Summary The Product Developer will manage the end-to-end product development process, from concept to
production, ensuring that product design, quality, and delivery timelines are consistently achieved. This role will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including design, marketing, merchandising, and sales to bring innovative and performance-driven products to market while maintaining cost and margin targets.
The ideal candidate brings experience and knowledge of performance fabrics, trims, construction, fit, and global manufacturing, with ability to problem solve quickly and independently in a fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities - Lead and own full product lifecycle, from initial proto development through to production.
- Translate design intent into commercially viable product while maintaining performance, quality, and product integrity.
- Track key milestones on development calendar including: proto, photo samples, SMS, Wear Testing, JSS, and PPS samples to ensure on-time product delivery.
- Effectively manage multiple overlapping calendars and competing deadlines across styles and seasons.
- Proactive at identifying risks while driving solutions related to construction, materials, costing, and factory capabilities.
- Troubleshoot and own resolution of product issues that impact development product quality, performance, or development timelines.
- Review, evaluate, and approve dips, strike-offs, performance testing results, and bulk fabric submissions.
- Lead fabric and trim development with a strong understanding of performance textiles including knits, wovens, and functional performance properties.
- Ensure materials, finishes, and performance attributes meet company standards and testing requirements.
- Partner with vendors, suppliers, and third-party labs to manage material selection and product testing.
- Participate in fit sessions, document detailed fit notes, and clearly communicate revisions and approvals to vendors.
- Support product line reviews, fit reviews, and wear testing with clear feedback and follow-through on action items.
- Own initial and final product costing, negotiating with suppliers to achieve margin targets and profitability goals.
- Track costing changes throughout development lifecycle and communicate impacts to cross-functional partners.
- Build strong working relationships with global manufacturers and material suppliers.
- Access factory capabilities and allocate product to appropriate manufacturers.
- Drive vendor accountability for quality, lead-times, and product execution.
- Communicate seasonal product details to cross-functional teams (e.g., Marketing, Sales, Operations) to support go-to-market strategy.
- Maintain accurate and organized product data, tech packs, and specifications.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of development processes, documentation, and best practices.
- Other duties as assigned
Minimum Requirements - Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Product Development, or a related field (preferred).
- 5-7 years of experience in apparel product development, preferably in the activewear category.
- Must have apparel product development experience in knits and technical performance fabrics, trims, and embellishments.
Skills and Competencies:- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to work flexible hours to accommodate communication with international teams.
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills.
- Experience working with international vendors and managing development processes.
- Thorough knowledge of category technologies and manufacturing principles.
- General understanding of quality assurance methods and procedures.
- Knowledge of product testing and interpreting lab test results.
- Proficient in MS Office and Adobe Illustrator.
- Ability to manage multiple seasonal calendars and product lines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Benefits + Pay- Base annual salary range: $100,000-$110,000
- Annual bonus: $10,000
- Hybrid work setting
- Wellness focused work environment, casual/lifestyle apparel work attire, one hour paid fitness time per week.
- Headquarter office includes - on site gym, rising desks, on site work out classes
- Extensive Paid Time Off Program - PTO, Sick, 11.5 paid holidays, additional incentivized Floating Holidays, Summer Half Days, additional incentivized paid time off.
- Quarter and Monthly Employee Recognition Programs
- 401(k) match of 100% up to 4% of annual salary
- Community Service Time
- Dog Friendly
- Generous apparel stipend
