Product Developer

Position Summary

The Product Developer is responsible for developing and managing a group of products from concept through production. This role collaborates closely with the VP of Production, Product Development & Sourcing to support seasonal product calendar initiatives. The Product Developer coordinates and defines materials, construction, fit, sourcing, costing, and overall commercial execution of products.

This position requires extensive knowledge of apparel construction, garment fit, and costing. The Product Developer acts as the key liaison between merchandising, design, and sales teams and the production, sourcing, and factory partners.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure the on-time completion of development deliverables by managing the product calendar and processes, including costing, quality evaluation, fabric, and trim requirements for each product.
• Negotiate with factories to achieve target costs that support wholesale pricing and gross margin goals. Recommend alternative solutions when necessary.
• Manage daily communication with domestic and overseas vendors for assigned product categories. Some domestic and international factory travel may be required.
• Develop and maintain current Work-in-Progress (WIP) reports and Bills of Materials (BOMs) to ensure accurate tracking and status updates for all products in development.
• Identify materials and construction techniques that support the designer’s vision and product requirements.
• Partner with the production team to determine the most effective sourcing strategy for each season or program.
• Participate in sourcing decisions based on volume, manufacturing techniques, fabrication, and cost considerations.
• Establish and maintain fit standards, construction guidelines, and blocks to ensure brand consistency and product quality.
• Prepare for and lead product fittings for development samples.
• Review specifications of all received samples to ensure accuracy and consistency with design intent.
• Create accurate specifications and grading for garments based on design sketches, patterns, or reference samples.
• Coordinate all factory communication related to prototype development, timelines, raw material management, and sample approvals.
• Support the sourcing and onboarding of new vendors and factories as needed.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional team members and assist with departmental workload as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in apparel product development and/or technical design
• Strong knowledge of garment construction, fabric properties, patternmaking, costing, embroidery, and surface applications (e.g., screen printing)
• Excellent problem-solving and negotiation skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including meeting facilitation and process implementation
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Adobe Illustrator
• Strong understanding of the design, development, and merchandising process from concept through production
• Ability to interpret design intent and provide alternative technical solutions
• Ability to serve as a technical resource to cross-functional teams
• Proven experience working with domestic and offshore vendors and manufacturers
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Strong knowledge of garment fit and the ability to guide manufacturers on pattern adjustments to achieve desired fit
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with Full-Circle is a plus

Working Conditions

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment
• Open floor plan office setting
• Business casual office attire

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.