Sr. Product Development Specialist
Target is an iconic brand, a Fortune 50 company and one of America's leading retailers. At the heart of one of the world's best loved and most recognizable brands is an impeccable Product Development & Design organization. We thrive on the magic of discovering that just-right thing, and we infuse everything we do with our passion for affordable chic. We concept, develop, make and deliver the stylish new favorites that Target guests expect and deserve. We are uber-savvy trend and style experts who stay ahead of the curve, proactively identifying our market's needs and exceeding them, every time. Join one of our dynamic and inventive teams to influence the style, quality and value that decisively position Target above the competition. Your input will have a direct and positive effect, whether on home, hardlines or apparel & accessories. Here, you'll be close to the action of dreaming up and bringing to life the Target-owned brands that surprise and gratify guests, wherever and whenever they love to shop.
Owned Brand Sourcing and Development comprises project managers, operations managers and engineers. As a Sr. Product Development Specialist, you are a key partner in supporting the cross functional team, including technical, design, marketing, project management and vendor teams by understanding the CADs and roadmaps and turning them into sample requests for business partners including but not limited to artwork, trim, sample yardage, shade bands, packaging samples, or user testing. In addition, you will work closely with design, engineers, project managers, sourcing and business partners, to facilitate the sampling tracking and communication in preparation for team decisions on product development. This position is an in office position meaning the team members core role will be onsite at a Target location- Minneapolis, MN, based on Target's needs.
Primary responsibilities (80%):
- Opening samples, sorting, distributing for several mailroom floors daily, across A&A and H&H categories
- Sending/prepping outbound mail for the teams as needed
- Support teams with sample storage and retention from development through approval samples
- Misc reporting needs from the Spark system
Secondary responsibilities (20%):
- Support teams with workspace set up in Spark system
- Order development sample needs in Spark system
- Troubleshooting communication with teams and business partners on development samples, to ensure work is routed and received, on time
- Balance calendar timing of above deliverables to meet deadlines, assist with team support and special projects
Qualifications:
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks
- Critical thinking to understand varied hand offs for business categories and trouble shoot information and how your role impacts other roles
- Manage and maintain relationships with team and business partners, while also holding them accountable to deliverables
- Ability to work independently with limited direction, in a collaborative team environment
- Task and detail oriented
- Excellent organizational and verbal / written communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Respects the guidelines, requirements and protocols for enduring the security and confidentiality of all product information considered proprietary
- Proficient in MS Office software (Power Point, Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Required: high school diploma or equivalent
- Must be able to Lift 50 lbs
- Desirable: 1-2 years working in product development, or sample management.
- Desirable: 2-4 year degree or equivalent