Product Developer

SanMar-Internal; Issaquah (WA); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) plan

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Paid family leave

Pet insurance

Job summary

SanMar in Issaquah, WA is seeking an experienced Product Developer to drive the complete development cycle from concept to commercialization. You will manage fabric/trims approvals, color testing, costing, and compliance documentation, collaborating cross-functionally to meet deadlines and budgets.

The role emphasizes strong collaboration, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple development projects, with hybrid work at our Issaquah office and potential travel.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in product development and production management or equivalent education.

Responsibilities

• Support the product creation process through a complete cycle, driving development of fabric, trims, and styles to facilitate prototype approval during product development.
• Build and maintain the Product Development portion of technical product specifications (BOM, trims, labels, packaging, and associated technical images).
• Partner with Regional Offices and Sr/PD Managers to drive costing quotes and help deliver product margin for new developments, resourcing, and cost improvements.
• Manage lab-dip requests to vendors, collaborating with Color and Merchandising team on timely Lab-Dip and Bulk Color submissions.
• Execute testing requirements on new and resourced development styles with the PI team & Decorator Relations team.
• Maintain all tested materials, samples, and track testing reports. Communicate results to suppliers, QA, Merchandisers.
• Monitor development deliverables of Product Creation Calendar across the cross-functional team.
• Manage ELC chart and maintain seasonal costing quotes with managers’ guidance. Provide costing comparisons on developments to Merchandising.
• Review and comment on Pre-Production/Top of Production samples with Tech Design partners.
• Execute photo shoot and salesman samples process on a seasonal basis, ensuring complete review of quality and color.
• Manage Compliance/Classification/Safety requirements for products in the development cycle.
• Resolve production and delivery issues, supporting process improvement and on-time delivery.
• Maintain the fabric swatch library, top-of-production sample library, style files, and sample racks.
• Proofread marketing materials for accuracy of all content.
• Administer the resourcing process of current products and programs. Maintain change logs and product databases.
• Travel domestically and/or internationally may be required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Comply with all policies and standards.

Skills

Product development

Production management

Textile manufacturing

Costing knowledge

Collaboration

Garment industry

Job description

What's the Short Version?

The Product Developer supports the development process from the initial concept to the commercialized product, and is responsible for fabric/trim approvals, color, testing, sample reviews, costing, and compliance documents.

What Will You Be Doing?

• Support the product creation process through a complete cycle, driving development of fabric, trims, and styles to facilitate prototype approval during product development.
• Build and maintain the Product Development portion of technical product specifications (BOM, trims, labels, packaging, and associated technical images as needed).
• Partner with Regional Offices and Sr/PD Managers to drive costing quotes and help deliver product margin for new developments, resourcing, and cost improvements.
• Manage lab-dip requests to vendors, collaborating with Color and Merchandising team on timely Lab-Dip and Bulk Color submissions.
• Execute testing requirements on new and resourced development styles with the PI team & Decorator Relations team.
• Maintain all tested materials, samples, and track testing reports. Communicate results to suppliers, QA, Merchandisers.
• Monitor development deliverables of Product Creation Calendar across the cross-functional team.
• Manage ELC chart and maintain seasonal costing quotes with managers’ guidance. Provide costing comparisons on developments to Merchandising.
• Review and comment on Pre-Production/Top of Production samples with Tech Design partners.
• Execute photo shoot and salesman samples process on a seasonal basis, ensuring complete review of quality and color.
• Manage Compliance/Classification/Safety requirements for products in the development cycle.
• Resolve production and delivery issues, supporting process improvement and on-time delivery.
• Maintain the fabric swatch library, top-of-production sample library, style files, and sample racks.
• Proofread marketing materials for accuracy of all content.
• Administer the resourcing process of current products and programs. Maintain change logs and product databases.
• Travel domestically and/or internationally may be required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Comply with all policies and standards.

What Are We Looking For?

• 6+ years in product development and production management, or equivalent education
• Understanding of the garment and textile manufacturing processes.
• Knowledgeable in component costing, including garment construction, raw material options, and landing factors
• Basic understanding of international trade agreements, duty & tariff, customs regulations, and product safety standards
• Ability to learn and understand promotional industry and decoration viability
• Embrace and value collaboration, teamwork, and collective ideation.
• Work cooperatively and enthusiastically to proactively achieve shared goals and self-manage while taking initiative.
• Collaborate with cross-functional team members and drive positive changes.
• Seek continuous improvement and build decision making capacities with direction from teammates and managers.
• Have a thorough understanding of development calendar to meet or exceed all deadlines
• Ability to prioritize tasks and workload effectively for workflow, especially during high-demand situations
• Embody accuracy, organization, and attention to detail, growing verbal, written, and visual communication skills

What's Our Offer?

Salary Range: You`ll earn between $32.56 - $38.46 on an hourly basis, depending on experience.

Bonus: You`ll be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus up to 10% of base salary.

Paid Time Off: You`ll accrue paid time off on a weekly basis based on hours worked up to 112 hours per year to start. Employees also receive 8 paid holidays and 1 paid family day off.

Additional Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 401k plan and matches $1 for $1 up to 4% of earnings, matched & vested at every pay cycle
• Life insurance
• Short/long-term disability coverage
• Paid maternity/paternity leave
• Pet insurance

What Should You Expect?

Hybrid: SanMar's Eastpointe office is located in Issaquah, WA in the Seattle metropolitan area. Employees are required to work in our offices Tuesday through Thursday each week and additional days may be added based on business needs. Our standard working hours are 8:00-5:00 PST. Periodic travel may be required. The employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods while working on a computer and participating in virtual and in-person meetings. Frequent use of hands for keyboarding and standard office equipment is required. Occasional standing, walking, and reaching may be needed to attend meetings or collaborate in an office setting. The role requires the ability to perform close visual work on a computer for extended periods. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 10–15 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.