Product Developer

L.L. Bean, Inc.•Freeport, ME

36d•Onsite

About The Position

At L.L.Bean, we believe the outdoors brings out the best in all of us. We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging and creating safe, inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome-both here and Outside. We value individual differences and are dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment where everyone can bring the best of their experience and talents and truly thrive. L.L.Bean is seeking a Product Developer I to support the execution of line development and grow toward full ownership of a product category. In this role, you will collaborate with design, merchandising, and sourcing teams to ensure a smooth product development process. Responsibilities include managing systems, processes, samples, and quality standards to deliver exceptional products. This role requires a minimum of three days in the office at our Headquarters in Freeport, Maine.

Requirements

BA/BS preferred
1-3 years of relevant experience required
Fabric/textile experience required
Proven understanding of the end-to-end product development process
Strong ability to build cross-functional relationships and communicate effectively

Responsibilities

Conduct Market & customer research through focus groups, vendor/mill visits & field testing.
Travel to trade shows for material sourcing.
Travel to factories and mills to research construction techniques and material innovation.
Works with raw materials to identify new fabric development needs. Provide fabric development needs to mills and/or raw materials suppliers to develop materials that meet strategic direction and cost.
Ensure Corp Merchant's vision is met through development of products that meet cost & margin targets, including attention to materials, construction, fit, wear/lab testing, performance & function.
Develop/drive calendar to meet development timelines, production plans and delivery schedules for products and raw materials. Monitor to ensure all deadlines are met.
Collaborates with key partners to ensure fabric selection meets original product intent.
Ensures fabric selection passes lab testing; meets cost target; is commercially viable and meets the original Design intent for hand feel, drape aesthetic.
Works with key partners to determine vendors, ensuring best price, construction, quality, design, and cost/value relationship standards.
Partners with Sourcing to review product costing, negotiate pricing and provide input to vendor performance management.
Provides input into product research & testing, quality & fit specification to maintain product quality and reduce return rates.
Partners with Graphics to develop and execute labels/hangtags/packaging.
Maintains systems to support the development process.
Incorporates packaging & hangtag requirements into product specifications.
Resolves problems & trouble shooting issues as they arise.
Maintains consistent flow of information to key partners including Merchandising, Design, Sourcing & Technical Design to ensure that key aspects of the product are clearly communicated.
Manage low to medium (size and/or complexity) demand center, while also providing support & coordination for the team.
Makes sound and timely decisions for activities within own area of responsibility, consulting others as appropriate.
Facilitates cross-functional communications. Solicits input and influences decisions.
Performs moderately complex analysis of data. Identifies trends. Makes suggestions.
Actively learns and applies new skills, techniques, and procedures. Continuously keeps knowledge current and seeks opportunities to broaden and enhance cross-functional expertise.
Identifies issues within the context of own job which require decisions or other action. Recognizes early warning signs and opportunities and acts.
Makes innovative suggestions and tries new approaches.
Verbally delivers engaging and clear presentations to leave audience with deeper understanding and knowledge. Includes appropriate level of detail for all audiences, including senior-level managers.
Proactively leverages written communications to keep others informed. Writes with clarity, succinctness and persuasiveness for the intended audience.
Builds collaborative relationships to support win-win outcomes. Sought out as a trusted expert. Effectively advocates for ideas but also remains open to others. Demonstrates high discretion and accountability.
Tasks are a balance of strategic and tactical.
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

If you care about the outdoors, joining L.L.Bean is a great way to feel good about what you do. Our benefits package makes a good thing even better, with programs and perks designed to support your health and financial goals. Plus, maintaining a healthy work-life balance and re-charging outside are all part of the plan.

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