Product Developer

Futureshirts Inc•Nashville, TN

About The Position

The Product Developer manages the development of new apparel and accessories from concept through production. The role collaborates closely with the Director of Creative and Product Development, Graphic Artists, Procurement, and Account Managers to ensure products meet quality standards, execution requirements, timelines, and cost objectives. The position leads product development across all merchandising revenue streams and helps deliver an easy merchandise experience for clients. The Product Developer works with designers, clients, account managers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to turn creative concepts into technical specifications and prototypes, source products and production methods, manage costs and timelines, and prepare products for production. The role also maintains product documentation and monitors industry trends, market demands, and competitor offerings.

Requirements

Proficiency with Excel and the Adobe suite.
Experience with design tech packs and printing techniques.
General knowledge of garment development and manufacturing processes.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills for working effectively across cross-functional teams.
Strong organizational and project management skills and attention to detail.
Ability to use minimally complex computer software.
Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment and under pressure, communicate effectively, and meet deadlines.
Courteous and professional demeanor.
Kind, helpful, and servant-hearted approach.
Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Ability to multitask, manage time effectively, and follow up carefully.

Nice To Haves

Enjoyment of a fast-paced work environment.

Responsibilities

Lead the development of new apparel and accessories from initial design concept through final production across all merchandising revenue streams.
Collaborate with the design team, clients, and account managers to translate concepts into technical specifications and prototype samples suited to the client, genre, market, and demographic.
Monitor and manage product costing throughout development to achieve target margins.
Coordinate and document timelines among account managers, the tour team, procurement, ecommerce, and retail teams.
Identify and source blanks and techniques that align with design requirements and internal cost targets.
Source products in support of the design team’s creative direction.
Work with the procurement team to manage vendor and supplier relationships and ensure proper execution and costs.
Conduct quality inspections, communicate findings, and bring products to production-ready status.
Maintain accurate product records and correspondence, including design and tech packs, among manufacturers, the design team, freelancers, procurement, and account managers.
Stay informed about industry trends, market demands, and competitor offerings.