Footwear Sample Coordinator & Preproduction Assistant

$65,000 - $75,000/Yr

Galaxy Active Wear - New York, NY

Full-time - Entry Level

New York, NY

About the position

The Sample Coordinator & Preproduction Assistant in the Athletic Division is responsible for managing samples and overseeing the preproduction process with overseas factories. This role involves ensuring timely transitions between development and preproduction for both Men's and Women's footwear, while maintaining effective communication with internal teams and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Focus on the timely transition between initial development and preproduction for Men's and Women's branded and private label product
• Use PLM to follow progress of samples, check them in/out, communicate with overseas counterparts and update preproduction specs as needed
• Develop a working knowledge of shoe construction and production techniques
• Work with sourcing and pricing teams to move appropriate product into preproduction based on commitments received from the customer
• Partner with company technicians to resolve potential production or functional issues during the sampling and preproduction processes
• Follow up with customers and overseas partners, in a time-sensitive manner, to receive and relay sample feedback and approvals
• Travel to China to collaborate with key sourcing partners, to execute samples and preproduction approvals
• Ensure that product is distributed promptly to intended personnel
• Support design teams during key development cycles in the calendar
• Manage time and tasks to hit key deadlines
• Organize samples in designated storage space
• Be willing to put in extra hours when needed, to meet key deadlines

Requirements

• Experience in the footwear industry, with a preferable background working with mass retailers
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office programs
• A customer-facing demeanor
• Exceptional attention to detail and general focus
• Capacity to multitask, problem solve and address various aspects of the business simultaneously
• Strong communication and organizational skills to ensure proper management of all pending projects and samples
• Thrive in a self-motivating atmosphere, while promoting team collaboration
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally

Nice-to-haves

• College graduate
• At least 1-2 years of experience in the footwear industry

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance