Product Developer

RHOBACK INC•Charlottesville, VA

17h•$70,000 - $90,000

About The Position

Rhoback is seeking an organized, proactive, and detail-oriented Product Developer to manage seasonal product development across assigned categories and vendors from initial concept through production handoff. This role is responsible for driving day-to-day development execution and ensuring product information, materials, trims, samples, costing, and approvals are accurate, organized, and delivered on time. The Product Developer will work closely with Design, Technical Design, Production, Merchandising, and global vendor partners to move product efficiently through the development lifecycle. As Rhoback continues to grow across categories and programs, this role will also support an expanding scope of Product Development responsibilities, including production support, submitting, packaging and hangtags, costing, testing, and special programs.

Requirements

Strong understanding of the apparel product development process from concept through production handoff.
Working knowledge of fabrics, trims, garment construction, color and print development, packaging, testing, and product approvals.
Ability to independently manage multiple styles, vendors, categories, and seasonal timelines in a fast-paced environment.
Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail, follow-through, and process discipline.
Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills, particularly with global vendors and cross-functional partners.
Ability to identify development risks, evaluate options, and work collaboratively toward practical solutions.
Comfortable taking ownership of day-to-day execution while knowing when to escalate issues or seek additional direction.
Working knowledge of apparel costing, MOQ/MCQ requirements, surcharges, lead times, and sourcing considerations.
Ability to interpret and maintain tech packs, BOMs, specifications, and other product development documentation.
Proactive, adaptable, and solutions-oriented mindset with a collaborative, team-first approach.
3-5+ years of product development experience, preferably within apparel or soft goods.
Experience working directly with domestic and/or global vendors and factories.
Demonstrated experience managing multiple styles and seasonal development timelines in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency with PLM systems, BOM management, and product development tracking tools; Centric PLM experience preferred.
Strong understanding of apparel sourcing, costing, materials, trims, garment construction, and production considerations.
Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Apparel Development, Product Development, or a related field preferred, or equivalent professional experience.

Nice To Haves

Centric PLM experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Own day-to-day product development across assigned categories, styles, and vendors from initial tech pack through production handoff.
Manage multiple overlapping seasonal calendars and development priorities, ensuring key milestones and deliverables remain on track.
Partner with Design and Technical Design to ensure tech packs, BOMs, specifications, construction details, and product requirements are complete and accurate prior to release.
Manage Photo and SMS sample logistics, including tracking availability and timing, receiving and organizing samples, and coordinating transfers and shipments to photoshoots, sales reps, and other teams.
Issue development requests and tech packs to vendors and maintain clear, timely communication throughout the development process.
Coordinate prototype and development sampling, tracking comments, approvals, outstanding actions, and next steps through production readiness.
Manage fabric, trim, color, print, packaging, and hangtag development, including applicable lab dips, strike-offs, trim submits, and approvals.
Support SMS/Photoshoot and Bulk submit workflows, ensuring comments, approval status, and required follow-up are accurately communicated and tracked.
Request, review, and track product costing throughout development; identify discrepancies and support cost-saving opportunities while protecting product quality.
Partner with the Product Development Manager on target FOBs, costing strategy, and vendor negotiations.
Manage vendor communication related to MOQ/MCQ requirements, surcharges, lead times, material availability, capabilities, and development constraints.
Maintain accurate BOMs, colorways, and product information within PLM and other development tracking tools.
Coordinate material and product testing requirements, track results, and follow up on corrective actions when needed.
Monitor development timelines and proactively identify, communicate, and help resolve risks that could impact sampling, approvals, or production.
Partner cross-functionally with Design, Technical Design, Production, Merchandising, and other teams to ensure product requirements, priorities, samples (SMS) and timelines remain aligned.
Support development across growing business areas including Accessories, Collegiate, Special Projects, and future Pro programs as assigned.