Justine Kurlinski, MBA

-Led cross-functional teams through high-profile initiatives, including a global process improvement project and cost-saving initiative resulting in $3.5M+ in identified savings. -Successfully implemented and scaled a comprehensive guest review and concern dashboard, conducting virtual and in-person training for 1,200+ team members globally. -Partnered with Senior Leaders on long-range planning and roadmap execution, enhancing cross-team coordination and proactive risk management. -Championed adaptability and proactive communication as key drivers of effective project execution and team alignment.

• Managed in-cycle product development and innovation for six apparel product categories spanning seven private-label brands. • Supported business priorities, product functional requirements, and performance expectations to ensure fit and quality consistency. • Partnered proactively with overseas technical designers, production engineers, and vendors to alleviate potential manufacturing, quality, and fit concerns within the product development cycle. • Collaborated with Designers, Merchandising, Sourcing, and Vendors to deliver on product objectives and business strategy while adhering to calendar timelines. • Managed complete and accurate specifications and approvals in PLM system. • Communicated daily with internal and external partners to ensure high-quality execution in materials, components, and fit. • Led collaboration with design, sourcing, and vendors on scope and feasibility, 3D/physical sample review. • Led vendor training, onboarding, assessments, and accreditation.

• Managed end-to-end product development process for six product categories totaling over $720 Million in sales while leading initiatives beyond my normal responsibilities. • Led technical research, wear testing, quality analysis, innovation, and developed product commercialization solutions for Goodfellow & Co. brand launch. • Collaborated with internal and external stakeholders to work strategically, moving 95% of technical development approvals from in-person to remote starting in March of 2020. • Accelerated vendor accreditation program and developed processes for future training initiatives which helped to provide centralized efficiency across teams and achieve vendor accreditation goals in record time.

• Engaged in creative problem solving in order to optimize resources and streamline the internal development process for fast fashion apparel. • Supported the timely resolution of all issues pertaining to the development, construction, and manufacturing of products. • Coached external vendor partners in brand construction and fit standards in order to unlock sample approval efficiencies

• Assisted technical designers with product development tasks • Completed competitive analysis projects • Created product technical sketches and expression of fit documents to enhance communication with vendors

-Manage all aspects of the product development process including: • Planning and designing new products • Sourcing all necessary supplies • Manufacturing handmade product samples for photo shoots • Executing product photography • Creating and updating online product listings -Coordinate product orders and manufacture one-of-a kind handmade jewelry -Track expenses, create budgets and manage accounting tasks

• Managed a project related to product quality standards and commercialization for small leather goods. • Built project T&A plan that outlined owners, actions, and timing from project activation through results analysis evaluation. • Created organizational process assets to guide product design and development decisions.

• Consistently sought new product knowledge to act as an expert for the customer • Provided expertise and information regarding style, fit and fabric qualities of apparel product • Assisted in completing merchandise returns and responding to shipping inquiries

Product Development Emphasis