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Salary: USD 64,400 - 80,000 / annual
Rent the Runway is seeking an Associate Manager, Product Development for Exclusive Designs to independently manage the design process from concept to warehouse for a portfolio of brands while supporting broader product development initiatives. This is a developmental role that prepares you for a Product Development Manager position.
You will leverage data analytics to partner with designers in creating assortments that meet customer demand and manage the production process with manufacturers. Key responsibilities include:
• Own the complete development lifecycle for your area of responsibility, partnering with planning, data analytics, and designers to build successful designer/tastemaker collaborations
• Collaborate with vendors to source styles in core fabrications and negotiate garment costs to meet internal targets
• Develop and own cost style-level analysis and manage iterations based on proto reviews until final approval
• Review execution of all development samples and monitor line development activities throughout the season
• Attend all fittings and partner with technical design and suppliers to ensure best-in-class product development informed by data
• Support Manager with materials for style reviews and designer product reviews
• Manage product-related issues including sample delivery timing, style execution, and costing
• Communicate PA/PO information to Product Assistant and ensure accuracy and completeness of PO entry and tracking
• Ensure PLM is updated throughout the season
• Maintain awareness of changing internal/external business environment (fashion trends, customer behavior, supply chain challenges, sustainability) and proactively develop solutions
• Demonstrate mastery of systems to find and interpret data for sound business decisions; use strategic thinking to drive new ideas and results
• Take initiative to explore and implement new opportunities and processes
• Serve as a resource and go-to person for the Product Assistant
• Work closely with cross-functional partners in Planning, Creative, Marketing, Operations, and Site Merchandising to drive business decisions and successful brand launches
Rent the Runway is a circular fashion pioneer founded in 2009, offering designer apparel and accessories from 700+ brand partners through subscription, rental, and ownership models. The company has been named to CNBC's "Disruptor 50" five times and Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies list multiple times.
Requirements:
• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum 3–4 years of product development experience
• Very strong retail math skills and strong understanding of financials (OTB)
• Open and continuous communication; ability to keep others informed and present information clearly and concisely
• Excellent leadership, facilitation, and interpersonal skills; ability to work cross-functionally at many levels
• Analytical skills with ability to think creatively, strategically, and technically
• Self-starter with team-player attitude; takes ownership and initiative; excels in fast-paced, high-growth environments
• Ability to lead by example with high professionalism and positive attitude
• Collaborative, enthusiastic, and research-minded; receptive to feedback
• Results and deadline-oriented with strong follow-through
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and Google Suite; PLM experience is a plus; open to learning new systems
