers in China, Hong Kong, South Korea and Bangladesh.

Global Product Development Manager, Men's Accessory Division

Responsibilities focused on improving seasonal procurement productivity for Accessory categories including: Footwear, Wetsuit Jackets and Rash guards.

- Purchase order and inventory management.
- Coordinated production operations with overseas manufacturers.
- Closely monitored seasonal bulk production WIP reports with vendors to safeguard estimated time of departures and arrivals.
- Work collaboratively with the logistic department on shipment approvals and ship modes in relation to seasonal start dates.
- Manage quality control and warranty issues.

Production Coordinator, Volcom and Electric Accessories

Helped create seasonal testing requirements for each style to ensure garments were producible in accordance to the CPSIA testing standards while maintaining cost, quality and design intent for Volcom USA and Australia.

- Compiled detailed quality control reports.
- Measured sample garments to confirm SPEC's were within tolerance.

Pre-production Assistant

Performed assigned duties under the direction of Volcom's Sr. Director of Girl's Apparel. Main objective was to become familiarized with the functions of product lifecycle management. Over the course of a semester was introduced to operational concepts that constitute efficient production. Intern assistance was delegated to Girl's and Men's design teams, pattern making, fittings, cut and sew and Accessories.

Internship

Natalie Reed is a Product Development Director at Qalo Inc in Costa Mesa, CA. View their experience, skills and work history on Malakye — the professional…

Natalie Reed — Product Development Director at Qalo Inc

Natalie Reed

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Fullerton College

North Carolina State University