At rue21, we believe fashion should be fun and accessible to all. As a leading specialty retailer, we’re different, we’re unique—just like you. rue21 combines a shopping experience designed to fit the individuality of our customers with a community to foster love, advocate change and empower each other through what we wear and what we do. Join our team and be #YOUinrue.

LIVING OUR VALUES:

Inclusivity: rue21 embraces all of you. We promote individuality and celebrate our differences. All are accepted, respected and welcome. Integrity: We own our words, our actions, and our results. We set our standard high by thinking big. It matters how we show up and how we play the game. Collaboration: Together we are rue21. We listen and support each other and achieve our collective goals together. Curiosity: We don’t ask why, we ask why not? We are agile and are driven by new ideas and original thinking. We are passionate and believe anything is possible. Community: Our power is our people; our community of customers, associates and partners. We care, we connect, we listen and we deliver.

The Product Development and Sample Coordinator contributes to rue21’s results by overseeing the product pipeline for their departments. This position ensures samples are developed, produced, and passed off in the correct fabric, color, and quality.  Responsibilities include receiving, approving, and processing all samples, as well as distributing samples to the correct departments in the Support Center and DC. This position drives product flow efficiency throughout the Company. 

• Commits to supporting rue21’s vision, mission, and values of an inclusive environment and sets an example for their team or sphere of influence
• Manage daily influx of sample deliveries for ECOM, PD, SIM store and Merchants
• Log fit samples for PD team
• Provide high level order information on SIM store TOP samples
• Partner with the merchants and product development team to review color, fabric, trim, and print approvals
• Communicate approval comments to vendors
• Manage approval storage
• Utilize product tracking tool to update all details in a timely manner for transparency across departments
• Manage the TOP process and input into PDT the required fields and send TOP comments to vendors
• Follow up with vendors to track missing TOP’s
• Cross reference PDT against TOP sample to ensure accuracy and consistency
• Manage the chargeback process to enforce rue 21 requirements
• Determine whether a sample will be included on the eCommerce web store and proactively reduce OH NO list
• Maintain and purge TOP library to reduce unnecessary sample requests and aged product
• Manage the hold list/RTV process to ensure all PO’s have a resolution in a timely manner
• Measure the in-stock buys and input the necessary points of measure into PDT
• Manage the bad vendor list process, monitor the progress, and provide recommendations
• Represent the support center as the DC liaison to troubleshoot all issues regarding the style

• Degree in Merchandising or related field - Prior retail experience a plus
• 1+ years’ relevant experience 
• Experience in the fashion industry with knowledge of various fashion terminologies is a plus but not required 
• Ability to handle multiple assignments and attention to detail to meet established deadlines
• Effective and professional verbal and written communication skills 
• High Degree of proficiency in MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications
• Ability to operate independently while establishing effective partnerships with co-workers and cross-functional teams 
• Self-motivated with critical attention to detail and deadlines 
• Ability to adapt well to change in direction and priority in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment 

• Great teammate. You know how to work with and influence those around you, and you don’t hesitate to roll up your sleeves and help when others need it
• Showing a sense of urgency
• Engaging interpersonal and presentation skills
• Assertive and Collaborative
• Efficient organization, prioritization, and time management skills
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to draw conclusions to make recommendations

Please be aware that the Company requires employees to be vaccinated for COVID-19.  This position will require the successful candidate to show proof that they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19.  The Company is an equal opportunity employer, and will provide reasonable accommodation to those individuals who are unable to be vaccinated consistent with federal, state, and local law.

At rue21 we believe everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. Inclusion is in our DNA, and we embrace each individual’s unique story they have to tell.

Our Benefits include:

• Employee Discount
• Generous PTO Allowance
• Energetic & Innovative Culture
• Casual Dress Code
• Tiered Medical/Dental/Vision Plans & Life Insurance
• 401k Retirement