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Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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ELIZABETH TEJEDA (KONO)

Shelton,CT

Work Preference

Job Search Status

Open to work
Desired start date: Open to discussion

Desired Job Title

Associate Product ManagerProduct DeveloperProduct ManagerProduct Specialist

Work Type

Full Time

Location Preference

RemoteHybridOn-Site
Location: Miami, FLTampa, FLNew York, NYOrlando, FLCharlotte, NC
Open to relocation: Yes

Summary

Product Development professional with 10+ years of experience managing global sourcing, product development, production planning, vendor relationships, and retail programs across eyewear, home décor, crafts, fashion accessories, and consumer products. Proven track record coordinating overseas manufacturing partners, negotiating costs, managing production timelines, and supporting major retail accounts including Costco, Walmart, TJ Maxx/Home Goods, Kohls, and Macys. Experienced leading cross-functional projects from concept through production while maintaining quality, profitability, and delivery objectives. Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Product Specialist - Eyewear

L’AMY AMERICA
Shelton, CT
04.2025 - Current
  • Manage daily communication with overseas manufacturing partners regarding product development, production timelines, delivery schedules, and quality requirements.
  • Perform quality evaluations of pre-production eyewear against technical drawings, color standards, and customer specifications for major retail accounts including Costco.
  • Coordinate product launch documentation and purchase order setup through internal systems and SAP.
  • Lead audit tracking and compliance follow-up for Costco programs, including BPM portal documentation requirements.
  • Supported transfer of more than 170 eyewear SKUs from China to alternative manufacturing locations in response to tariff increases, including supplier negotiations, cost analysis, sample evaluations, and quality approvals.
  • Assist with development and launch activities for Champion, Ben Sherman, and Billabong eyewear collections.
  • Represented the company at domestic and international trade shows, including Mexico City, providing bilingual product presentations and customer support.

Assistant Product Manager / Social Media Specialist

DESIGN GROUP AMERICAS
Budd Lake, NJ
12.2022 - 03.2025
  • Managed communication with overseas suppliers regarding production samples, timelines, proofing, and delivery schedules.
  • Supported product development activities for ribbon, trim, and sewing categories under Offray, Wrights, and Simplicity brands.
  • Coordinated customer programs for major retailers including Walmart, Joann Fabrics, and Spotlight Australia.
  • Managed packaging approvals, pre-production samples, pricing reviews, and production schedules.
  • Partnered with design, sourcing, photography, and sales teams to deliver customer presentations and product launches.
  • Led social media content planning, influencer partnerships, content calendars, and market trend research supporting brand growth initiatives.

Associate Product Manager

HOME ESSENTIALS & BEYOND
Jersey City, NJ
08.2018 - 12.2022
  • Managed product development and sourcing across multiple home décor categories including lighting, wall décor, home office, seasonal, and decorative accessories.
  • Negotiated pricing and sourced new products from overseas suppliers.
  • Managed production calendars, purchase orders, sample approvals, and delivery schedules.
  • Supervised and delegated responsibilities to support staff including production and sample coordinators.
  • Developed presentations for sales teams and major customer meetings.
  • Coordinated showroom merchandising and trade show preparation for Atlanta, Dallas, and Las Vegas markets.

Product Coordinator - Eyewear

CHARMANT USA
Morris Plains, NJ
01.2017 - 08.2018
  • Coordinated pre-production samples of optical and sunwear from our Japanese headquarters and outsourced factories for upcoming sales meetings.
  • Communicated daily with Japanese headquarters and outsourced factories requesting samples and pricing.
  • Organized the release plan and forecast planning well out into a year in advance to keep track of upcoming styles along with any timing or quantities changes that may occur.
  • Created monthly and quarterly reports regarding actual sales activities and best-selling product in order to determine the next releases.
  • Created line sheets for upcoming releases to share with our national sales team.
  • Prepared samples and reports for in house regional sales meetings.
  • Additional experience includes Product Development/Merchandiser at Maytex Mills, and Production Assistant at Capelli New York.

Education

Bachelor of Science Degree - Fashion Marketing and Management

BERKELEY COLLEGE
Paramus, New Jersey
06-2010

Skills

  • Product Development
  • Global Sourcing
  • Vendor Management
  • Overseas Manufacturing
  • Product Lifecycle Management
  • Production Planning
  • Cost Negotiation
  • Retail Program Management
  • Quality Assurance
  • Product Launches
  • SAP
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Trade Show Support
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Bilingual English/Spanish

Timeline

Product Specialist - Eyewear

L’AMY AMERICA
04.2025 - Current

Assistant Product Manager / Social Media Specialist

DESIGN GROUP AMERICAS
12.2022 - 03.2025

Associate Product Manager

HOME ESSENTIALS & BEYOND
08.2018 - 12.2022

Product Coordinator - Eyewear

CHARMANT USA
01.2017 - 08.2018

Bachelor of Science Degree - Fashion Marketing and Management

BERKELEY COLLEGE
ELIZABETH TEJEDA (KONO)