Product Developer

The Product Developer manages the development process from design conception through to production in order to meet customer expectations effectively. This position ensures both the technical superiority and the product quality/integrity of all styles falling under their responsibility. This role requires knowledge related to product patterns, fit, and construction while working closely with design and merchandising to understand the creative vision of each project and translate concepts into product. You will work closely with all in-house teams, along with vendors to ensure accurate production. In Product Creation and Development, you will be involved in the first stages of creating new products, commercialization and getting them to the consumers. This involves everything from idea generation, materials and construction, materials sourcing, product testing and product confirmation.

GENERAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Designs and develops products in collaboration with Design and Product Line Managers to ensure style details are properly documented and relayed to vendors. 
• Manages all phases of the development cycle from initial concept through final buy placement. 
• Manages development calendars to ensure all deadlines are met throughout the development process so that all style information is accurate and sent to allocated vendors per timeline.
• Communicates daily with Mitchell & Ness suppliers on questions and changes to specs, standards and assists in interpreting design needs. 
• Works closely with the design team on seasonal offering needs to provide options in materials, techniques, and costs that are on brand. 
• Leads material development and lab dip approval process to ensure that each style is staying as close to design concept or business needs as needed each season.
• Works with suppliers to source new materials to meet seasonal design goals, while maximizing leverage opportunities for the brand. 
• Actively works with suppliers to negotiate best costs. Identify opportunities for cost engineering by recommending style modifications to Design to ensure product details are in-line with target costs while maintaining the products’ aesthetic and functional value. 
• Owns and maintains assigned costing line list for assigned skus to ensure the margin targets are met and current costing communicated to Product Line Managers. 
• Manages trim development and communicates with trim suppliers to ensure appropriate stock levels are maintained. 
• Owns data entry for any product development attributes and oversees on-time data entry for product information in style master system. 
• Leads and / or participates in Proto Review meetings and presents the line, if needed.
• Responds quickly to multiple project deadlines and inquiries with strong time management skills to guarantee that all tasks and inquiries are being addressed in an appropriate amount of time.
• Domestic & International travel may be required, as needed.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent work experience in product development, production, or sourcing in product. Or 5-7 years relevant experience in apparel product development and management without a degree.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• 2-3 years in licensing, sports apparel industry, or related
• 3-5 years in clothing, textiles, fabric and garment development, graphic design, or similar
• Technical knowledge of fabric, construction, and product engineering
• Knowledge of factory operations as they relate to costing and manufacturing limitations
• Experience working with vendors locally and globally
• Understanding of apparel and raw material testing
• Understanding of supply chain logistics
• Familiar with industry standard development processes/procedures, quality standards and compliance regulations
• Ability to introduce and implement new processes and procedures
• Ability to communicate across multiple cultural and experience levels, internal and external
• Strong computer skills in MS365, Google Suite, working on a shared server, and adobe illustrator; other systems where needed
• Strong attention to detail and can manage time effectively
• Ability to travel up to 15% of the job