Product Developer

Full-time - Mid Level

Los Angeles, CA

501-1,000 employees

Clothing, Clothing Accessories, Shoe, and Jewelry Retailers

About the position

The Product Developer will utilize his or her exceptional organizational skills to independently manage multiple lines and/or categories. This position will exercise the candidate's expertise on his or her construction, fabric and development techniques. The Developer will also be able to manage product development through production for the large SKU counts, lead a team and improve processes in a fast-paced work environment.

Responsibilities

• Support the Product Development Manager and team to allocate, source and develop high quality product on monthly basis
• Support the Product Development Manager in evolving PD processes and leading workshops and training for lower level PD team members
• Lead on approvals and/or meetings in lieu of the Production Development Manager's absence
• Assist in creation and implementation of product development calendars
• Manage multiple brands or categories to oversee product development from concept through TOP stage for both Domestic and Import
• Independently negotiate, set and approve target FOB costs and retails and ensure margins are maintained
• Call out margin or development challenged styles in high level meetings (assortment review/line preview) and provide solutions
• Maintain vendor capacities and independently allocate product against manufacturers for the best possible execution
• Lead and monitor WIPs for all product stages for multiple brands or categories for a fast-paced calendar
• Travel to overseas vendors to expedite product and improve processes
• Identify problem areas and provide viable solutions
• Collaborate closely with the Design team
• Collaborate with 3D fitting and patternmaking process
• Main point of contact/communicator of changes and alerts cross-functional departments (Buyers, R&D, Design, Tech and Purchasing)
• Support with Reports/SKU analytics for Product Development Manager
• Conduct market research of competitors to identify target costs and new techniques/materials in the market
• Attend fittings to ensure product is on time, quality is elevated and cost parameters are met
• Cultivate and develop Assistants/Associates which includes refining their development process
• Complete ad-hoc tasks and assignments as directed by management

Requirements

• Minimum 6-7 years' experience in similar role
• In depth experience of Product Development for both Domestic and Import
• Degree in Apparel Manufacturing, Product Development, Apparel Design or similar field
• Must have leadership or management experience and the ability to lead a growing team
• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
• Must be able to perform efficiently with tight deadlines
• Goal driven
• Experience with traveling to vendors/factories overseas

Nice-to-haves

• Utilize positive past vendor relationship and resources
• In depth knowledge of textiles, sourcing and development
• Ability to travel overseas once or twice a year

Benefits

• 50% or more off retail prices
• Company parties