Aileen Goldman
Director Of Product Development and Production · Pair of Thieves
Orange County, CA
In My Own Words
Apparel and footwear professional with extensive experience in innovation and product development, global production, purchasing, merchandising and design. Strategic and detail-oriented thinker with diverse product knowledge, able to develop and execute best policies and procedures to achieve optimal results. Exceptional communicator able to problem-solve with vendors and build strong relationships in the home-team. Multi-layer industry experienced, uniquely qualified for any position that could benefit from a combination of business and creativity; science and art.
-- R&D/Innovation in product development
-- Strict fit perfection
-- Expert production and procurement
-- Demand planning and forecasting
-- Experienced price negotiator
- - costing/GP -- Strategic sourcing
-- Design & Merchandising background
-- Supply chain management/lean practices
-- Exceptional communication skills
-- Team builder/Mentor
-- AI integration
Microsoft Excel / Microsoft Office / Microsoft Word / Microsoft PowerPoint / Microsoft Project; Adobe Photoshop / Adobe InDesign
Work Experience
Director Of Product Development
Pair of Thieves2021 – Present
Passion for driving R&D, developing multiple original product lines addressing consumer-facing needs and latest trends. Incorporating the most innovative fabrics, techniques and emerging technologies while aligning with prescribed profit margins. • Direct the product development lifecycle maintaining strict adherence to Time and Action Calendar and corporate deadlines. • Identify key innovations, trends, fabrications, and constructions. • Seamless integration of R&D efforts with cross-functional teams ensuring alignment with brand storytelling, target audience, and market trends. • Manage/mentor Product Development and Technical Design teams, providing guidance for deliverables and support their professional growth. • Partner with factories/countries that best align with quality, cost, and sustainability goals. • Built departmental corporate SOPs for best-in-class policies and procedures; implementing process efficiencies and excellence. • Deliver best first cost at development stage.
Director of Production and Product Development
SPLITS592019 – 2021
Managed an exceptional Production, Sourcing, Product Development, Tech Design and Quality Control team producing excellent quality product both oversees and domestically. Brought elevated designs to market through sourcing highest quality fabrics and executing superior fit. Quickly and efficiently pivoted from conservative production pull back at start of Covid-19 to dramatic production increase to accommodate high demand of Work from Home apparel.
Back to School
Apparel and Footwear Production and Development Professional2018 – 2019
Completed certificate in Adobe applications (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and ready bring these skills with my already well-rounded career profile to my next career home!

Director of Production and Development
Kukdong Apparel(America), Inc.2017 – 2017
Manage development, sourcing and production of fleece garment programs for brands and licensees from initial design phase through testing following strict guidelines. • Development/production of branded apparel for Fanatics (pro and collegiate fanwear) and Under Armour • Work closely with company-owned factory in Mexico optimizing VMI (Vendor Managed Inventory) programs • Brand design handoff through delivery to warehouse, ensuring product delivered to exact specifications • Sourcing, costing and development of product
Director of Global Procurement I Footwear & Apparel Professional
ONE- Distribution Company2008 – 2015
As the Director of Global Procurement at ONE Distribution I had complete overview of the Production Department, ensuring product was made properly, of highest quality, at the best possible price and delivered on time. With a solid background in design and merchandising I was able to effectively communicate construction and fit requirements with production partners. I provided well thought out analysis of product demand to the sales and executive team along with suggested buys monthly, keeping lean practices top of mind.
With the tremendous growth of the company, I had to quickly adapt and restructure the department to allow for best practices in production and logistic efficiencies - including orchestrating 20+ drop ship locations. I set up and continuously re-evaluated policies and procedures including tracking tools, better visibility and weekly discussions and review to increase effectiveness of the department.
It takes a team to make things happen and I value building relationships for mutual success.
I developed strong working relationships with vendors as well as the ‘home team”. Liaising with peripheral departments in operations, sales and merchandising made for a seamless transition from concept to consumer.
I accomplished an unprecedented 90% on time record during the 2014/2015 LA Port strike, and well below 5% of orders were lost as a result of the strike delays.
Consistently successfully delivered cost effective quality product, on time - virtually eliminating customer charge-backs, and instrumental in bring inventory to lean and healthy levels.
Production Manager
Rays Apparel2002 – 2008
Brands: OP, SPLIT, Ambiguous
As Production Manager I scheduled and managed production flow of domestic ‘printables’ program and was a liaison between sales and vendors. Often turn-times for t-shirts are very tight and required exceptional working relationships with factories to satisfy the customer and successfully produce product in the desired time. I never said it couldn’t be done until I exhausted every resource and more often than not could be relied on to deliver under the time sensitive conditions.
The added benefit of my design background allowed me to offer time-saving options by being able to modify or re-color designs without having to make a requisition with the design department when customers wanted special make-up (SMU) designs.
Freelance Designer I Concept I Design & Illustration I Trends
Aileen Berger ~ Fashion Design and Illustration1994 – 2002
Design projects including Morsam Fashions, Adorable Kids, B.U.M. equipment, IB Diffusion and more. Items featured in multiple retail ads leading to solid sales translating to repeat orders for customers.
Successful campaigns for Disney licensed childrenswear - following precise and strict corporate guidelines.
Design, merchandising, illustration and consultation; apparel, trends, graphics.
Designer, Merchandiser
Reset Clothing1992 – 1994
An off-shoot of Regatta Blue Sportswear, Reset was an exclusively childrenswear line I owned, designed and merchandised. Primary customers were boutiques, major retailers and catalog companies.
Designer, Merchandiser I Creative Concept I Fashion
Regatta Blue Sportswear1987 – 1992
I was one of the three founders of one of the most recognizable names in the garment dyed apparel industry in Canada. Featured in store-front window displays and in magazine articles my designs were highly visible. I established and maintained brand identity with on-trend innovative designs. Retail buyers called on me regularly for opinions and trend analysis. I designed and merchandised all clothing lines - including private label for select retailers - from concept up to point of production.
Education
Vanier College
Degree: Diplôme d'études collégiales