Viorella Dimaano

Product Design & Development Manager, Jim Shore Heartwood Creek 4/2022 – present

Responsible for overseeing the development of product samples, securing approvals along the way, providing direction to vendors, and finalizing samples prior to launch.
• Participate in preliminary brainstorming and assortment planning with internal team. Includes following trends, studying popular colors, considering new formats, new materials, finishes, functions.
• Create Idea boards for advanced brainstorming sessions with licensed artist(s) and Management Team.
• Assemble Creative Briefs for licensed artist to follow, based on assortment planning, and secure product artwork from licensed artist according to design schedule.
• Modify licensed artist’s product artwork when needed, including alterations to patterns, colors, complexities.
• Put together the licensed artwork and development specifications for vendors, including product materials, color palettes, and production techniques, while working within target pricing and production parameters.
• Communicate with overseas vendors on daily basis, including critiquing 3D clay sculptures and painted samples via email photos.
• Input and maintain product development information in company’s data base as needed.
• Follow the company’s product development schedule closely throughout the process and achieve goal of securing final samples on-time for catalog photography and tradeshow schedules.
• Initiate packaging label requests with Creative Services Dept. Proof and approve label layouts.
• Proof and provide input on product photography and catalog layouts.
• Work cross functionally and effectively with internal and external personnel, including Licensors, Creative Services, Marketing, Sales, and Purchasing.

Research and identify Christmas trends, to design and develop appropriate product for Christmas Home décor.
Manage development and communication with overseas vendors, from inception to production.
Closely partner with Licensed Brands in design and development – Ford, Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, Charming Tails and
Cherished Teddies

* Strong understanding of woven and knit materials, dying and print processes, and other product development techniques.
* Closely partnered with Merchants and Design Director in preparation to design brand appropriate product within target cost goals that meet the margin needs of the merchant organization.
* Researched and identified design trends, as well as conduct competitive shopping to ensure appropriate product development in the Home area.
* Prepared seasonal trend reports and presented to Executive Leadership Team and merchant organization.
* Analyzed color trends and developed color palettes suitable for each brand.
* Managed development communication with domestic vendors, as well as International Buying Offices.
* Partnered with Global Sourcing to ensure products were placed with appropriate vendors.
* Domestic and international travel to work with vendors and factories on new and existing product.

• Complete product life cycle management from evaluation to approval of technical qualities, feature enhancements, product revisions, and cost reductions.
• Identification of market trends and evolving market needs.
• Partner with Designers and Merchants to establish detailed product specifications for all new products developed.
• Use technical expertise to realistically translate design into product while staying within the parameters of costing structure.
• Provide guidance, direction and other assistance to Design team to ensure that products are released to market “on time”, meet cost objectives, provide benefits required, and employ the most advantageous technologies.
• Collaborate with Design teams to coordinate and present new trends in fabrics, trims, and color that are appropriate for the product lines.
• Conducted market research and competitive shopping to establish standard sizing in the Home area.
• Established points of measure and tolerances for Softlines as a guide for vendors.
• Implemented and managed brand leveraging standards for all Softlines products.
• Successfully manage a team of three (3) Technical Designers.
• Domestic and international travel to work with vendors and factories on new and existing product.

* Managed the Softlines division of House Beautiful - Home Furnishings.
* Facilitated effective daily communications with OSOs, Product Managers, and Management to ensure products are being produced within May Co. guidelines.
* Established points of measure and tolerances for Softlines as a guide for vendors.
* Completed hands-on sample evaluations of House Beautiful and Hotel Suite products, including measurements, thread counts, washability tests, and construction notes.
* Generated time and action reports, and weekly sample tracking reports.
* Communicated with QA, Logistics, Operations, and Legal departments, as needed.
* Revised and released spec packs based on reviews within 24 - 48 hr. time frame.
* Initiated and revised sketches of various home products using Photoshop & Illustrator. * Provided backup support for quality, product design and development.
* Followed-up with vendors on spec packs and product evaluations.
* Explained terminology pertaining to product and construction, and provided visuals for reference.
* Provided essential technical expertise of table linens construction to team members.
* Conducted online and in-store research of standard sizing in the Home area.
* Made suggestions for product construction which would improve the look and profit of product.
* Worked closely on development of WEB PDM project for Home.