Product Developer

SanMar- External • Issaquah, WA

10d • $33 - $38 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Product Developer supports the development process from the initial concept to the commercialized product, and is responsible for fabric/trim approvals, color, testing, sample reviews, costing, and compliance documents. This role supports the product creation process through a complete cycle, driving development of fabric, trims, and styles to facilitate prototype approval during product development. The Product Developer will build and maintain the Product Development portion of technical product specifications (BOM, trims, labels, packaging, and associated technical images as needed). They will partner with Regional Offices and Sr/PD Managers to drive costing quotes and help deliver product margin for new developments, resourcing, and cost improvements. The role involves managing lab-dip requests to vendors, collaborating with the Color and Merchandising team on timely Lab-Dip and Bulk Color submissions, and executing testing requirements on new and resourced development styles with the PI team & Decorator Relations team. Maintaining all tested materials, samples, and tracking testing reports, and communicating results to suppliers, QA, and Merchandisers is also key. The Product Developer will monitor development deliverables of the Product Creation Calendar across the cross-functional team, manage the ELC chart and maintain seasonal costing quotes with managers’ guidance, and provide costing comparisons on developments to Merchandising. Reviewing and commenting on Pre-Production/Top of Production samples with Tech Design partners, executing the photo shoot and salesman samples process on a seasonal basis, and ensuring complete review of quality and color are essential. The role also manages Compliance/Classification/Safety requirements for products in the development cycle, resolves production and delivery issues, supports process improvement and on-time delivery, and maintains the fabric swatch library, top-of-production sample library, style files, and sample racks. Proofreading marketing materials for accuracy of all content, administering the resourcing process of current products and programs, and maintaining change logs and product databases are also part of the responsibilities. Periodic domestic and/or international travel may be required. The employee must comply with all policies and standards and perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 6+ years in product development and production management, or equivalent education
• Understanding of the garment and textile manufacturing processes.
• Knowledgeable in component costing, including garment construction, raw material options, and landing factors
• Basic understanding of international trade agreements, duty & tariff, customs regulations, and product safety standards
• Ability to learn and understand promotional industry and decoration viability
• Embrace and value collaboration, teamwork, and collective ideation.
• Work cooperatively and enthusiastically to proactively achieve shared goals and self-manage while taking initiative.
• Collaborate with cross-functional team members and drive positive changes.
• Seek continuous improvement and build decision making capacities with direction from teammates and managers.
• Have a thorough understanding of development calendar to meet or exceed all deadlines
• Ability to prioritize tasks and workload effectively for workflow, especially during high-demand situations
• Embody accuracy, organization, and attention to detail, growing verbal, written, and visual communication skills

Responsibilities

• Support the product creation process through a complete cycle, driving development of fabric, trims, and styles to facilitate prototype approval during product development.
• Build and maintain the Product Development portion of technical product specifications (BOM, trims, labels, packaging, and associated technical images as needed).
• Partner with Regional Offices and Sr/PD Managers to drive costing quotes and help deliver product margin for new developments, resourcing, and cost improvements.
• Manage lab-dip requests to vendors, collaborating with Color and Merchandising team on timely Lab-Dip and Bulk Color submissions.
• Execute testing requirements on new and resourced development styles with the PI team & Decorator Relations team.
• Maintain all tested materials, samples, and track testing reports. Communicate results to suppliers, QA, Merchandisers.
• Monitor development deliverables of Product Creation Calendar across the cross-functional team.
• Manage ELC chart and maintain seasonal costing quotes with managers’ guidance. Provide costing comparisons on developments to Merchandising.
• Review and comment on Pre-Production/Top of Production samples with Tech Design partners.
• Execute photo shoot and salesman samples process on a seasonal basis, ensuring complete review of quality and color.
• Manage Compliance/Classification/Safety requirements for products in the development cycle.
• Resolve production and delivery issues, supporting process improvement and on-time delivery.
• Maintain the fabric swatch library, top-of-production sample library, style files, and sample racks.
• Proofread marketing materials for accuracy of all content.
• Administer the resourcing process of current products and programs. Maintain change logs and product databases.
• Travel domestically and/or internationally may be required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Comply with all policies and standards.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 401k plan and matches $1 for $1 up to 4% of earnings, matched & vested at every pay cycle
• Life insurance
• Short/long-term disability coverage
• Paid maternity/paternity leave
• Pet insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed