Product Developer, Sourcing Coordinator (Headwear and Apparel)

New Era Cap, LLC. is an international lifestyle brand headquartered in Buffalo, NY with an authentic sports heritage that dates back over 100 years. Best known for being the official on-field cap for MLB, official sideline cap for NFL, and official on-court cap for NBA, New Era Cap is the brand of choice not only for its headwear collection, but also for its accessories and apparel lines for men, women and youth. The brand is worn as a symbol of self-expression by athletes, artists and some of the most interesting people around the globe. New Era Cap encourages people to truly express their personal style and individuality through its products.

Since 1920, this family-owned business has hired employees who are masters of their craft. We are innovators, architects of culture, experts, and forward thinkers. We demand excellence because we pride ourselves on the quality of our products and the authenticity of our brand.

Interested in working with us? Check out this exciting opportunity at New Era Cap’s Headquarters (HQ) building located in downtown Buffalo, NY. This role is 100% on-site, encouraging employees to collaborate and connect in person five days a week. HQ offers an inviting atmosphere, complete with an on-site café, fitness center, and Flagship store.

Apply to join New Era's team!

The role of the Product Developer, Sourcing Coordinator (Headwear and Apparel) is to support and execute New Era’s global sourcing strategy and the entire product development process. Work closely with the design and merchandising teams to develop on trend headwear and apparel across multiple product categories. Establish relationships with global suppliers and provide critical support to the overall product development process. The Coordinator, Technical Sourcing will work closely with peers cross-functionally to turn ideas into great merchandise.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal teams (licensed management, merchandising, design, production, planning, logistics, customer relations, social compliance and quality) to execute the product development process while managing and executing the TAC (Time & Action Calendar)
• Clearly understand core supply chain strategies and how the development process impacts each supply chain partner in production and is able to use this knowledge to execute the global sourcing strategy
• Understand the headwear and apparel cost structure across multiple products. Able to use this knowledge to negotiate price across global suppliers to analyze cost, suggest methods to reduce cost and achieve all margin goals
• Able to interpret and understand specs / sourcing tech packs and is able to effectively communicate and collaborate with design and suppliers to ensure design expectation is maximized and cost is minimized
• Issue, monitor and execute prototypes and sales samples development requests. Ensure all samples are shipped and delivered on time as per the TAC
• Enter and manage all development details including timelines and costing information in PLM (Product Lifecycle Management)
• Able to communicate style exceptions not meeting category margin targets to the merchandising and licensed management teams prior to finalizing cost
• Identify and proactively communicate any excessive lead time or minimum order challenges during development
• Lead the development for all new fabric and trims to support finished goods production
• Ensure all raw materials are developed, approved and forecasted prior to being ordered as per the TAC
• Execute and support all technical aspects of product development; including pattern, fit, construction, technical drawings, and patent drawings to support the technical specifications for product in development and production
• Responsible to execute silhouette developmentConducts fit research internally and externallyProvide recommendations to Sourcing and Product Management teamsCreate development and measurement specsGrade to size runsDigitize final patterns upon approval and maintain pattern libraryMaintain physical sample library of approved silhouettesManage and maintain all silhouette data in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system
• Support and execute color approvals for fabrics and trims
• Manage color and raw material standard library data in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system
• Lead communication, interactions and needs of various levels of hierarchy within the global teams / departments and overseas vendorsCommunicate product details to Design, Sourcing, Product Management, Quality, and overseas vendors to ensure accuracy and brand integrity through the full lifecycle of the productPlan and track developments to ensure timely completion, based on pre-determined timeline between Sourcing, Design and / or Product ManagementWorking closely with overseas vendors in all aspects of technical design and silhouette development and ensure all deadlines are achieved
• Keep all sensitive matters confidential
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Education and Experience

Travel Requirement

The salary range for this posted position is $50,500-$57,000 (plus bonus & benefits) and pertains to candidates located in Western New York. Actual compensation is determined by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, education, essential job duties and requirements, and necessary experience.

New Era Cap, LLC's casual work environment celebrates individuality and encourages employees to showcase their personal style. We pride ourselves on offering competitive compensation, a generous PTO policy, along with world-class benefits designed to promote health, financial stability, and personal growth.

As an employee, you'll enjoy a range of perks, including paid parking, exclusive discounts on apparel and headwear, and professional development opportunities right here on-site. We can't wait for you to experience all that our dynamic workplace has to offer!

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