Apparel Product Developer

Position Summary
The Apparel Product Developer is responsible for managing the development of apparel styles from initial concept through supply chain handoff. This role partners closely with Design, Technical Design, Sourcing, Merchandising and Supply Chain teams to ensure all products meet brand standards for fit, quality, cost, performance, and on-time delivery. The ideal candidate has strong technical knowledge, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple styles across fast-moving development calendars.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development

• Partner with Design to execute lab dips, fabric, strike-offs, trims and notion requests to vendors
• Align with the Product Sample Coordinator on tracking incoming samples, lab dips, fabric, strike-offs, trims and notions to maintain development stages.
• Approve lab dips, strike-offs, bulk fabrics, and trim components ensuring materials meet testing requirements
• Participate in final sketch review to prepare for Master Data and Design sync 
• Support Design when needed during tech pack preparation and hand-off ensuring styles are executable, cost-effective and aligned to brand standards
• Provide style numbers and upload tech packs through PLM system to vendors 
• Negotiate cost, MOQ/ MCQs from vendors for all styles 

Sample & Fit Management

• Request, track, and review proto, SMS, PPS, and TOP samples for approval 
• Participate in fit sessions with Technical Design and Design to understand clear, actionable fit and construction comments 

Cross-Functional Communication

• Serve as the main point of contact for vendors, mills, and factories during the development stages.
• Communicate daily with partners to resolve construction issues, material questions, and development roadblocks.
• Partner with Merchandising to support costing, negotiate efficiencies, and identify alternative materials or construction methods.

Calendar & Workflow Execution

• Manage development milestones to ensure all styles meet calendar deadlines.
• Maintain accurate PLM data including specs, construction notes, BOMs, costs, and sample tracking.
• Prepare styles for Supply Chain handoff with fully validated specs and approvals.
• Manage and maintain all styles by seasonal or quarterly calendar in WIP.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure all garments meet brand quality standards, testing requirements, and compliance guidelines.
• Troubleshoot potential issues with fit, construction, or materials before they impact production.

Project & Timeline Management

• Manage multiple styles according to seasonal and quarterly calendars.
• Ensure all apparel categories meet deadlines for development and production.
• Stay organized with file management in shared Google Drive and Be Product. 

This job description is not intended to provide a complete and comprehensive list of all job duties, requirements, and responsibilities. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design, Product Development, Merchandising, or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in apparel product development or technical design (experience in activewear, lifestyle, or performance apparel is a plus).
• Proficiency in PLM systems, Adobe Illustrator, Excel, and measurement/spec creation.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple styles in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and overseas vendors.

Key Competencies

• Technical accuracy and strong attention to detail
• Ability to translate design intent into executable product
• Vendor communication and relationship management
• Timeline and calendar discipline
• Strong sense of quality, fit, and brand standards