Sr Product Developer

The Sr. Product Developer oversees the entire lifecycle of product development, from initial design to market launch, ensuring technical quality and integrity.  The role requires expertise in product patterns, fit, and construction, working with design and merchandising to realize creative visions.  The role collaborates with in-house teams and vendors to oversee accurate production and is involved in product creation, commercialization, and delivery to customers. 

The salary range for this position is $94,000 - $118,000 which represents base pay only and does not include short-term or long-term incentive compensation. When determining base pay, as part of final compensation package, we consider several factors such as location, experience, qualifications, and training.

GENERAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leads and oversees the entire development process, ensure each stage from initial concept to final production is executed efficiently and aligns with project goals.
• Oversees the seamless transition of apparel styles from design phase through sampling to final production, ensuring adherence to design specifications, timelines, and quality standards
• Creates and maintains technical packages that include accurate product specifications, construction details, and material requirements.  Ensures that these packages are promptly and correctly distributed to vendors accord to established timelines.  
• Plans and tracks all stages of the development process to ensure timely completion of all duties in accordance to the product development timeline.
• Reviews and fits samples to guarantee that production of styles is as they were developed and are in accordance with Mitchell & Ness fit, quality and costing standards.
• Collaborates with the Design team to evaluate and approve fabric and trim qualities, lab dips, and logo embellishments, ensuring that all elements meet design and brand standards
• Maintains organized records, files, strike off/samples for all related product.
• Communicates effectively with production, sales, and management teams to address and resolve any quality or production issues that may arise to ensure that all stakeholders are informed and aligned. 
• Proactively identifies problems and develops proactive solutions to address challenges that may impact the development process or product quality. 
• Communicates closely with domestic and overseas vendors on all development issues and sample tracking. 
• Oversees testing of fabrics and garments to verify that they meet quality standards and performance criteria.  Ensures that testing results are accurately documented and addressed. 
• Researches new fabrications, trims and embellishment techniques according to market trends and the Design team’s specifications.
• Responsible for requesting initial costing info for all new seasonal developments. 
• Interacts and maintains an open line of communication with Apparel Management, Apparel PLM and Production/Sourcing with any pricing, quality, construction and timeline issues.
• Participates in Proto Review meetings to assess and discuss product prototypes.  Presents the line and provides insights and recommendations as needed. 
• Mentors and leads other team members, providing guidance and support through the development process.
• Responds quickly to multiple projects and deadlines with strong time management skills.
• Domestic & International Travel may be required, as needed.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising or Fashion Design related field and 6+ years design/development experience in the sport apparel or fashion industry experience required across multiple garment categories

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Experience with sewing, construction, patternmaking, color, fabric and trim development
• Proficiency in creating and managing technical documentation and specifications. 
• Proven experience in leading or mentoring a team, demonstrating strong interpersonal and management skills.
• Demonstrates a high degree of professionalism in communication, attitude and teamwork with customers, peers and management
• Must have a keen eye for color and design consistencies 
• Strong communication and decision-making abilities with meticulous attention to detail
• Highly organized and detail-orientated, with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment at a very detailed level.
• Experience working with a high-performing team in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong technical apparel development and analytical skills including a strong understanding of costing.
• Strong organization, attention to detail and follow-up skills
• Exceptional problem solving skills with the ability to find creative solutions to complex challenges.
• A passion for creativity, storytelling, and a drive to deliver exceptional user experience to end users.
• Must possess demonstrated proficiency of MAC and all applicable programs including Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office programs 
• Proficient in PLM System preferred