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Senior Product Developer with 9+ years combined experience in private label development including design, cost negotiation and production of apparel and consumer products. Recognized for a professional demeanor, focused objectives and a passion for managing product development from design inception through delivery. Well versed in manufacturing processes and regulatory compliance. Skilled in developing and maintaining strong networks with cross-cultural and cross-functional teams, including clients, design, sales, liaison offices, retailers, manufacturers, and industry professionals. Motivated and driven team leader who encourages a collaborative work environment and open communication as key contributors for account success. 

-	Adept in trend analysis, building product roadmaps, negotiating target factory costs, projecting forecast quantities and providing product briefs to marketing team outlining key product features and benefits on all proposed SKUs prior to development. 
-	Experienced in managing all pre-production processes, as well as identifying potential production, quality, and costing issues while proactively making recommendations to maintain client/retailer satisfaction and margin.
-	Able to successfully interpret and react to current business and market trends within short lead times to create and produce the best quality product lines at the best value for clients. 
-	In-depth knowledge of materials, finishes, printing processes, construction techniques and manufacturing processes for cut and sew and hard goods. Experienced in working with ABS, PVC, PET, polypropylene, rubber and silicone.  
-	Experienced international traveler responsible for overseeing sampling and production of product lines.


Managed product development from inception through delivery on up to 90 SKUs simultaneously for licensed video game and mobile electronics accessories, accounting for $21MM+ in annual revenue. Trained, mentored and indirectly managed two product development associates. Facilitated weekly meetings to ensure that workloads were evenly distributed and that development was on schedule to meet target delivery dates. Researched and created competitive landscapes to find and fill gaps in market with new innovative product at competitive MSRPs. Presented and sold product lines and vision to both internal teams and external retail buyers. Traveled domestically and internationally for licensor visits, retail line reviews, trade shows and vendor visits. 

-	Increased margins by up to 20% on 80% of all Fall 2013 SKUs by sourcing new factories and negotiating new pricing. Successfully moved the sampling and production of product lines to new factories while still keeping delivery deadlines.
-	Created and implemented an on-boarding training program for new hires joining the product development team.
-	Organized and managed the “Day of Difference” charity event at Seattle Union Gospel Mission for over 25 employee volunteers, as well as an all company sock and coat drive.

Senior Product Developer - Consumer Products

Successful in establishing new contacts and obtaining new business from leading US retailers/wholesalers, while managing a $3.56MM product safety, quality and regulatory compliance testing and inspection program for Costco Wholesale (Non-Foods). Acted as a direct liaison between merchants, vendors, agents, product development and client quality assurance associates while coordinating protocol development, product testing and consulting on general/technical inquiries. Traveled internationally to visit MTS labs and conducted on-site factory inspection and capability audits for Costco’s private-label products.

-	Grew account revenue over 50% in the 2010 - 2011 fiscal year.
-	Through dedicated efforts after several years of exclusivity with a competing lab, was able to acquire a portion of client’s apparel business after 2 months of employment with MTS. After 6 months, revenue totaled $97K.

Senior Account Manager

Managed a $3.2MM product safety, quality and regulatory compliance testing program for Costco Wholesale (Non-Foods).  Communicated with BV testing facilities globally, as well as regulatory/industry/professional contacts to provide solutions and expertise in areas of global compliance, industry standards, and client specifications (i.e. CPSIA, UL, Prop 65).

- Increased global report generation consistency for program by 63% in a two month period after performing daily audits of all issued Quality & Label and Transit reports and implementing improvements with engineers and report writers at each lab.

Program Manager

Managed all product development for the Michael Stars knitwear line, a $14.1MM program. Communicated with customers daily to establish needs, communicate sufficient lead times and ensure on time delivery of all submitted requests. Facilitated sample requests through PDM software, created BOMs and negotiated garment pricing with clients. Evaluated lab dips/strike-offs and communicated desired results to dye house or screen printer. Ensured production orders were constructed and spec’d in accordance with customer approved garments. Provided facility tours, guidance with fabric selections, reviewed construction capabilities, and conducted fit sessions with new and established customers. Traveled domestically for customer visits, attended industry trade shows and customer photo shoots.

Product Development Coordinator

Assisted designers with new product development for men’s and children’s private label fashions. Managed all SKUs in PDM software, assisted with color matching, trend research, sketching new product, approving lab dips/strike-offs, and working alongside sourcing and buying teams to ensure final product quality and desired cost was achieved.

Assitant Designer

Assisted private label home fashion and apparel design teams in applying textile artwork to garments and home accessories drawn in Illustrator to create mini-bodies for presentation purposes. Assisted CAD department with textile design projects, including re-colors, reworks, and original artwork development for men’s and children’s private label fashions.

Digital Artist

Developed textile artwork for St. John’s Bay private label apparel and lead presentation of concepts for Spring 2004 to design teams, buying staff and senior management. 
 
- 80% of my textile designs were applied to the St. John’s Bay Spring 2004 product line and sold at retail.

Computer-Aided Design Intern – Textiles

Find out detailed information about Lauren Albright,  in Seattle, WA

Lauren Albright: in Seattle, WA

Lauren Albright

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Sears Holdings Corporation

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