Senior Product Developer

Natural Factors; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Product Developer to lead the development of outdoor apparel. This role requires a passionate individual with a strong background in product lifecycle management, from concept to production. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor junior members, and ensure high-quality standards are met. With a commitment to inclusivity and a culture that values the outdoors, this position offers a unique opportunity to influence product development while enjoying a supportive work environment. Join a team that shares your passion for the outdoors and make a difference!

Benefits

Work-life flexibility

Hybrid work environment

Variable annual incentive plan

Generous annual vacation allotment

Paid Care time (Wellness/sick)

Maternity and Parental leave top-up

Staff Discount

Top-notch benefit plan

Retirement Plan with matched contributions

Paid days for outdoor activities

Qualifications

• Experience in apparel product development, ideally in outdoor or performance wear.
• Strong understanding of the product lifecycle from concept to production.
• Ability to lead cross-functional collaboration without direct authority.

Responsibilities

• Implement solutions for high-quality products within MEC policies.
• Track seasonal development and ensure accurate data maintenance.
• Support junior team members and maintain vendor relationships.

Skills

Apparel Product Development

Project Management

Negotiation Skills

Technical Knowledge in Raw Materials

2D to 3D Prototyping

Critical Thinking

Excel Skills

Problem-Solving

Collaboration

Mentoring

Tools

PLM Systems

Centric PLM

Job description

About MEC

At MEC, we believe the transformative power of the outdoors makes us better humans and drives us to do good for the planet. We are here to inspire and support everyone in getting active outside, matching people with gear and advice that instills confidence. We offer more than products; we offer passion for the outdoors. We play with purpose!

Our business model is dependent on impassioned and well-trained outdoor enthusiasts and as such we look for individuals who live our purpose and fit with MEC ethos and lifestyle. If you are that person, we’d love to connect with you. Join us!

Inclusivity at MEC

MEC is an equal opportunity employer and committed to building an inclusive community of staffers. We’re proud to work with our people to create a diverse workplace, where everyone feels like they belong and has the opportunity to be successful. We welcome of all applicants to join our diverse team. Tell us what you need during the hiring process, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

The Opportunity

As the most senior position on the SG development team, this position requires a strong leadership presence and influence despite not having any direct reports. This role will also be called upon for strategic overview and insights of the development process, including but not limited to tracking, reporting, PLM system implementation and adoption. It also requires a deep knowledge and experience managing and maintaining core relationships between MEC Label and global manufacturers. A strong background in leading the development cycle of apparel is needed. The Sr Development has expertise in translating 2D designs into 3D prototypes, raw materials, pattern and fit as well as how to build products to achieve target costs. Fundamentally, there is an understanding of the full product life cycle, from initial design concept, through bulk production, to final delivery of bulk goods.

Given that MEC’s business model is dependent on impassioned super well trained outdoor enthusiasts, it is crucial that the individual possesses a passion for living our purpose and is a fit with the MEC ethos and lifestyle.

Location: This is an 5 days a week in office role based at MEC's Head Office in Vancouver.

As the Senior Product Developer, you'll be

• As the Sr. Development, an individual in this role helps implement how the SG development function evaluates and implements solutions to achieve on-cost, high-quality, products for the MEC Label within all MEC policies and standards.
• This senior role will contribute to building long lasting relationship with our vendors, as well have a positive influence on more junior team members, through their actions, and leadership presence (leading by example).
• Plan and track all seasonal development WIP report while giving clear consistent updates to the cross-functional teams and ensuring systems are maintained with accurate data
• Use depth of knowledge and experience to lead team members within and outside the development team
• Support and guide MEC Label Design and PLMs Teams to ensure development of product is in line with the MEC standards for construction, quality, and cost.
• Ensure the administrative work that supports the execution of product concepts maintaining systems and specifications as required.
• Creation and completion of accurate Tech packs in PLM system including Bill of Materials, Measurement spec charts, Graded specifications, Colourways and costing sheets
• Support development team as they work with the Design Team to review raw materials, build specifications, prototypes, and sample fit sessions.
• Support more junior team members in preparing synopsis of execution deficiencies, construction details, fitting/pattern notes and work to resolve with creative team and vendors.
• Maintain and track the development of concepts relative to seasonal calendars to ensure on-time and on-cost Commercialisation.
• Communicate with MEC Manufacturing partners to deliver accurate and on time information to guide development and quickly resolve queries or issues raised during the process.
• Negotiation the FOB to meet IMU target during development with each of the vendor.
• Arrange for wear testing of samples and the gathering of information to support the evaluation of fit and performance.
• Support the development of raw materials, packaging and trims.
• Take on special projects as needed
  
  

What You Bring

• Experience in apparel product development, ideally within outdoor, technical, or performance wear
• Strong understanding of the end-to-end product lifecycle—from concept to final production
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional collaboration and influence without direct authority
• Deep technical knowledge in raw materials, fit, construction, costing, and grading
• Hands-on experience translating 2D designs into 3D prototypes, with an eye for detail
• Excellent project management skills—able to juggle multiple priorities and deadlines with ease
• Critical thinker with strong problem-solving abilities and a calm, solution-focused approach
• Advanced Excel skills and experience using PLM systems (Centric preferred)
• Strong negotiation skills with vendors and manufacturers, especially around FOB and costing
• Proven ability to assess risk and make sound, data-informed decisions
• Passion for the outdoors and alignment with MEC’s purpose and values
• Ability to support and mentor junior team members with empathy and clarity
  
  

The Compensation & Perks

This is an permanent role with an anticipated annual base salary range of $75,500 to $94,500. The exact salary will be dependent on the successful candidate’s relevant skills, experience, location, qualifications and internal equity. This role is eligible for our annual variable incentive plan.

• Work-life flexibility
• Hybrid work environment
• Variable annual incentive plan
• Generous annual vacation allotment
• Paid Care time (Wellness/sick)
• Maternity and Parental leave top-up
• Staff Discount and amazing deals straight from vendors
• Top-notch benefit plan
• Retirement Plan, with matched contributions
• Paid days to pursue outdoor activities and/or volunteer in your community
• Access to a learning platform and educational assistance support
• Career development opportunities
  
  

Note: Availability of the benefits and perks may be subject to your location & employment type and may have certain eligibility requirements. MEC reserves the right to alter these benefits and perks in whole or in part at any time without advance notice.

Are you up for your next adventure? We’d love to hear from you!

The Candidate must be able to read and converse in English. Le candidat doit être à l’aise de lire et de converser en anglais.