About Gap Inc.
Our brands bridge the gaps we see in the world. Old Navy democratizes style to ensure everyone has access to quality fashion at every price point. Athleta unleashes the potential of every woman, regardless of body size, age or ethnicity. Banana Republic believes in sustainable luxury for all. And Gap inspires the world to bring individuality to modern, responsibly made essentials.
This simple idea—that we all deserve to belong, and on our own terms—is core to who we are as a company and how we make decisions. Our team is made up of thousands of people across the globe who take risks, think big, and do good for our customers, communities, and the planet. Ready to learn fast, create with audacity and lead boldly Join our team.
About The Role
We are looking for a strong Product Development talent who will be responsible and accountable for monitoring the entire apparel product development pipeline from development through to order placement by driving product excellence in the delivery, quality, cost and service level agreement required of external and internal customers. She/he will also be responsible for product innovation and proposing cost saving opportunities that are aligned with sourcing and vendor strategies cascaded by Brand team. She/he will also be responsible for bringing in new vendors to support the delivery of our business strategy and growth plan. Candidates with proven business acumen and advanced sourcing strategy experience in the fashion apparel industry may be considered for the Manager level.
What You'll Do:
- Manage garment and product development processes in a timely manner
- Manage development sampling and initial costs
- Ensure product execution meets the design aesthetic as well as commercially acceptable quality standards
- Escalate product issues to the platform team
- Work with vendors/tech team to ensure VDA for lab dips and ensure VDA for fits/sampling changes
- Manage vendor relationship and new vendor on-boarding training
- Manage vendor loading in capacity process
- Monitor vendor performance and cost negotiation with vendors
- Manage and facilitates major claim settlement between customers and suppliers
- Execute the continuous improvement process for programs identified within his/her purview.
Additional Responsibilities for Manager Level:
- Own and drive sourcing strategies, including Network/COO and vendor allocation strategies, aligned with business growth, risk mitigation, and cost competitiveness.
- Partner with strategic vendors to lead network optimization, strengthening capability, innovation, and operational excellence.
- Translate sourcing strategies into actionable vendor plans, delivering sustainable outcomes across cost, quality, and on-time delivery to support business needs.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure effective execution of vendor strategies aligned with overall business goals.
- Demonstrate to the team to be customer-focused, innovative, fast and team-oriented in their work.
- This is an individual contributor role with no direct reports.
Who You Are:
- Merchandise Sourcing experience – Experience in apparel product development, especially in Knits category, in global apparel brands would be preferred. Demonstrating business acumen, sourcing strategy, vendor management and negotiation experience
- Customer Impact & Business Acumen – proven capability in understanding financial measurements and implications to product development. Ability to understand the target customer and knowledge of product trends
- Planning & Execution – proven experience in plan, prioritize and adapt to change while achieving and maintaining results for multiple projects
- Problem Solver & Drive Results - can see a problem from multiple angles and provide viable, innovative options for resolution; successfully lead complex negotiations
- Strategic Mindset – Strong sourcing & product development strategy capability with the ability to balance quality, speed, cost, and business objectives
- Hands-on & Execution Focused –Strong ownership and ability to work independently
- Energetic & Self-motivated - Agile and proactive with a collaborative and growth mindset
- Communication Skills – Fluent in English with strong verbal and written communication skills
Gap Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, training and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, and make all employment decisions without regard to any protected status. We have received numerous awards for our long-held commitment to equality and will continue to foster a diverse and inclusive environment of belonging. In 2022, we were recognized by Forbes as one of the World's Best Employers and one of the Best Employers for Diversity.
