Product Developer, Apparel

Are you a product development extraordinaire with an eye for fashion? Do you have the creative spark and technical skills to turn design dreams into wearable wonders? If you answered "YES!", then we the perfect position for you.

We are on the hunt for a in-office Product Developer to join our team in Birmingham, AL. In this role, you will help oversee the development, production, and delivery of all company products. Your technical expertise, negotiating abilities, undeniable attention to detail will help our product development team deliver high-quality products that exceed customer expectations and drive the company's growth. If you have a passion for fashion, an eye for detail, and a knack for transforming ideas into wearable masterpieces, this is the job for you!

Responsibilities

Assortment Planning:

• Research and analyze market trends and identify opportunities for new product development.
• Utilize market research and historical/projected sales data to identify sales trends and inform decision-making.

Design Collaboration:

• Collaborate with the design and merchandising team to create seasonal assortments that aligns with the brand strategy and resonates with our target consumers.
• Contribute to the creation and maintenance of detailed product specifications, including technical drawings, measurements, and material requirements.
• Develop and oversee product development timelines and calendars for all direct reports.

Sourcing and Material Selection:

• Identification and evaluation of suppliers by attending seasonal sourcing trade shows (TexWorld, MAGIC Sourcing, etc).
• Scout, evaluate, and select materials that align with design goals, performance requirements, and cost considerations.
• Communicating with suppliers to negotiate pricing, terms, lead times, and order MOQ’s, demonstrating an understanding of the manufacturing process and how various factors, such as material choice, construction techniques, and production volume, impact the overall cost.

Prototyping and Testing:

• Help oversee the prototyping and sampling process, ensuring the accurate translation of designs into physical products.
• Oversee sample development, communicating with domestic and overseas manufacturers to ensure accurate prototyping, sample production, and on-time delivery for trade shows.
• Conduct product fittings, collaborating with the design and technical teams to evaluate product fit, construction, and quality.
• Conduct rigorous testing to validate product performance and quality.

Production Management:

• Help manage the production process, coordinating with suppliers to ensure timely and cost-effective manufacturing.
• Monitor quality control and implement corrective actions as needed to maintain product excellence.
• Track and report on production progress, addressing any issues related to quality, production capacity, or lead times.
• Work with cross-functional teams to address and resolve production-related challenges, such as cost, quality, or timeline.

Cost Analysis and Budgeting:

• Work with members of the product dev team to ensure all products are optimized for sales growth and profitability.
• Recommend order quantities based on MOQs/costs to meet demand while considering inventory and target margins.
• Work with sales and marketing teams to establish product MSRP, ensuring competitiveness, margins, and customer value.

Documentation and Compliance:

• Maintain accurate records and documentation of product specifications, approvals, and production-related communication.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards, particularly in areas of sustainability and ethical practices.
• Conduct quality assessments and inspections of finished products to ensure compliance with established standards.

On-Time Delivery of Products

• Oversee the development of products through the development cycle to ensure on-time and on-budget delivery.

Continuous Review

• Monitor product performance, sales trends, and customer feedback to evaluate success and make data-driven recommendations for future seasons.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, market dynamics, and competitor activities to remain competitive and innovative.

Requirements

• This is an in-office role at our offices in Birmingham, AL.
• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Apparel Manufacturing, or a related field.
• At least 5+ years of product development experience in the apparel industry
• Deep understanding of the manufacturing process and factors that affect cost.
• Ability to analyze market trends and translate them into new product concepts.
• Strong project management skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Great collaboration skills to work cross-functionally with design, production, and sales/merchandising teams.
• Effective communicator and strong negotiator.
• Experience with sourcing and developing products with overseas manufacturers.
• Knowledge of market research methodologies and competitive analysis.
• Familiarity with pricing strategies, product costing, and profit margin calculations.
• Proficient with Excel, with the ability to create and interpret reports used for forecasting, planning, and costing analysis.
• Proficient with design software such as Adobe Creative Suites and CAD software.
• Experience with operating and managing product development in PLM software.
• Great team player with a positive attitude!

Why you are right for this position:

• Creative Maestro: You have a unique ability to transform ideas into tangible fashion products while ensuring every detail is perfect. You thrive in a team environment and excel in collaborating with designers, suppliers, and production teams.
• Negotiating Ninja: Your experience in working with overseas manufacturers has made you an effective communicator and a strong negotiator. Your ability to navigate international business relationships and secure favorable terms adds a valuable dimension to our team.
• Market Insights: Your deep understanding of consumer preferences and market dynamics allows us to design products that not only meet but exceed customer expectations.
• Budget Guardian: You know how to manage budgets effectively, maximizing resources without compromising on quality.

Benefits

• Passionate Team: You'll be working with a group of like-minded trend-setters who share your love for what we do.
• Room to Grow: We're all about professional development and growth. Your creative ideas will be valued and nurtured.
• Creative Freedom: We encourage you to think outside the box and bring your innovative ideas to life.
• Competitive Benefits: We offer competitive compensation, benefits, and perks to keep you happy and motivated.

• 401K Retirement with employer matching
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays
• Company Sponsored Luncheons and Events
• Generous Employee Discounts on SSCO Product
• Fun, Collaborative Work Environment with Great People!