Product Developer - Wide Open
About The Position
Cabot Hosiery Mills is seeking a Product Developer dedicated to the Wide Open brand. The role supports the Product Development Manager and Design team in developing products from concept through manufacturing, creating solutions that meet the needs of Wide Open consumers and cross-functional partners. The Product Developer manages the full sampling timeline from prototype through production hand-off and connects the brand team with the broader development organization. The position works with internal teams and external partners to develop and review products, gather consumer insights, finalize artwork and technical specifications, manage project timelines, coordinate special processes, and guide design concepts. It also supports product information management, knit block development, programming and sampling, fit assessment, technical documentation and approvals, customer service, and tracking prototypes and materials. Domestic and international travel may be required for product development and vendor collaboration. The role requires regular onsite presence in a manufacturing environment, with exposure to machinery, noise, and other adverse conditions. The position includes travel among organizational sites and occasional additional travel. The job description notes that duties and expectations may change and that reasonable accommodations will be considered for individuals with disabilities.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Patternmaking/Apparel Manufacturing, Textiles/Knitwear Design, Industrial Design, or Mechanical Engineering; alternatively, a bachelor's degree in any discipline combined with extensive soft goods product development experience.
- Minimum of 5 years of development experience in apparel or soft goods/accessories.
- In-depth knowledge of knit construction and patternmaking/grading.
- Strong knowledge of factory production processes and circular and flatbed knit machinery.
- Understanding of sock or hosiery manufacturing enterprises.
- Ability to think in three dimensions and work independently while collaborating effectively with others.
- Self-motivated, creative problem solver who is persistent and solutions-oriented.
- Experience managing complex, cross-functional projects.
- Comfort working hands-on with samples, including measuring, taping, and marking them up.
- Solid command of Adobe Creative Suite, PLM, and Microsoft Office.
- Strong organizational, time-management, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to adjust communication style for different audiences.
- Experience working with cross-functional partners to gather information and set expectations effectively.
- Ability to provide critical feedback on product function.
- Ability to lift at least 25 pounds.
- Ability to manage competing and changing priorities.
- Ability to travel locally to organizational sites and locations; occasional travel as needed.
- Regular onsite presence to support cross-functional collaboration, employee engagement, and operational effectiveness.
Nice To Haves
- Outdoor participation in hiking, running, skiing, and/or snowboarding.
Responsibilities
- Partner with the Product Development Manager to develop Wide Open products from design concept through manufacturing for B2B and D2C channels.
- Work with the Wide Open Brand Manager and VP of Product and Innovation to develop and review brand and product information for future planning and investment decisions.
- Partner with the Wide Open Brand Manager and Consumer Insights Manager to gather consumer insights, recommend actions, and present findings to the Wide Open management team.
- Partner with Designers to finalize artwork and technical specifications for prototype packages in alignment with the seasonal calendar.
- Partner with Marketing, Sales, E-Commerce, Planning, Procurement, and external partners to develop and manage timelines for Wide Open projects.
- Coordinate special process requirements for projects from initial design through shipment.
- Advise the Wide Open management team on viable design concepts that meet consumer and brand goals.
- Partner with the Product Line Manager to manage external-facing product information, including SKU data and finished-goods features.
- Collaborate with Product Developers and the Knit Technician to create and evaluate Knit Blocks each season.
- Collaborate with the Programming & Sampling team to develop creative product solutions aligned with design scope.
- Conduct and lead fit sessions using a live model to assess fit, proportion, knit, style, and quality, and identify and address fit issues.
- Manage tech packs, fit approvals, Sales Kits, Pre-Pro, and TOP approval processes accurately and on schedule; track progress through internal shared reports.
- Provide support to Customer Service as requested.
- Communicate clearly with internal and external partners to support product execution.
- Track and organize incoming prototypes and materials.
- Travel domestically and internationally for development and collaboration with existing and new vendors as needed.
- Perform other duties as requested.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
