Product Development & Commercialization Manager

Serving the needs of all families with young children, Carter’s Inc. is the largest North American apparel retailer exclusively for babies and young children, encompassing Carter’s, OshKosh B’gosh, Skip*Hop and Little Planet brands. Meaningful work, constant learning, genuine people, and a community guided by core values that promote inclusion and innovation is in everything we do. There are many reasons to build your career at Carter's.

HOW YOU’LL MAKE AN IMPACT:
The PDC Manager is directly responsible for all aspects of the packaging development process including the development, initial cost and approval process to deliver/exceed expectations.  This role typically reports to the Sr Manager, Director or Sr. Director of PDC and is based in our Buckhead office.

40% Development Process:
-    Manage all daily communication with internal teams (marketing, merchandising, PI and legal) related to packaging and labeling development for all brands.
-    Communicate all development needs related to packaging and labeling development between merchandising, PDC, procurement and marketing, as well as with external suppliers.
-    Incorporate company costs and ESG goals as part of the development process and work with procurement in CGS on cost targets and expectations with nominated suppliers.
-    Assist in consolidation of raw material choices to improve efficiency and reduce complexity across products and process around the creative of all packaging and labeling.
-    Approve all layout and colors for packaging vendors before bulk from all nominated packaging suppliers.
-    Oversee all development and translations for specific packaging and labeling items for international countries.
-    Good understanding of sourcing strategy for their responsible area; provide inputs to global teams that can be used to help support the brand needs and priorities.

40% Process and Calendar Adherence:  
-    Ensure approval of all packaging and labeling development for all cross-functional teams are completed timeline and send approved artwork to suppliers for development.
-    Ensure images of each approved item is in PLM and cost estimates are shared with all necessary internal partners.  Drive use of new capabilities in PLM as main tool for all development and tracking.
-    Maintain and communicate any reporting and baseline data needs for packaging and labeling used to aid in ongoing need for metrics and traceability for ESG reporting.
-    Maintain size and weight charts for all brands for use on packaging in collaboration with TD and merchandising.
-    Partner with PDC to help enforce calendar timelines to ensure approval deadlines and buy dates are met to deliver on time and satisfy customer ship dates.  

20% Product Management:
-    Collaborate with product integrity to make sure all of our labeling and packaging requirements, including care instructions, fiber content and other business and regulatory requirements for both domestic and international countries of distribution, are considered when developing each.
-    Distribute size charts, packaging charts and labeling charts cross-functionally to support efficient operations.
-    Support building packaging manual and other corporate initiatives as needed.

WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU IF:
-    5-8 years of industry experience in either Textile or Apparel Manufacturing, Sourcing, Merchandising or Product Development.
-    Bachelor’s Degree, or a minimum of 4 years of additional industry experience directly related to apparel Sourcing or Product Development
-    Identify and lead special projects to meet customer needs and drive productivity; continuously guard against complexity and complacency 
-    Routinely perform external research to identify process improvements and is a champion for change  
-    Demonstrate strong, consistent problem-solving skills results driven communication.
-    Professional conduct and communication with matrix-based organizations and global employees    
-    Advanced grammar and communication skills; capable of interpreting and conveying international business concepts 
-    Advanced skills using Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, etc.)
-    Superior analytical and project management skills; ability to anticipate and proactively arrive at viable solutions 

Preferred skills and experience:
-    Potential for domestic or international travel, up to 10%
-    Ability to lift small parcels weighing up to 30 lbs.

MAKE A CAREER AT CARTER’S:
-    Career Development: Success starts from within, and we have several paths from which you can choose to enhance your career evolution. From Carter’s University to Toastmasters to mentorship programs and more, we encourage you to utilize these tools to elevate your professional prowess.
NOTE:  This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The duties described may be changed or reassigned at the discretion of management, and the employee may be required to perform duties that are not listed in the job description. 
 

Carters is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.