Apparel Product Developer

Jerry Leigh of California; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Jerry Leigh of California is seeking a Product Developer to collaborate with design, production, and sales, guiding products from concept to final production while managing time and action calendars. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced apparel environment and understands textiles and trims for optimal samples and production.

This role requires strong organizational and communication skills, with a proven ability to partner across functions and manage multiple development projects

Qualifications

• Five years of experience in product development or production in garment manufacturing.
• Advanced knowledge of fabrics and trims with ability to analyze and select appropriate fabrics.
• Strong organizational skills in the product development process.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate all phases of development from concept through production hand-off.
• Execute product development activities from design concept through production handover.
• Review and refine tech packs for completeness for sample development.
• Source and interface with factories for projects.
• Ensure development aligns with sourcing and customer strategies.
• Coordinate timing, calendar, product updates, and approvals across teams.
• Provide costed options to maintain margins and meet customer requirements.
• Identify potential obstacles and facilitate resolutions.
• Maintain seasonal development metrics and calendar communication.

Skills

Problem solving

Negotiation

Communication

Organizational skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Textiles and Apparel Management

Job description

The Product Developer is a key functional partner who works collaboratively with design, production, and sales to bring the best product to our customers. This role supports and organizes the development of products from initial design inception to final production stage while adhering/managing to the time and action calendar. The ideal candidate is a passionate and highly organized individual who is well versed in the apparel development and sourcing process and can thrive in a fast-paced work environment.

Job Responsibilities - Other duties may be assigned

• Coordinate all phases of development cycle from initial concept through production hand-off
• Execute product development activities from initial design concept through production handover.
• Throughout the development cycle, review and refine all tech packs to verify they are complete and understood by all internal stakeholders, with all information needed for sample development.
• Source and interface with best suited factories on all assigned projects.
• Ensure Development execution is in accordance with sourcing & customer strategies.
• Cross functional communication & coordination of timing, calendar, product updates, approvals, and issues.
• Counter-source and provide options to design where necessary to ensure margin targets and customer requirements are achieved.
• Anticipate and identify any potential obstacles in the development process and facilitate the effective resolution of issues.
• Identify and maintain seasonal development metrics.
• Communicate and direct seasonal design development calendar, product development, price requirements.
• Work closely with suppliers to conduct in-development testing- escalate any risks during the design and development phases and providing alternatives to help reduce concerns.
• Establish close working relationships with vendors.

Basic Qualifications

• Specialization and Degree in Textiles and Apparel Management
• Must have five (5) years of experience in product development or production in garment manufacturing
• Advanced knowledge of and familiarity with fabrics and trims associated with the garment development process- including independent ability to analyze and select appropriate fabrics for the required application.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural and high paced environment
• Ability to partner cross functionally and build strong working relationships with respect
• Exceptionally strong problem solving and negotiating skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including meeting facilitation and process implementation
• Demonstration of a high level of organization in the product development process
• Strong experience in use of programs such as Word, Excel, Outlook
• Strong ability to be proactive and prioritize
• Solution oriented and strong initiative
• Results oriented, willingness to go above and beyond
• Healthcare options for medical, dental, vision, and flexible spending.
• 401(k) with employer match
• Generous paid time off plans for vacation, sick, and personal, as well as company holidays