Apparel Product Developer

Varsity Brands•Farmers Branch, TX

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Apparel Product Developer is a full-time position based in Farmers Branch, Texas, with a hybrid work arrangement. The role drives apparel products from concept through production readiness and works extensively with Design, Sourcing, Planning, Sampling, Quality Assurance, and internal and external manufacturing partners. The developer manages implementation and distribution of new products, supports product launches, verifies quality control against project requirements, and helps deliver approved projects on time, within budget, and with quality results. The position collaborates across design, category management, materials development, compliance, quality, engineering, and supply chain to guide products from prototypes to scalable production. It prepares technical packages, resolves product development challenges, monitors compliance, and communicates project status to senior management. The role is based in a professional office environment, with a stated schedule of Monday through Friday, either 8 a.m.–5 p.m. or 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Fridays are work-from-home. Travel is approximately 20% domestically and internationally. Relocation assistance is not offered.

Requirements

A college degree in Fashion, Business Administration, Project Management, or Engineering, or relevant experience.
2–4 years of related product development experience, including design and manufacturing.
Solid understanding of product development processes.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and PLM, with an aptitude for learning new programs.
Experience communicating via Microsoft Teams.
Experience with Outlook and PLM systems.
Excellent analytical, verbal, and written communication skills, with strong attention to detail.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage critical deadlines, prioritize work and business processes, and regularly multitask.
Ability to communicate openly and honestly in a way that builds trust and respect.
Problem-solving ability and exposure to or experience in manufacturing, quality excellence, and strategic thinking.
Ability to listen to internal customers and act professionally.
Flexibility during change, understanding of business operations, and ability to provide quality insights that support goals and business success.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish ability.
Experience with continuous improvement and lean principles, ideally within apparel manufacturing.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with Design and Category Management to understand product vision, direction, and strategic intent.
Align project timelines with Design and Category Management and ensure milestones and deliverables are met.
Partner with internal and external Material Developers on new materials, trims, and fabrics.
Work with Product Compliance and QA Testing teams to ensure products meet quality standards and release criteria.
Prepare, deliver, and communicate complete and accurate technical packages (Tech Packs) to manufacturing partners.
Troubleshoot design, material, and trim challenges to achieve intended product outcomes.
Collaborate with Product Quality teams to meet Varsity Spirit quality expectations.
Work with Design and Engineering to transition prototypes into cost-efficient, scalable, high-volume production.
Coordinate with internal teams and manufacturing partners to guide products from prototypes through production.
Partner with Supply Chain to deliver profitable, high-quality products to customers.
Monitor new product status for compliance with policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.
Evaluate product operations and design execution for alignment with manufacturing and design principles.
Analyze production processes and recommend improvements for cost reduction and quality enhancement.
Identify design failures and recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Communicate product status to senior management and prepare clear, accurate reports as needed.
Participate in continuous improvement projects and lean principles.