Product Developer Assistant

As a Product Development Assistant at David Jones, you will work alongside your Buyer to drive own buy product selection and development. As part of a newly created position, you will be joining our Childrenswear team, to assist with curating and delivering a product range that is innovative and unique to David Jones private label.

You will drive the private label strategy by developing product with our 3rd party vendors to deliver an on brand cohesive and commercial range that meets sales objectives/budget that fulfils David Jones strategic goals. The Product Development Assistant will support the Childrenswear Buying teams to ensure that all products are delivered on time, meeting all quality, brand and compliance standards.

We are looking for someone with experience in a similar role, who is highly organized, is an excellent communicator and who thrives in a fast-paced environment.

Based in Melbourne with a hybrid mix of time in the office and from home, this role will suit a passionate Product Development Assistant at the start of their career, who thrives in a high paced and commercially evolving environment.

What does the role involve?
- Work with the buyer and 3rd party suppliers to assist with developing range concepts
- Attend associated meetings which will impact upon the range development
- Liaise with the suppliers to monitor the development, availability, lead-time and costs
- Assist with creating trend boards with research comparison and previous like for like products in the business and outside of the business.
- Brief product to vendors, based on design vision
- Coordinate samples and approvals in conjunction with buying teams.
- Assist with managing and maintaining weekly WIP and update key stakeholders of any potential delays or risk to product development
- Manage the tracking and approval of Pre Shipment Samples
- Assist with suitability & legality of wording for tickets/labels/substrates and product descriptions
- Raise and Manage orders directly with the vendors
- Work with suppliers to make sure that all ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices are being followed in line with our Good business Journey
- Liaise with marketing to provide samples for all campaigns
- Work collaboratively with all key stakeholders across the business - Online, Marketing, Finance, Ethical Sourcing, Planning

What are we looking for?
- Demonstrated experience working within a similar role in a retail environment
- Demonstrated experience working in a similar role with a passion for Apparel and private label
- Confidence using Microsoft Office Suite, in particular Excel
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong communication skills with the confidence to engage with stakeholders
- Ability to prioritise and meet conflicting deadlines

Why work for us?
- Generous employee discounts across David Jones, Country Road, Mimco, Trenery, Witchery & POLITIX brands
- Hybrid working arrangements in office and from home that provide appropriate work/life balance
- An additional day of leave for your birthday
- A supportive, flexible and engaging environment that will support personal/professional development
- Opportunities to support community partnerships across our Corporate Social Responsibility program
- Be a member of a company committed to sustainable practices
- Ongoing training and development to pursue individual ambitions

Want to know a bit more about us?

Since 1838, David Jones' limitless quest for innovation and progress established us as Australia's original influencer in fashion & lifestyle. Today, our vision and purpose to continue this legacy is to be the destination that inspires, with experiences and services Like No Other.

Part of Woolworths Holding Limited (JSE:WHL) alongside the Country Road Group, our values include being customer obsessed, collaborative, inspirational, responsible and dedicated to quality - within a thriving culture we live these values every day as we strive to inspire our people, customers and community Like No Other.