Job Title:	Merchandiser - Maidenform Brand
Position Type:	Full Time Employee
Location:	Iselin, NJ
Department:	Design
Position Summary:	You will be responsible for merchandising the Maidenform line, which requires you to develop a strategic vision for the Maidenform brand. You will need to develop an in-depth understanding of the current Maidenform consumer as well as the target consumer. You will also need to understand Maidenform’s growth goals. Your brand vision must address the needs of these consumers as well as satisfy the growth objectives. Innovation is a key component of our future opportunities. As such, you will need to identify consumer friendly technology that supports and enhances brand vision, as well as provide uniqueness in the marketplace. The job requires you to oversee all stages of product development, from conception to final style adoption. The job requires you to oversee all stages of product development, from conception to final style adoption. The job will also require that you make presentation to major retail partners, reviewing new product concepts and presenting industry trends. Regular travel to Europe and Asia is a key component of the job as you are required to search out new, innovative product ideas and develop them quickly.
Education, Experience, and Skills Requirements:	Education: B.A. or B.S. Degree with a minimum of 5-8 years experience in merchandising Desired Attributes: Creative thinker with an in depth understanding of product and the product development cycle Familiarity with material selection Knowledge of sourcing and contractor relationships Analytical thinker Strong team player Independent-able to take ownership of brand High level of organization- must be able to accomplish tasks according to critical calendar dates Knowledge and Skills: Must possess well developed oral and written communication skills. Ability to communicate with senior management as well as interface with design team. Basic Computer Skills: Word, Excel, Power Point Familiarity Interacts with: Merchandising Design Product Development Sourcing-Local and Asian Departments Sales Company Suppliers and Manufacturers Forecasting Finance Raw Material Development Research and Development Marketing
Job Responsibilities:	Develop a strategic vision for the product line Analyze product assortment to identify voids, make recommendations for new styles. Analyze competitive marketplace and identify opportunities for brand. Analyze NPD data to identify potential opportunities for brand according to price, silhouette, and styling. Shop the marketplace, in US and abroad, to identify emerging trends. Meet with fabric suppliers to review new developments relevant to the brand. Meet with Asian suppliers to review prototypes for potential opportunities, and work with them to develop new styles. Review WGSN on a regular basis for trend information in intimate apparel and related fields. Work with design on the development of ideas, communicating on a regular basis to ensure that the vision is properly executed. Select new materials to be used in future designs. Initiate product ideas based on original design, competitive samples and corporate initiatives. Responsible for all new style development calendar tasks and calendar compliance (final style adoption, material sign-off, tech packs). Direct the costing process for all new styles (sourcing, MAL, engineering). Review final fit of garments. Present cost and gross margin to finance. Preview prototypes with key retail partners. Analyze retail response to new product. Communicate product vision to marketing, identify key features that benefit the consumer. Oversee wear test process. Manage all aspects of the Maidenform business as it relates to product.
Contact:	Maidenform, Inc. Human Resources Woodbridge Corporate Plaza 485 Route 1 South Building F Iselin, NJ 08830 Email: jobs@maidenform.com Fax : (732) 621-2510