Sr. Product Developer - Domestic Production

The Senior Product Developer will oversee the entire product development lifecycle, from initial concept to final production. This role requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of garment construction, fabric sourcing, and production processes. The Senior Product Development Manager will collaborate with design, merchandising, and production teams to ensure that products meet quality, cost, and timeline expectations.

Key Responsibilities:

Product Development:

• Oversee the end-to-end product development process, ensuring timely and successful product launches.
• Translate design concepts into viable products by working closely with designers, technical designers, production teams and vendors. 
• Own and manage vendor/supplier matrix - both domestically and abroad. 
• Responsible for all vendor/supplier communication. 
• Identify and source appropriate fabrics, trims, and other materials, ensuring they meet quality and cost standards.
• Own and manage factory/supplier matrix - both domestically and abroad. 
• Ensure development calendar is adhered to and all deadlines are met.
• Oversee style set up / data entry and maintenance in PLM system. 
• Partner with Design and Merchandising to ensure data accuracy at key milestone deadlines. 
• Create and maintain development trackers for: Samples, Fabrics, Lab Dip, Strike Offs, etc. 

Team Leadership:

• Manage and mentor a small team of product developers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
• Provide guidance and development opportunities for team members, helping them to grow their skills and careers.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations, set objectives, and provide constructive feedback.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with Design: Work closely with the design team to understand and implement design intent and aesthetic.
• Work with Merchandising: Partner with merchandising to ensure product assortments align with price targets, market needs and brand strategy.
• Coordinate with Production: Liaise with production teams to ensure products are manufactured to specifications and delivered on time.

Quality Control:

• Ensure Quality Standards: Develop and implement quality control processes to ensure all products meet the brand’s quality standards.
• Fit and Construction: With Design, oversee fit sessions and work with technical designers to ensure the perfect fit and construction of all garments.
• Supplier Relationships: Maintain strong relationships with suppliers and manufacturers to ensure consistent quality and service.

Innovation and Improvement:

• Continuously evaluate and improve product development processes to enhance efficiency and reduce time-to-market.
• Stay updated on industry trends, new technologies, and best practices to drive innovation in product development.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Textile Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in product development within the activewear industry.
• Proven track record of managing product development from concept to production.
• Strong understanding of garment construction, fabric sourcing, and production processes.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in product lifecycle management (PLM) software and other relevant tools.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and execute product development strategies that align with brand goals.
• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of activewear garment construction, fabrics, and production processes.
• Leadership: Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Collaboration: Excellent collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and attention to detail in all aspects of product development.

Working Conditions:

• This position requires occasional travel to suppliers, manufacturers, and industry events.
• The role is a hybrid position with a minimum of 2 in-office days/week and may involve work in various environments depending on design and production activities.

Please note that this job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not encompass every task or responsibility that may be required.

Benefits

Medical

Vision

Dental

Employee Discount

401K

Paid Holidays

PTO