Alisa Miller
Product Manager · Softline Brand Partners
Seattle, WA
In My Own Words
An experienced Apparel & Soft Goods Designer and Product Manager with a versatile work history in growing companies. Skilled in product management, product design and development, supply chain management, costing, and business branding strategy. Strong aptitude at creating systems and processes, operational development, and continuous improvement during times of growth. Demonstrated success in building out new programs from the ground up and implementing standards of operation during formative stages.
Work Experience
Product Manager
Softline Brand Partners2019 – 2019
Working with clients, vendors, and internal stakeholders to see product lines through planning, budgeting, and complete supply chain management in a full-service manufacturing facility specializing in leather goods • Project Managing with product development, sample making teams, and production managers, creating spec sheets, and ordering correct tooling and materials to execute customer projects accordingly, working with varying lead times and MOQs • Working on a small team of technical leads to set up, and establish organizational practices for automated sewing program on manufacturing floor, using AutoCAD and machine-specific programming software • Integrating automation processes into existing production system in order to optimize the efficiency of large, ongoing programs • Collaborating on process and operational path-to-production re-structuring in a growing company
Contract Production Designer
Target Corporation2018 – 2018
Worked closely with Art Directors & Copy Writers to execute themes and stories for seasonal direct mail and social campaigns • Produced the direct mail catalog as well as organic and paid social ads for Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter • Coordinated with the Target India office to share technical work and delegate projects, effectively communicatin project needs and deadlines • Collaborated on Target photo shoots with real time updates and problem solving in direct mail layout • Created internal presentation decks for conveying marketing strategies, timelines, new campaigns, and brand concepts to senior leadership and internal partners • Effectively worked with project manager to uphold deadlines and keep tasks organized within the team, as well as identify areas for system improvement
Director of Design & Product Development
Anywhere Apparel2015 – 2018
Oversaw product line through development process from initial ideation and assortment strategy to final production, successfully designing, developing and producing 6 different styles across men's and women's categories • Strategized long term supply chain growth path, working with multiple development partners and factories to build efficient and successful long-term supplier relationships • Sourced quality, technical materials and achieved exceptional fit paired with next-level garment innovations for the travel market • Created and implemented all processes and systems for the product end of the business, from development to production, ensuring efficient knowledge transfer and organization across all channels • Drastically reduced product planning cycle time for new product by implementing an agile product management model • Served as subject matter expert, using industry knowledge to efficiently grow the business, mitigate risk, and resolve conflicts • Managed interns, creating applied projects and training on new processes Responsibilities included trend analysis, design, CAD, technical design & product management, factory & materials sourcing, supply chain management, costing, managing interns, supplier relations, project and product management, front-end marketing strategy, graphic design, creative direction, and product/ brand lifestyle photography - while working remotely
Contract Assistant Designer
Maurices2014 – 2015
Assisted the Fashion Knit Tops, Basics, Athleisure, and Sweater designers in design & development through creation of technical flats, tech packs, and line sheets
Education
BS in Apparel Design & Development
University of Wisconsin2009 – 2013
BS in Apparel Design & Development