Apparel Product Developer - Moving Comfort

General Position Description:

The Apparel Product Developer is responsible for taking global line direction established by Product Management and bringing the product line to fruition, from initial conception, to final specifications and salesmen samples; delivering the line in a timely manner and with the greatest profit margin possible. The Product Developer will be assigned specific categories to manage in Apparel, Bras and Women’s Accessories, etc. The development execution of these categories should reflect the specifics needs of the Brooks domestic business strategy while coordinating seamlessly with the business goals of the international Brooks collections.

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

1. Calendar dates:

As members of the development team, all developers will honor and deliver on all dates established on the Moving Comfort apparel and accessory product calendar, applicable to the categories you are responsible for.

2. Process management:

The Product Developer will drive the development process and implement all necessary steps during the prototyping and commercialization of the product line; right through photo shoot, sales samples, fit sample, and executive sample. This includes keeping line list and Tech Packages updated, trims and fabric development etc. The Developer will be the main contact between Moving Comfort and the garment vendor, ensuring that our seasonal calendar and expectations are clearly stated and adhered to by our vendor partners. Point of contact with the Production team for information pertaining to salesman sample fabrics. Upon final review and comments of executive samples, management of the process will end when the final Tech Package is handed over to Production.

3. Approval sample management:

Developers will create and manage a reference library of approved samples; with marked approval dates and current Tech Packages

4. Team and resource management:

· As part of the lead team driving the development process each season, the Product Developer will work with the materials sourcing manager, and trims and accessories developer to source, and commercialize trims and fabrics needed for a given season. The Product Developer will also work with the Assistant Product Developer. Managing their work load and work flow as well as providing guidance and assistance as needed. The Product Developer will be responsible for fitting and altering garments, with input from PLM to meet the requirements of a specific design or function.

5. Sketch work applying to:

Apparel, Trims, Line Plans, Artwork/ Graphics, etc.
Work to ensure that all pertinent artwork is filed and kept well organized. It must also be accessible on company drives.

The Product Developer will work with vendor partners to ensure all pertinent information is communicated clearly and thoroughly. All information pertaining to Tech Packages needs to be complete and accurate for inclusion in final production Tech Packages.

Minimum Requirements:

1. BA or Associate Degree in textiles; may be substituted with relevant experience

1. Minimum of 5-6 years apparel research and development or related experience

2. Good understanding of garment construction and methods

3. Proven initiative and problem-solving skills

4. Strong written and verbal communication skills

5. Proficiency in office and design based computer software

6. Ability to work professionally and efficiently within the team and across departments

Reports to: Director of Development

Department: Moving Comfort

Position Classification: Exempt, Salaried