Product Developer (Temp to Hire)

Image Solutions•Long Beach, CA

11h

About The Position

The Product Developer coordinates and manages apparel product development from initial project intake through costing, sampling, approvals, and production readiness. The role requires knowledge of apparel manufacturing and development processes, strong organization, and the ability to identify challenges and coordinate solutions across departments. It emphasizes project management, sourcing, costing, vendor relationships, and development execution. The Product Developer works closely with Design and Technical Design to communicate, document, and execute product requirements within each department’s area of expertise. This is a temporary-to-hire opportunity, with the potential to transition to regular full-time employment based on business needs and performance. The position manages assigned apparel development projects from customer intake and feasibility review through production handoff; partners with Sales, Account Management, Design, and suppliers; tracks timelines, milestones, records, revisions, and approvals in Centric PLM; evaluates vendor quotations and sourcing options; and coordinates samples and approvals through pre-production.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in apparel product development, sourcing, or a closely related role.
Proven experience managing apparel development from initial product requirements through sampling and production readiness.
Strong understanding of apparel construction, fabrications, trims, manufacturing methods, and quality standards.
Experience requesting and evaluating vendor quotations, reviewing product costs, and managing sourcing considerations.
Experience coordinating with domestic and/or overseas manufacturing partners.
Strong project management skills, including the ability to organize multiple development projects and meet competing deadlines.
Ability to work cross-functionally.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency with PLM systems and Microsoft Office.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Centric PLM.
Experience developing uniforms, workwear, corporate apparel, or custom apparel programs.
Familiarity with screen printing, embroidery, heat transfers, and other apparel decoration methods.
Experience evaluating minimum order quantities, production lead times, freight considerations, and domestic versus overseas sourcing options.
Familiarity with apparel testing, quality assurance processes, and production approval requirements.
Experience in a customer-driven environment managing multiple accounts or product categories.

Responsibilities

Manage assigned apparel development projects from customer intake and feasibility review through costing, sampling, approvals, and production handoff.
Partner with Sales, Account Management, and Design to understand customer requirements, product specifications, target pricing, quantities, and delivery expectations.
Establish and maintain development timelines, communicating and tracking milestones, deliverables, and approvals.
Maintain accurate product development records, revisions, approvals, and milestone tracking within Centric PLM.
Partner with domestic and overseas suppliers to source fabrics, trims, and manufacturing solutions that meet customer requirements.
Review and evaluate vendor quotations, including minimum order quantities, material costs, production lead times, and applicable freight considerations.
Manage sample requests, development tracking, and vendor follow-up from initial prototypes through pre-production approvals.
Coordinate reviews and approvals of samples, fabrics, trims, colors, construction, and functionality with relevant stakeholders; consolidate, document, and communicate feedback to factories.
Maintain organized development references that are accurately labeled and accessible.
Ensure development documentation, including tech packs, BOMs, and PLM data, is accurate, complete, and production ready.
Identify opportunities to improve development processes and team efficiency.