Product Developer - Private Label ApparelPosition SummaryThe Product Developer is responsible for managing the end-to-end development of a high-volume private label apparel portfolio, overseeing a large SKU count across multiple product categories from concept through production readiness.
This role partners closely with Design, Merchandising, Sales, Sr. Product Development and Product Manager to deliver commercially successful products that meet brand standards, margin objectives, quality expectations and critical calendar deadlines.
Key ResponsibilitiesProduct Development & Execution- Manage the complete product development lifecycle for a high-volume assortment, overseeing hundreds of seasonal SKUs from concept through production handoff.
- Collaborate with Design to translate creative concepts into commercially viable products that align with customer and market needs.
- Create and maintain detailed product specifications, costing information, prototype requests, and SMS development packages within PLM systems.
- Drive adherence to development calendars, ensuring timely approvals, milestone completion and production readiness.
- Prioritize multiple development projects simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment
Materials, Fabric & Construction Development- Source and develop fabrics, trims, washes, and components that support brand aesthetics, quality standards, and target cost requirements.
- Review and approve lab dips, strike-offs, print submissions, trim developments, and material standards.
- Evaluate SMS workmanship to ensure consistency across a broad product assortment.
- Recommend material and construction solutions that balance quality, functionality, and profitability.
Sample Management & Product Validation- Manage prototype and SMS samples through final approval.
- Conduct detailed sample evaluations and provide clear, actionable feedback to vendors and cross-functional partners.
- Ensure all samples meet design intent, performance standards, quality expectations, and customer requirements.
- Track sample status and approvals across a large SKU volume while maintaining
- seasonal development timelines.
Costing & Margin Management- Partner with Sr. Product Development and Product Manager teams to achieve target costing and margin goals.
- Analyze cost breakdowns and identify value-engineering opportunities through material, construction or sourcing alternatives.
- Support profitability initiatives without compromising product quality or brand integrity.
Vendor & Factory Management- Serve as the primary development contact for international vendors and factory partners.
- Communicate product requirements, development expectations, timelines, and approval status clearly and consistently.
- Proactively troubleshoot development, raw materials to mitigate risks and prevent delays.
- Foster strong vendor relationships to drive quality, innovation, and on-time execution.
Cross-Functional Collaboration- Partner closely with Design, Merchandising, Sales, Sourcing, Technical Design, and Production teams to align product strategy and execution.
- Participate in line reviews, milestone meetings, seasonal assortment planning, and
- development calendar management.
- Support business objectives by ensuring products are developed efficiently, competitively costed and delivered on schedule.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Product Development, Apparel Manufacturing, or related field preferred.
- 3-5+ years of apparel product development experience, preferably within private label or high-volume retail environments.
- Proven ability to manage large SKU counts and multiple product categories simultaneously.
- Strong knowledge of garment construction, textiles, costing, sourcing, and product lifecycle management (PLM) systems.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and project management skills.
- Ability to thrive in a deadline-driven, fast-paced environment while managing competing priorities.
COMPENSATIONAt FAM Brands, we are committed to fair and transparent compensation. Salary ranges for positions are based on job level, location, and market data. We offer competitive benefits and are dedicated to equal pay for equal work. Specific salary offers depend on each candidate's qualifications and experience.
FAM Brands also offers all employees participation in our annual bonus program (Non-Sales) or commission program (Sales).Compensation Range
$80,000-$90,000 USD
