Emma Russell: Head of Sourcing and Product Development in Berkeley, CA

Managing development and production of women’s apparel collection for retail and wholesale with 400M EUR annual sales. Responsible for leading and managing the internal Product Development, Sourcing and Technical Design Teams responsible for all product development, sourcing, and production functions, Strategic planning and team management, balancing development calendars to ensure that delivery deadlines, costing KPIs and quality standards are met. https://www.sandwichfashion.nl/ Achievements include: - Led the full re-allocation of production after initial Covid-19 collapse of the Far East supply chain, including sourcing and vetting new suppliers in EMEA, negotiating contract terms and managing development for rapid turnaround of 100,000pc production in Winter 2020. - Spearheading the Sustainability Strategy, including the implementation of a circular re-commerce program - Built strategic vendor partnerships with vendors for agile, responsive productions that reduce excess inventory, free up capital, and increase market value gains.

Sustainability Program Manager Sept 2019 - Jan 2019 Research and Development of a Circular Packaging Strategy. Coordination with and buy-in from diverse stakeholders: e-commerce alliances (Wehkamp, Zalando, Amazon), production partners and internal business units. Key technology research, consensus-building among diverse stakeholder groups, and impact data analysis. Product Development Manager June 2018 - Jan 2019 Responsible for product lifecycle management and final production approval for a full range of product groups; Leading technical team: task allocation and workflow management for internal team members. Achievements include: Designed and implemented a product lifecycle management system; giving transparency into production and development status and providing information access to sales and logistics. Analysed returns from online sales and revised entire base pattern fit and grading, resulting in 10% reduction in return percentage.

Managed the product team for a haute couture streetwear design studio, the private label of Aitor Throup (Creative Director of G-Star). http://aitorthroup.com. Production and material planning and for two innovative haute couture collections per year and several market-ready product drops, including sourcing and evaluating vendors for external productions. Managed relationships with suppliers, negotiating terms, delivery conditions and POs, tracking performance KPIs, and ensuring contracts and service levels are upheld. - Led the product team of 15 direct reports, including apparel and accessory developers, designers, pattern cutters and sample machinists, providing discipline, balance and inspiration within the team and ensuring a focus on results;. - Project management: building critical paths, calendar, budget and garments costings to ensure the development runs according to business strategy and aligns with long term growth targets of studio.

Oversaw the production, sourcing, and costing process for sustainable underwear start-up. Researched, analyzed and evaluated prospective factories, identifying core competencies and capabilities, meeting target cost, quality, minimums, lead times and certifications.

Responsible for full product development cycle for 250 women's ready-to-wear garments per year, collaborating in pricing and factory allocation with Buying; negotiating costing variables with suppliers. Accountable for final production go ahead, including periodic in-line inspection in factories. https://www.nicethingspalomas.com/ Achievements include: Established first complete quality manual for production; Built full material library to advance material quality and efficiency.

Responsible for the timely and accurate completion of garment development calendar, from 1st prototype to delivery; writing technical specifications and leading development process and accountable for final call in fit and quality. https://myspringfield.com/