About the Job
Hello, potential future PriceSmart candidate. We’re on a mission to hire the very best and are committed to creating exceptional employee experiences where everyone is respected and has access to equal opportunity. We realize the greatest contributions to the company can come from anywhere in the organization, and we know that the next one could be yours!
The Associate Product Developer, Softlines will contribute to the development of innovative and high-quality apparel, accessories, furniture products, and "club-ready" packaging.
This full-time role requires a strong background in product development, PLM, vendor communication, and cross-functional collaboration with Buying. You will oversee the product lifecycle of items, ensuring spec and data accuracy, managing costing negotiations, coordinating compliance testing, and tracking production deadlines. Your role will involve strategic analysis, proactive problem-solving, and driving successful product outcomes through effective vendor communication and teamwork.
What's unique about this job (What you’ll do)
- Manage the WIP process and ensure accurate and timely communication with vendors
- Prepare for meetings by organizing samples, submits, and any packaging needed
- Maintain data integrity of critical style information and technical properties
- Lead fitting sessions and provide detailed fit comments including technical specs and spec measurements on POMs (points of measurement) and ensure necessary adjustments are made to the garment/item
- Negotiate cost with vendors/factories to meet target wholesale and gross margin targets
- Own, evaluate, and approve compliance testing for designated category
- Oversee product specifications for Softlines Categories within Private Label items
- Drive development and production deliverables and work with internal and external cross-functional teams to ensure on-time shipments and successful results
- Maintain data entry into multiple systems including PLM and ensure the integrity of the information
- Provide technical communication and related follow-ups to ensure all vendors receive packages and are clear on development details
- Manage proto and sample reviews throughout the Product Development process
- Approve and communicate spec updates to Vendors after proto review and finalization/ line review meetings
- Manage samples/ packaging comments on PP’s and Top of Production Samples (TOPS)
- Ensure accuracy by following up on Production Information (PI) and spec sheets
- Collaborate cross functionally with buying and design to achieve best product results from all aspects of the business
- Recommend new ideas and methods for construction and execution
- Proactively manage potential raw material, margin, sourcing, and execution issues
- Manage negotiations, product development, adoption, sourcing, vendor allocation and production processes across multiple market and product development vendors
- Maintain development files so they are organized, updated, and easily accessible
- Drive and manage key financial metrics such as sales, margin, and Private Label penetration
- All other duties assigned
Bring your passion and expertise (Who you are)
- Bachelor's degree in relevant field of study, or a combination of college education and related work experience
- You have 4-6 years of garment production or product development experience
- Some knowledge and awareness of the Apparel, Home industry a plus
- Must have experience MS Word, Excel (can perform complex functions), PPT and PLM: required knowledge at an intermediate level
- Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
- Sound communication and analytical skills to effectively collaborate and communicate with vendors as well as Design, Buying, and other teams within the organization
- Exercise discretion and independent judgment to make decisions and solve problems
Some important intangibles
- You feel connected to our mission and values: Integrity, Respect, Accountability, Passion Community and Continuous Improvement
- You are a self-starter who doesn’t need direct supervision to motivate you for success
- You enjoy sharing your quirkiness and talents with your coworkers
- Enjoy working hard
- Full of energy for the things one sees as challenging
- Not fearful of actingwith a minimum of planning
- The ability to remain calm when dealing with unforeseen constraints.
- Can handle stress
The above description is designed to state the general nature and level of work performed in the function. It is not intended to contain or be construed as an exhaustive inventory of all job duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. A complete job description may be made available to you through the hiring process.
Benefits & Perks – We take care of our people
We believe taking care of our people is the right thing to do. This is what we can offer for all your hard work:
- Beyond competitive pay, PriceSmart pays 90% of your medical, dental and vision premiums
- Other great perks include 401(k) match, stock purchase plan, maternity and parental leave, PTO, multiple health plans, and much more. And don’t forget, a free PriceSmart Membership Card
- Calm Meditation App
- Fun events – Thanksgiving is our favorite holiday
- Supportive, nurturing environment with many opportunities for learning and growth
- Mandatory: Enjoy team building family spirit and plenty of room to recharge
Our Commitment
We not only embrace and celebrate the diversity of our membership base and communities, but also strive to achieve the same in our employees. At PriceSmart, we are committed to equal employment opportunity, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status or any other class protected by applicable law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
We will consider requests for reasonable accommodation based on disability and/or religious beliefs on an individualized basis.
Get to know us
PriceSmart was founded with a purpose: to inspire and impact the lives and businesses of our Members, our employees and our communities through the ethical delivery of the best quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices.
Throughout the years, we have constantly asked ourselves how we can do more and have a greater impact. We want to prove that we are a company that can grow, be profitable and do good in the world, and we have learned that it takes a great organizational culture to achieve that goal.
At PriceSmart, you can look forward to company events, anniversaries celebrating our employees with more than 20, or 30 years of tenure, volunteering and learning opportunities, and just great company filled with curious, kind folks. Dreaming up and sharing ideas aren’t responsibilities reserved for certain teams or leaders; the challenge of building our own culture is on all of our shoulders. That sense of community and belonging keepsus excited to walk throughthe door every day, whereverthat door may be, in any of our 12 countries.
