R&D Coordinator - (US-WA-Seattle - 98199)

Minimum Education: None
Jobcode: 53987662
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R&D Coordinator

Reports To: Vice-President Product Development
Posting Date: March 21, 2008
Location: Seattle

Brenthaven is the leader in premium, protective carrying cases for mobile technology. For over 26 years, our brand and distribution has grown through our reputation for great customer service and the superior quality, comfort and protection our products provide. With offices in Bellingham and Seattle, we provide a progressive workplace suited to people who share our passion for great products and exceeding customer expectations.

The R&D Coordinator position is a full-time position located in our Seattle office. The person in this position will receive a full salary and benefits package including healthcare and 401K benefits.

Key areas for success in this role are as follows:
#1. Become the 'super task-master' for all R&D projects, ensuring that all details are successfully managed in the R&D process.
*Manage internal and external communications to ensure company, factories and R&D team are all working in sync.
*Own timeline for R&D and ensure that it is accurate and communicated across team each week.
*Proactively know what needs to happen in the new product launch process and make sure internal team and factories have everything they need, on time.
*Become main point of contact for communication between Brenthaven and factories for tactical details, ex. sample and timeline tracking.
*Effectively manage the sample library, ensuring that all final samples are marked and protected.
*Manage the R&D room, keeping the walls updated with the latest products, samples and other products.

#2. Lead and own our QC program, ensuring that 99.9% (we are realistic after all!) of shipments meet Brenthaven quality standards and the specifications for each product.
*Develop detailed spec sheets that provide direction on exactly what goes into each product, including materials, hardware, packaging, marketing info, etc...
*Maintain the product database, ensure all information is correct so that other departments are pulling accurate information.
*Manage system/process for randomly pulling and checking quality against specifications.
*Develop process with each factory to ensure new products meet quality specifications

#3. Become a critical resource for 'trend tracking' on the R&D team.
*Seek sources for trend research and constantly feed this information into the management team.
*Develop and manage trend wall with key clips from magazines, trend tracking sites and other sources.
*Constantly scour web for insights on competitor's products.

#4. Effectively lead smaller product development or sourcing projects.
*Apply resourcefulness to source key products or components of products.
*Fly to Asia on moment's notice and work with factories on sample development, ensuring that all details are completed as requested by design team.
*Apply basic design skills to take on elements of larger projects.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Must Haves
*Amazing organization, multi-tasking and follow-through.
*Minimum 1-year experience in a related field.
*Keen sense of style and interest in latest fashion.
*Affinity for Apple products and brand.
*Ability to work effectively on a team.
*Thick shell to be able to take feedback and turn it into a positive.
*Strong, positive attitude and work ethic.
*Ability to self-motivate in an independent work environment.
*Excellent communication skills.

Nice-2-Haves

*Completion of a 4-year college/university degree.
*Basic design skills, industrial or graphic design.
*Knowledge of Illustrator and Photoshop.
*Knowledge of cut & sew industry, ideally bags.

Interested parties, please send resume and TARGETTED SALARY to