Freelance Apparel Product Developer [84110]

Onward Search; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance

401k program

eLearning

Education reimbursement

Ongoing training and development

Job summary

Onward Search is seeking a Temporary Apparel Product Development professional to manage the end-to-end development lifecycle from concept through production handoff. This onsite role in Irvine requires coordinating design, technical development, sourcing, merchandising, and manufacturing partners to meet timelines and quality objectives.

The ideal candidate will manage sample development, approvals, and vendor communication with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in apparel product development, production, or related function.
• Strong understanding of apparel construction, garment fit, fabrics, trims, color development, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience managing multiple development calendars, approvals, and deliverables in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Adobe Illustrator.

Responsibilities

• Manage the apparel sample development process from initial design review through production handoff.
• Review, consolidate, and communicate design, fit, and construction feedback to manufacturing partners.
• Maintain and distribute product development documentation, including design comments and development tracking tools.
• Track sample, trim, fabric, print, color, and material approvals with internal and external partners.
• Monitor development timelines and WIP reports to ensure on-time delivery.
• Coordinate with technical design and fit teams to prioritize fittings and approvals.
• Build and maintain seasonal product line information and data.

Skills

Apparel product development

Project management

Communication

Organization

Excel

Adobe Illustrator

Collaboration across teams

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

Adobe Illustrator

Job description

Our client, an adventure lifestyle apparel brand, is seeking a Temporary Apparel Product Development professional to manage the product development lifecycle from initial concept through production handoff. This role serves as a key liaison between design, technical development, sourcing, merchandising, and manufacturing partners to ensure products are developed on schedule, meet quality standards, and support business objectives. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and experienced in managing apparel sample development, approvals, and vendor communication.

This is a temporary position covering for a 6-month leave. Candidate must be able to work onsite Monday-Thursday in Irvine, CA.

There is no deadline to apply.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the apparel sample development process from initial design review through production handoff.
• Review, consolidate, and communicate design, fit, and construction feedback to manufacturing partners throughout the sample lifecycle.
• Maintain and distribute product development documentation, including design comments, development tracking tools, and seasonal product information.
• Track sample, trim, fabric, print, color, and material approvals, ensuring timely communication between internal teams and external partners.
• Monitor development timelines and work-in-progress reports to ensure all sample deliverables are completed on schedule.
• Coordinate closely with technical design and fit teams to prioritize fittings, communicate fit feedback, and maintain approval schedules.
• Build and maintain seasonal product line information, ensuring accurate product data and smooth transitions into production.
• Partner cross-functionally with design, merchandising, sourcing, and production teams to resolve issues and keep projects moving forward.
• Identify and proactively address potential development challenges to minimize delays and maintain quality standards.
• Support additional product development initiatives and projects as needed.

Qualifications:

• 4+ years of experience in apparel product development, production, or a related function.
• Strong understanding of apparel construction, garment fit, fabrics, trims, color development, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience managing multiple development calendars, approvals, and deliverables in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Adobe Illustrator.
• Exceptional organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and with external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize workload, manage competing deadlines, and drive projects to completion.
• Proactive problem-solving mindset with strong follow-through and accountability.
• Experience working directly with domestic and/or international manufacturing partners is preferred.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401k Program
• eLearning
• Education Reimbursement
• Ongoing Training & Development
• *To qualify for our benefits package, you must work over 30 hours per week and the length of assignment must be a minimum of 10 weeks.