Overview:
The Manager, Sourcing & Product Development is responsible for leading the end-to-end sourcing, product development, and production execution of multiple product categories across various channels of business. This role partners closely with Merchandising, Design, Planning, Sales, and external vendor partners to develop and execute product strategies that align with brand objectives, financial targets, quality standards, and delivery requirements.
The ideal candidate combines strong product development expertise, sourcing acumen, and business analytics with exceptional leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills. This individual will proactively identify opportunities to optimize processes, drive operational efficiencies, strengthen supplier partnerships, and support profitable business growth.
Responsibilities:
Product Development & Sourcing
- Lead seasonal product development, sourcing, and production initiatives across multiple product classifications, ensuring alignment with quality standards, margin objectives, and delivery timelines.
- Develop and execute sourcing strategies that support business goals while balancing cost, quality, speed-to-market, and vendor capabilities.
- Partner with Planing/Sales/Merchandising teams to support assortment planning, key item development, and category growth initiatives while maintaining target margins.
- Collaborate with Design teams to understand seasonal concepts, product direction, and innovation opportunities, ensuring sourcing strategies support creative objectives.
- Manage raw material commitments and sourcing allocations to support brand strategies and business requirements.
- Drive vendor innovation and continuous improvement initiatives to identify new opportunities for cost savings, product enhancements, and supply chain efficiencies.
Vendor & Production Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with global supplier partners to ensure consistent execution, quality, and compliance with company standards.
- Lead cost negotiations across multiple product categories and material types to achieve margin and profitability objectives.
- Monitor production status through WIP reporting and proactively address potential risks, delays, or supply chain disruptions.
- Partner with vendors and internal stakeholders to resolve production challenges while maintaining strong business relationships.
- Review and approve bulk production lots for color and quality consistency against approved standards.
Business Operations & Process Improvement
- Ensure adherence to the corporate calendar and key product development milestones across all channels of business.
- Identify and implement process improvements that drive efficiency, standardization, and scalability across product categories.
- Analyze sourcing performance, lead times, costs, and operational processes to support data-driven decision-making.
- Continuously evaluate opportunities to reduce lead times, improve supply chain flexibility, and enhance overall operational effectiveness.
- Communicate and enforce Nautica's quality, production, sourcing, and delivery standards across internal teams and supplier partners.
Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Serve as a key business partner to Merchandising, Design, Planning, Sales, and Production teams to align on seasonal objectives and execution priorities.
- Foster a collaborative, solution-oriented culture focused on accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Support strategic initiatives that drive growth, profitability, and operational excellence across the brand.
Qualifications:
- 5+ years of experience in Product Development, Sourcing, Production, or Supply Chain Management within the apparel industry.
- Experience supporting Discounters and Club channel businesses is required.
- Strong understanding of end-to-end product development, sourcing, production, and supply chain processes.
- Experience managing global vendors and factory relationships.
Skills & Competencies
- Excellent organizational, project management, and communication abilities.
- Strong retail math, analytical, and financial acumen.
- Proven negotiation skills with expertise in cost management across diverse product categories and material types.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and Word.
- Collaborative, adaptable, and results-driven mindset.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
- Experience with both knit and woven apparel categories.
- Knowledge of apparel manufacturing, sourcing markets, and global supply chain operations.
- Familiarity with product lifecycle management (PLM) systems.
What you Get:
Enjoy a rewarding career at Catalyst, where we offer a competitive benefits package, a vibrant work environment, and the opportunity to make a difference with America's most iconic retail brands.
- Generous benefits: Medical/dental/vision insurance starting on day one, term life insurance, paid vacation/holidays, 401(k) Savings Plan with company match, and an associate discount on merchandise across all Catalyst Brands.
- Opportunities for growth and development: We are committed to helping our employees grow their careers and develop their skills. We offer a variety of training and development programs, as well as opportunities for advancement.
- Collaborative and supportive culture: We believe in creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We encourage teamwork and collaboration, and we are always looking for ways to support our employees' success.
About Catalyst:
Catalyst Brands reflects the bringing together the rich heritages of our brands with modern excitement and a new vision for success. Five iconic brands came together under a unified powerhouse portfolio to celebrate the essence of American style. We will leverage our rich history, resources and best-in-class industry talent to further build the success of our brands. At Catalyst we are united in one shared purpose: We exist to ignite America’s most beloved retail brands to make fashion accessible to all.
What you get:
If eligible, we offer a competitive benefits package including medical/dental/vision, term life insurance, paid vacation/holidays*, and 401(k) with Company match. All associates are eligible for an associate discount on Catalyst Brands merchandise. For paid holidays, associates who are eligible for paid vacation (MTO) are also eligible for eight paid holidays during the calendar year. All store hourly associates scheduled to work on a designated holiday will receive additional compensation. *For paid vacation days, as well as eligibility requirements for other benefits, please visit www.catalystbrandsbenefits.com
For more opportunities to join our team please visit our careers page.
Pay Range: USD $75,900.00 - USD $138,000.00 /Yr.
