Main purpose of the Senior Product Developer role:The Sr. Product Developer, R&D will independently manage product development for Activewear and Swim across multiple brands and categories, from concept through production, exercising strong expertise in construction, fabric, and development techniques. This role owns fabric research and development for Activewear, leads a high volume of SKUs on a fast-paced calendar, drives process improvements, and cultivates junior team members - partnering closely with the Manager and cross-functional teams (Design, Technical Design, Buying, R&D) to keep programs on time and within cost.
Major Responsibilities:Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Product Development - Activewear & Swim
- Independently manage product development, WIPs, and costing across multiple Activewear and Swim brands and categories, from concept through production
- Lead and monitor WIPs across all product stages to keep a fast-paced, multi-brand calendar on track
- Independently negotiate, set, and approve target costs and retail pricing, ensuring margins are maintained
- Call out margin- or development-challenged styles in high-level meetings (assortment review, line preview) and provide solutions
- Maintain vendor capacities and independently allocate product to manufacturers for the best possible execution
- Communicate daily with mills and manufacturers, serving as the main point of contact and escalation across Buying, R&D, Design, Tech, and Purchasing
- Create and implement product development calendars; attend fittings to keep product on time, quality elevated, and cost on target
- Travel to overseas vendors to expedite product and improve processes
- Cultivate and develop Assistants/Associates, refining their development process and leading training and workshops
- Lead approvals and meetings in the Manager's absence
- Conduct market research on competitors to identify target costs and emerging techniques and materials
- Support and help evolve PD processes
- Coordinate sample arrangements with PR and the photo studio to ensure timely cataloging
- Fabric Development - Activewear
- Lead Activewear fabric research and development, applying expert knowledge of construction, fabric, and finishing
- Negotiate fabric costs and set target FOB costs, from tech pack through production, to guide Design and protect margin
- Identify and resolve bulk fabric issues, and introduce new fabrics and manufacturers into the matrix as needed
- Liaise between Swim R&D and Design to keep fabric MOQs and costs on target
Competencies:To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Expert knowledge of garment construction, specifications, and finishing
- Strong knowledge of fabric, trims, quality, and development processes
- Strong knowledge of product life cycle and calendar deadlines within a fast-paced, short lead-time environment
- Proven ability to lead, manage, and train Associates/Assistants across multiple brands or categories
- Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
- Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel & Word), Google Suite (Slides, Sheets, Docs, Mail), and Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop
- Familiarity with PLM systems
- Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to delegate while still meeting deadlines
- Able and willing to lift up to 10 lbs., perform frequent repetitive finger, hand, and wrist motions, and sit for extended periods, as well as bending, stooping, reaching, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling
Minimum Qualifications: - 8+ years of experience in garment product development and/or production, including experience across both Activewear and Swim
- 1+ year in a managerial or leadership role, with experience training and developing junior team members
- Strong understanding of product development timelines and processes across Domestic and/or Import segments
- Degree in Apparel Manufacturing, Product Development, Fashion Design, or a related field
- Proficient in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
- Experience traveling to overseas vendors/factories
- Solution-oriented and a critical thinker, able to perform efficiently under tight deadlines
- Goal-driven and deadline-focused
Preferred Qualifications: - Strong knowledge of fabrics and finishing, particularly within Activewear
- Established vendor relationships and resources
- In-depth knowledge of textiles, sourcing, and development
- Ability to travel overseas once or twice a year
A successful candidate works well in a dynamic environment with minimal supervision. As a REVOLVE affiliated company we all roll up our sleeves to pitch-in and do whatever it takes to get the job done. Each day is a little different, it's what keeps us on our toes and excited to come to work every day.
A reasonable estimate of the current base salary range is $90,000 to $110,000 per year.
