Apparel Product Developer

Varsity Brands•Farmers Branch, TX

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Apparel Product Developer is a full-time position based in Farmers Branch, Texas, responsible for driving apparel products from concept through production readiness. The role works closely with Design, Sourcing, Planning, Sampling, Quality Assurance, and internal and external manufacturing partners to implement and distribute new products, manage launch activities, and verify quality control against project requirements. The Product Developer helps deliver approved projects on time, within budget, and with quality results. The role collaborates with Design and Category Management to interpret product vision and align on project schedules; supports material, trim, and fabric development; ensures products meet quality and release criteria; and prepares technical packages for manufacturing partners. It also guides prototypes toward cost-efficient, scalable, high-volume production, monitors product status and compliance, evaluates production and design execution, recommends process improvements and corrective actions, and communicates status to senior management. This hybrid role is located at 14460 Varsity Brands Way, Farmers Branch, TX 75244. Work hours are Monday through Friday, either 8 a.m.–5 p.m. or 9 a.m.–6 p.m., with Fridays working from home. Travel is approximately 20% domestic and international. Relocation assistance is not offered. The work environment is a professional office, and the position is approximately 70% sedentary and 30% active, including walking through departments to follow up on assignments and check samples. The role routinely uses standard office equipment.

Requirements

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, ability to manage critical deadlines and priorities, and ability to multitask regularly.
Ability to communicate openly and honestly in a way that builds trust and respect.
Problem-solving affinity and exposure to or experience in manufacturing, quality excellence, and strategic thinking.
Ability to listen to internal customers and perform professionally.
Flexibility during periods of change, understanding of business operations, and ability to provide quality insight to help achieve goals and business success.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish skills.
Experience participating in continuous improvement projects and applying lean principles, ideally in apparel manufacturing.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with Design and Category Management to understand product vision, direction, and strategic intent.
Align with Design and Category Management on project timelines 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 required 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 ensure assigned projects meet Varsity Spirit’s quality expectations.
Work with Design and Engineering teams to transition prototypes into cost-efficient, scalable, high-volume production.
Coordinate with internal teams and manufacturing partners to guide products from prototype 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 that support 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 apply lean principles.