Job description
Leading activewear brand based in San Diego is looking for a Product Developer to join the team.
You will have the opportunity to bring designs to life. As the Product Developer, you will use your knowledge of product development and processes to bring innovative designs to market. You are the link between design, merchandising, technical design, planning and the factories. It is essential that all communication is accurate, complete, timely and professional. Therefore, we entrust you to develop quality, on-time and cost-efficient products that are a reflection of the brands aesthetic and ethos.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Manage the WIP process, including the creation of seasonal WIPs, ensuring all vendors are sending updated WIPS on weekly basis, reviewing WIP data to ensure accuracy and follow up on status as needed.
Assists in preparation for meetings by organizing samples / submits / merch guides (overviews).
Responsible for the data integrity of all critical style information and technical properties.
Maintains accuracy of technical packages that meet the product’s goals for innovation, function, fit and commercial viability.
Participates in fittings with tech designer, designer and merchandiser; communicates comments to vendors (written by technical designer) - Liaison between vendor and technical designer.
Communicate with suppliers and vendors; written and verbal, on pertinent design/development related issues.
Negotiates costing with vendors/factories to achieve costs in order to meet target wholesale and gross margin targets. Suggest alternatives when relevant.
Responsible for communicating all comments to vendors; review comments with designers.
Assists with the creation of seasonal workbooks including communication of photo sample status, maintaining the ‘photoshop’ list, and proofing for accuracy of names, style #’s, product info and images.
Monitor time/action calendars to hit target calendar dates including proto, Photo Shoot, Sales Samples, Pre-production through Bulk.
Educational/ Position Requirements:
4-5+ years of product development experience is required and/or product management experience with an understanding of managing product from concept through completion.
Sense of fashion and trend in relation to the market.
Knowledge of materials used in the engineering and manufacturing processes used to build products.
Intermediate Computer Drawing skills for technical and construction details or related art using Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop a plus.
Intermediate to advanced computer skills with emphasis on Excel, Google/Google docs & Full Circle Systems a plus.
Aptitude for systems and systematic work.
Must possess strong knowledge of costing, garment construction, and all pre-production coordination.