Product Development Brand Manager

Apply here: https://jobs.ourcareerpages.com/job/324668?source=ClearVisionOptical&jobFeedCode=ClearVisionOptical&returnURL=https://www.cvoptical.com

ClearVision Optical is seeking a talented professional who will oversee and direct all aspects relating to the product development and merchandising of specific brands.  Ensuring the products are consistent with overall brand strategy and brand image will be the underlying purpose in all s/he does. This individual should be able to own the consistency of brand execution as it relates to overall brand strategy.  They will have to establish the business needs of each brand and determine a merchandising strategy.  The candidate must also ensure that the products purchased meet margin objectives, sales goals and launch dates and will be responsible for the negotiation of pricing with suppliers and the development of those relationships. The brand manager will have the opportunity to oversee the successful execution of the brands through interaction with sales, marketing, inventory management, key accounts and licensors.
 
This position plays a pivotal role within a Product Development team.  The group thrives on brainstorming, idea sharing, working through problems as a team and delivering fashion forward and fabulous frames. Our benefits are outstanding and we pride ourselves on providing countless learning opportunities.  If you are looking for a fun organization that is focused on employee development and growth, this might be the right position for you. 
Founded in 1949, ClearVision Optical is an award-winning leader in the optical industry, designing and distributing eyewear and sunwear for top brands such as BCBGMAXAZRIA, BluTech Eyewear, Ellen Tracy, IZOD, Jessica McClintock, Op, Revo, and Steve Madden. ClearVision’s house brands include Aspire Eyewear, CVO Eyewear, and Dilli Dalli pediatric eyewear. A privately held company, ClearVision is headquartered in Hauppauge, New York and has more than 200 associates across the U.S. ClearVision’s collections are distributed throughout North America and 20 countries around the globe.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Communicate efficiently and effectively with external partners
Work with factories to develop new products that are on trend in eyewear market and reflect licensor’s current design direction when a licensor is involved.
Work with Licensors to ensure product properly reflects the Brand’s image and track Licensor approval per model when a licensor is involved.
Negotiate pricing and delivery terms with manufacturers.
Meet with new manufacturers regularly to identify new sourcing and product opportunities.
Develop key relationships with customers for feedback on our product lines and to learn about the competitive environment.
Travel overseas to visit with vendors and licensors as needed (factory visits and trade shows)
Responsible for the global sourcing plan for the brands managed.  This includes making sure CVO consistently meets all compliance requirements for factories and product dictated by our licensors.
 
Work with internal contacts for smoother work flow and greater understanding
Provide training and overall brand education to sales and customer service with the goal towards the successful product placement in stores and excellence in customer care.  Training includes the features, benefits and technical aspects of new styles. 
Develop relationships with key sales people for honest input and feedback on product lines and the ability to test new concepts.
Act as key liaison to internal team on brands of responsibility.  Work closely with internal departments to ensure the new products are efficiently and effectively integrated into our system.
 
Product Development and Team Management
Develop all new products from initial concept through release to market.  Work daily with vendors to ensure products are completed and purchased on schedule. 
Ensure that new products meet quality standards set by Clear Vision prior to delivery of goods.
Manage the merchandising of the line, identifying opportunities for growth, line extensions, phasing out slow selling styles and replacing slow selling colors.
Maintain brand consistency in product and product related items (cases, tray cassettes).
Edit and write product features and benefits as needed for marketing materials, for the promotion of the brand and sales tools.
Participate in planning for trade shows and attend trade shows to interact with vendors and customers.
 
Analysis and Process Improvement
Ongoing analysis of sales, return rates, competition and industry to make better product development and buying decisions.
Identify areas of improvement and implement improvements that will bring tighter efficiencies and profitability for company in all phases of product development, in communications across internal departments and between CVO and outside suppliers.
 
SKILLS REQUIRED
 
PERSONAL SKILLS AND TRAITS:
Analytical—ability to reflect on diverse variables and draw conclusions
Understanding of manufacturing processes and ability to visually problem solve
Understanding of technical drawings—ability to translate the 2-D to 3-D
Ability to communicate creative concepts clearly and precisely to vendors
Ability to effectively problem solve business and product development issues
Detail oriented, organized, disciplined, tenacious in follow up
Self-motivated, Energetic, positive attitude
Excellent interpersonal skills and practice influencing others without authority
Strong computer skills with knowledge of: Microsoft Office Suite:  Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Suite:  Photoshop and Illustrator preferred
Pro-active in improving efficiencies in one’s job and the department
Ability to organize work flow in a changing environment
 
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Undergraduate degree.  Product Design/ Development, Marketing/ Merchandising, or Business preferred.
Minimum 7 years in similar position interacting with overseas vendors, licensors, and sales.
Experience in product development in a fashion related category preferred (optical, sunglasses, hand bags, shoes, jewellery, home tabletop, or giftware)