ASPENX, the new premium retail and experiential concept brand from Aspen Skiing Company, will debut this winter 2021-22. Informed by Aspen’s iconic destination, the brand will include the first clothing line developed by a ski resort and will launch with limited-edition custom collaborations. ASPENX’s first physical store will open in Aspen’s Gondola Plaza in mid-December and also offer one-of-a-kind rental and retail experiences and special events to build connections, create new perspectives, and serve as a hub for Aspen’s community of thought leaders.

Summary  
ASPENX is looking for a product developer to be responsible for creating and developing new products and improving existing products. The responsibilities of a product developer include conducting market research, collaborating with marketing, technical and manufacturing specialists, and developing prototypes.

To be successful as a product developer, you should have engineering and design knowledge, solid knowledge of the prototype design process, and strong written and verbal communication skills. Ultimately, a good product developer should be highly innovative, possess the ability to problem-solve and work well within a team.

Essential Job Functions 
•    Creating and enhancing products that fill a niche in the market or allow their clients to remain competitive
•    Determining product specifications according to a number of various factors and uses
•    Supporting manufacturing and design activities by developing prototypes for products in development
•    Consulting market research materials and sales data to ensure that products are viable and competitive
•    Submitting proposals and designs for evaluation by the project team and management before moving to the next stage
•    Develop annual purchasing strategy based on financials, vendor capabilities, environmental considerations, quality, timelines, pricing, minimums and design
•    Lead sourcing which may include travel to vendors and/or factories
•    Work with Retail team to develop a brand perspective for any product that carries our name
•    Review product, category, vendor performance indicators to track progress, fix any corrective actions and make future decisions
•    Attend vendor meetings, trade shows, and conferences to learn about new products and industry trends
•    Approve samples for production after a thorough evaluation of fit, measurement, pattern shaping, hanger appeal, and functionality
•    Negotiate effectively product terms with local and overseas suppliers (cost, quality and delivery lead-times), securing cost efficiencies through effective bottom-up approach (open cost sheets) and accurate costing benchmarking
•    Follow up pre-production and production stages in a continuous communication with vendors
•    Follow up closely product deliveries matching agreed terms
•    Interface with creative and buying teams
•    Research supplier innovations and support the design team in the development of new product categories
•    Reporting on production status and sourcing planning
•    Other duties as assigned 

The budgeted salary range for this position starts at $70,000. Actual pay will be dependent on budget and experience, all our salaried roles are eligible for bonus.

•    Minimum of 5 years experience in product development exclusively in the fashion industry
•    Experienced and knowledgeable about luxury product design, suppliers, and factories
•    Advanced knowledge about critical path, costing, manufacturing and calendar management
•    A strong negotiator with the ability to find pragmatic solutions in a win, win context
•    A very well organized professional with excellent planning skills with high prioritization ability working on multiple projects at the same time
•    Able to work under pressure maintaining attention to detail and accurate work in a fast paced and changing environment
•    A strong written and verbal ability to establish trustworthy and durable relationships with suppliers and colleagues
•    Willingness to travel to visit domestic and overseas suppliers as required

Supervision Given and Received  
Supervision given: Exercises direct supervision over assigned staff. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, frequent and detailed review of work, training, planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.  
Supervision received: Works under general supervision of the Hospitality Retail Manager. Receives continuing or individual assignments according to supervisor’s directions and may perform routine tasks. Expectations of the quality, quantity and deadlines are clearly set. Instructions, advice and assistance available as needed. Work is reviewed on demand or during scheduled check-ins.  
 
Work Environment and Physical Demands  
Ability to stand, walk or be on your feet for extended periods of time. Kneeling and bending may be required. Regularly work indoors with no adverse conditions. Some positions require exposure to outdoor elements or a combination of both indoors and outdoors and may be required to walk on slippery and uneven surfaces    
Must be able to lift, push or pull up to 50 lbs. individually or with assistance

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.     

This job description is designed to indicate the general nature and level of work. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Aspen Skiing Company / The Little Nell / Limelight Hotel is an equal opportunity employer.  

For an overview of Aspen Skiing Company's benefits and other compensation visit aspensnowmass.com/jobs/benefits

As of November 15 2021, Aspen Skiing Company, The Little Nell, and The Limelight Hotels will require all active employees to be fully vaccinated in the workplace. Read more about this policy via our employee safety page here