Sr. Product Developer

Job Overview
Develop product from concept to finished goods. As a Sr. Product Developer, you'll use your exceptional skills and knowledge of products and processes to bring innovative designs to completion. Your focus will be to develop quality, on-time, cost efficient products that are an accurate reflection of each brand position leader.

Job Description
This position reports to the Sr. Product Development Manager in our Irvine, CA office.

Responsibilities

Create and maintain comprehensive spec packages that meet the product’s goals for performance, innovation, image, function, and commercial viability. Continually ensure packages are complete and free from errors. Deliver tech packages to vendors precisely within the development calendar time frame. Receive product samples precisely within the development calendar time frame and present them to the design and merchandise teams for review.

Research and evaluate new methods of assembling a garment and combining materials and manufacturing technology to reach the highest levels of performance, style and quality. Review and prioritize performance, safety, and style to properly incorporate them into products. Visualize performance and styling goals and create solutions to achieve them.

Work as part of the Product Development Team made up of the Product Designer and Merchandiser to manage and meet design and sample deadlines. Work with the team in the initial development phase to ensure the vendor is accomplishing the originally intended design and details. This includes all aspects of a product from approving all components, to fit and construction, and through to the production stage.

Source materials and trims for each specific product being developed appropriate for each product’s end use. Have and grow knowledge of fabrication and its functionality.

Be available to train and teach Product Developers.

Be able to cross over to other category/brands as necessary.

Participate in choosing appropriate sources for each style with regards to volume, technique, fabrication and cost. Receive input in costing and work with the team to achieve margin goals for each style. At times, work independently and use your own discretion and judgment that properly represents the brand.

Maintain documentation of your portion of the product process and make sure this documentation is readily available to others.

Research and visit production factories, mills, supply houses, washing and finishing facilities, and showrooms to become familiar with manufacturing supply chain. Make recommendations for new working relationships with outside vendors and suppliers and, at times, work with the Purchasing/Production team to qualify them.

Monitor and track the complete development process with vendors and suppliers. Notify other appropriate departments of critical information that will affect their areas.

Travel to foreign countries to visit factories and aid with development and production issues. Travel to research new fabrics, trims and techniques.

Attend events for market research such as races, contests and festivals. Attend appropriate trade shows and meet with vendors to research trends in materials, color, trims and manufacturing.

Qualifications

College Degree in Apparel Design or related course of study.

Minimum 5 years of product development related experience.

Accurately create all pages of a spec package including Bill of Materials and construction.

Ability to use discretion and independent judgment to meet objectives within set timelines.

Thorough knowledge of Windows platform with an emphasis on Word and Excel.

Advanced knowledge of a product specification package in Centric PLM.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Manage multiple development projects across several categories within the set timeline and meeting the standards set by management.

Experience in costing and negotiation, forecasting, manufacturing, sewing assembly, materials, and construction techniques.

Assist with the exploration of new construction and manufacturing technologies.

Execute the development of complete projects, resolve issues and make recommendations to design and merchandising teams.

Work across multiple categories/brands, meeting all calendar deadlines and standards set by management.

Train and mentor others.

Strong attention to detail, confident decision‑making skills and good use of judgment. Project management and leadership skills are also necessary.

Excellent time management skills and superb organization.

Understanding of fit, pattern making, and grading.

Work as part of a team and with a diverse group of people and projects.

Previous work experience in apparel.

Pay and Benefits
Annual Salary: $93,000.00 – $100,000.00. The actual annual salary offered will be based on variables including experience, geographic location, education, and skills/achievements, and will be mutually agreed upon at the time of offer.

We offer a highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, 401K, PTO, paid holidays, gear discounts and value‑added opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Employer, Protected Veteran/Disabled.

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