Merchandising Coordinator

Description:

General Summary: 
The individual will ensure that Vendor partners meet internal performance protocols and regulatory compliance requirements, as determined by law. Individuals will be responsible for the general day-to-day activities related to product inspections, vendor onboarding, education, and effective communication with cross-functional partners, 3rd-party partners, and Vendor partners of Client's brands.

Position Responsibilities:

Internal – Cross Functional Partners:
Partners cross-functionally with Sourcing, Production, Design, Legal, Merchandising, Retail Wholesale, and Vendors to address regulatory and compliance issues across all product categories.
· Monitors repetitive testing, inspection failures, and problematic Vendor performance and extracts data insights for review.
· Keeps up to date on wholesale account requirements.
· Act as a consultant for cross-functional employees.
· Creates quarterly reports for internal Sourcing teams, Vendors, and Agents to be used as a tool and input for Sourcing’s Vendor assessment process.

Internal – Program Management
· Organizes and maintains Product Integrity/Quality Assurance department records and information assigned.
· Performs additional tasks as assigned by the manager.

External - Vendors:
Oversee a product testing program related to physical properties, product safety, and government regulations to assume a production environment.
· Ensures all appropriate quality levels are maintained for all categories.
· Onboards and educates new Vendors on the Quality, Product Integrity, and Regulatory Compliance programs and implements any new or updated policies.
· Helps resolve Vendors’ questions related to inspections, testing, and product compliance.
· Ensures that product tests are performed according to assigned care codes, RSL, and quality and performance expectations.
· Identifies quality problems, proactively suggests and provides solutions for failed test results, and recommends solutions.

External - Labs:
· Holds laboratories accountable for performing testing in accordance with specified test methods, RSL, and test protocols, including turn time requirements and reporting procedures.

External – Regulatory:
· Stays abreast of the ever-changing State, Federal, and Global requirements.
· Provide regulatory support to cross-functional partners, fostering collaboration, guidance, and alignment.
· Gain a foundational understanding of technical issues related to products, components, materials, and trims to validate fiber content, care, testing, and other regulatory requirements.

Position Requirements: 
· 3-5 years of previous Product Integrity experience required. 
· Experience working with product testing laboratories is a plus. 
· Knowledge of basic apparel manufacturing processes and procedures is required. 
· Familiar with industry standards, rules, and regulations (CPSC, CPSIA, FTC, CPSA, Cal Prop 65, REACH) and consumer product testing. 
· Superior skills in Excel, MS Word, and PowerPoint. 
· Highly organized, ability to prioritize (sense of urgency) with attention to detail.
· Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and communicates effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the business. 
· Possesses strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. 
· A positive team player who can work independently and act as a brand ambassador with external business partners. 
· Interest in product testing, fabric trends, sustainability, and social compliance is a must.