Meg Smith
West Chester,USA
Summary
Multi-talented and driven Product Manager with over 8 years of successful experience in Apparel and Home Design, Product Development, and Business Administration/Management. Consistently recognized for performance excellence and contributions to the success in the Retail Design industry. Strengths in Business Operations, Design, and Management backed by training in Entertainment business, law, and finance.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Product Development Project Manager
GEMC2, LLC (makers of blinger)
Avondale, PA
09.2023 - Current
- Partner with the CMO and CEO to ensure development calendar with multiple seasons is maintained and deadlines are met
- Communicate daily with overseas factories, managing products from raw material to NDC
- Negotiate with vendors to obtain most cost-effective pricing throughout the development process
- Identify and implement product improvements while meeting cost targets
- Daily sample tracking to maintain comment and approval deadlines
- Create purchase orders and work directly with factory to ensure timely shipment delivery
- Manage the raw material library with up-to-date materials based off relevant future trends
General Manager
AVE by Korman Communities
Malvern, PA
06.2023 - 09.2023
- Developed and implemented operational strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs and maximize customer satisfaction.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff members to ensure efficient operations.
- Managed all aspects of daily business operations including budgeting, staffing, scheduling, inventory control, customer service and sales.
- Coordinated training activities for employees to ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
- Maintained relationships with vendors to obtain the best pricing on supplies and materials.
Creative Operations Manager, UO Home
Urban Outfitters, Inc.
Philadelphia, PA
05.2017 - 06.2023
- Worked with the PD Manager to allocate fabric/material pre-developments to vendors based on best costing, vendor expertise, lead times, and goals for the class
- Sifted through vendor product with PD to present most relevant samples back to design based on quality and trend as they pertained to the brand
- Stayed abreast of trend and business needs, continually collaborating with PD & vendors to rework existing and new fabric/materials into fresh developments
- Worked with PD to create, manage, and implement T & A calendar from raw material to In-DC for the textiles team
- Developed and managed WIP reports each season to ensure organized and seamless allocation and tracking for internal and external use
- Managed team of design coordinators to drive product tracking and communication, keeping alert of key milestone calendar dates
- Traveled internationally to develop directly with vendors onsite for special apparel projects
- Created Standard Operating Procedures to ensure seamless functionality between cross-functional partners internally and externally
Sr. Design Coordinator, Women's Apparel
Urban Outfitters, Inc.
Philadelphia, PA
09.2014 - 05.2017
- Collaborated with Color, Fabric, and Print teams to secure fabric yardage each season with specific art and color as they apply to that season's concept, ensuring trend and business needs were addressed so that applicable fabric was being shown at Finalization
- Had wash trials, s/os, and lab dips created each season on core fabrics to be presented at Finalization with samples as a supporting factor to the the sample presentation
- Created compelling fabric presentation boards each season presenting new fabric ideas to design and PD teams, providing necessary cost and MOQ information prior to sketch review
- Managed the design calendar to ensure designers met seasonal sketch, fabric, sample, and milestone meeting deadlines
- Created and maintained WIP reports and line sheets for seasonal vendor tracking.
Vintage Sales Manager and Artwork Consultant
Printfresh
Philadelphia, PA
09.2013 - 09.2014
- Sourced and sold vintage fabrics and garments to be used as design inspiration to well-known apparel and home design fashion brands including Kate Spade, Brooks Brothers, Ralph Lauren, and more
- Provided relevant historical information to clients based of fabric wear, construction, color, and weaving or printing techniques
- Exceeded quarterly sales goals in domestic and international markets by sourcing and merchandising product for clients based on trends and their company's needs
- Trend forecasted and merchandised collections specific to each client's needs keeping the overarching seasonal concept and trend in mind
- Assisted marketing team in creating marketing materials that showed our vision and collection as it pertained to that season's trends
- Continually sourced vintage around the country to keep archive of over 50,000 pieces up-to-date and current.
Back of House Manager
Free People
Philadelphia, PA
10.2012 - 10.2014
- Oversaw the execution of shipment processing, restocking, and placement of product while maintaining visual and display standards; ensured omni-channel orders were processed timely and accurately
- Sustains daily operating standards by taking an active role in assessing sales forecasting and supporting scheduling and payroll to ensure an effective daily zone chart
- Supported the Store Manager in recruiting, hiring, and retaining top talent; as well as helped onboard new assistant managers and sales associates.
- Doubled as manager-on-duty, by driving engagement in each zone through communication, adaptability, and fostering a collaborative selling environment
Education
Bachelor of Science, Arts & Entertainment Management, Minor in Business Administration -
Drexel University
06.2012
Skills
- Vast fabric and material knowledge in wovens, knits, yarns, and hardgoods
- Technical Garment Design knowledge
- Product sourcing and development
- Relationship Building/Vendor Management
- Factory Standard Operation Procedure rollouts
- Vendor Negotiations
- Concept research and pre-development pertaining to trends and business needs
- Team growth and development
- Supply Chain Management
- Business/Administration Development
- Project Management
- Interpersonal and Communication Skills
Timeline
Product Development Project Manager
GEMC2, LLC (makers of blinger)
09.2023 - Current
General Manager
AVE by Korman Communities
06.2023 - 09.2023
Creative Operations Manager, UO Home
Urban Outfitters, Inc.
05.2017 - 06.2023
Sr. Design Coordinator, Women's Apparel
Urban Outfitters, Inc.
09.2014 - 05.2017
Vintage Sales Manager and Artwork Consultant
Printfresh
09.2013 - 09.2014
Back of House Manager
Free People
10.2012 - 10.2014
Bachelor of Science, Arts & Entertainment Management, Minor in Business Administration -
Drexel University
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