Product Development Assistant

In a nutshell

To provide top class support to the Product Development team, playing an integral role to deliver best-in-class general merchandise for our in-house brands.

What I am accountable for

• Working across Home and Seasonal categories as required, support the Product Developers in briefing new designs to factories, following sampling progress to ensure on-time and right-first-time development, & supporting in reviewing completed samples
• Handle sample delivery documents and monitoring tracking numbers to ensure no exceptions or delays. Unpacking samples/swatches from suppliers for checking and re-packing for sending to UK/suppliers.
• Monitoring the agreed Critical Path to ensure all key dates met
• Clear communication with all stakeholders, ensuring they are kept informed of key information through detailed updates to required trackers and tools
• Work closely with suppliers to compile new product opportunities, support the Product Developers to collect and edit proposals and share back to UK teams for review
• Establish strong relationships with our UK and Asia teams as well as with our suppliers, exhibiting best practise on communication and process, for the team and the brands/business
• As needed, support the Product Developers on suppliers visits to review samples in-situ and unlock new product opportunities
• Attend local trade fairs for inspiration, new supplier and product opportunities and share back in UK & Global forums independently
• General support on projects across Asia and Global teams. i.e. room booking, maintain and tidy sample area and swatch library regularly

What I need to know

Essential

• Basic knowledge of MS Office
• Minimum 1 year experience working in sourcing office or similar environment
• Good written and spoken English and Mandarin
• Open mind and able to communicate clearly to build strong relationships both with local stakeholders and global teams
• Able to work independently but operate within a tight knit unit to achieve our team goals
• Interest in design and product
• Willing to travel where required
• Proactive, detailed-oriented, well organized and problem solver

Desirable

• University degree or above preferred
• Product Development experience preferred, however candidates with merchandising experience in a Sourcing office and exposure to the product development management cycle may also apply

What I need to show

Our Valued Behaviours are our common DNA that every colleague should live by and provide the benchmark for how we deliver our goals/individual contribution, and how we relate to other colleagues in the organisation.

Own it

• Always do what you say you’ll do and suggest solutions for problems as you spot them
• Ask questions and contribute honestly in discussions or conversations
• Prioritise your work in line with team or project goals

Make it better

• Willing to try new approaches in order to improve and simplify
• Embrace variety and open to opportunities to transfer your skills to new challenges
• Seek information to better understand your role and how teams around you operate
• Act on feedback you receive and give accurate and timely feedback to others

Be human

• Show care and respect to everyone
• Seek opportunities to connect with others and build trusted relationships
• Walk in the shoes of your internal and external customers, considering their needs in all you do