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Position Summary:

This position is responsible for timely, accurate ordering and on-time management and delivery of global salesman samples for assigned Columbia brands and markets. Global salesman samples serve as a critical first step in the sales process, providing Columbia Sportswear Sales teams with a full seasonal product line for display to our retail partners.

Manage, perform or coordinate all tasks related to the manufacturing, production tracking, and delivery of sales samples or other samples in assigned product lines, regions or other categorizations.

Major Responsibilities:

Seasonal Pre-Buy Responsibilities

• Communicate and achieve calendar deadlines to ensure on-time delivery of Salesman Samples to the Columbia International Sales Meeting and to global business partners. Calculate and publish critical dates to global business partners

• Create and maintain Seasonal Handwrite for distribution to LO’s to use as pro forma purchase order, prior to final ERP issued seasonal sample buy

• Collaborate with in-house departments, sales agencies/reps, and international business partners to determine seasonal sample needs, resulting in demand/buy plan forecasts

• Participate in the creation and audit of the seasonal Merchandising and Sample Process Calendars to ensure adequate lead times for sample production and to establish department work priority

• Prepare and lead seasonal sample review meetings with Merchandising and cross functional teams throughout the season to address and solve business issues as they arise.

• Analyze the demand and buy forecast to determine quantities for sample fabric explosion and extra on hand inventory needs work with Material Planning and Liaison Offices on fabric and trim availability to ensure timely delivery

Buy Execution

• Accurate and timely execution of Seasonal Sample buy in relation to global line offerings to ensure timely seasonal sample deliveries

• Accurate and timely execution of Mid-Season Sample buys, to support customer requirements for sell-in

• Coordinate buy activities and publish buy summary reporting to LO’s

PO Maintenance

• Initiate creation of Production Orders, incorporating quantities and allocation data, for distribution to Sourcing and Liaison Offices based on the determined seasonal sample requirements

• Manage and execute Sourcing factory reallocation and cost changes

• Manage Cut & Sold process by branch plant to identify seasonal sample units to maintain a target 100% customer fill rate

• Execute SE/O4 and SP/S9 direct ship order linking to support customer business needs.

• Execute inventory extractions to reallocate product to align with regional offerings

• Partner with IT partners to drive more efficiency and automation of current buy processes. Look for areas of new functionality or enhancements

Post Buy Production Management and Responsibilities

• Build and maintain working relationships with Liaison Offices in designated sourcing region and act as a central information source for contacts involved in the sample production process

• Partner with the LO to manage and prioritize production and execute all regional shipment requests to ensure on-time delivery by the designated delivery date

• Constantly monitor sample production status and provide a high level of communication directing the Liaison Offices on production, priority and expediting requirements

• Monitor production delays and inform Merchandising and Sales Management of late deliveries that impact seasonal sample delivery

• Monitor and review received sample inventory quantities and communicate style/color shortfalls to Liaison Office for additional production needs

• Revise RSD dates as needed post buy based on LO requests with capacity issues and raw material shortages

• Coordinate team tasks such as extractions, cut & sold, label additions, etc.

• High level reporting such as PPT, OTP, and Expediting reports

Team Development

• Coordinate on-boarding and training schedules for new hires to the team

• Be a resource for other team members within the department and with other cross-functional teams

• Manage contract employees as needed

• Participate in the candidate selection and interview process

• Contribute to the smooth flow of information and efficient operations of the department and global organization by maintaining positive, open lines of communication keeping sample managers apprised of any issues that have the potential undermine these efficiencies

• Review procedures, seek and adapt current or new processes/tools for increased efficiencies act as a role model and resource for guidance and training. Disseminate policies and procedures as required

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree, applicable certification or equivalent experience.


Experience/Knowledge:

• Requires 3-5 years of professional experience, and general proficiency with tools, systems, and procedures required to accomplish the job.

• Sound knowledge of the principles, practices and concepts of the specialty area.

• Apparel/footwear industry experience desired.

• International business work experience desired.


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This job description is not meant to be an all inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company.

Columbia Sportswear is an equal opportunity employer.