Product Developer

PRTNR Recruiting • Los Angeles, CA

3d

About The Position

The Product Developer will own the seasonal development calendar for a Los Angeles-based premium denim brand and work closely with the Creative Director to bring collections from sales samples through bulk production. The role combines hands-on product development with vendor negotiation, costing, and margin ownership.

The Product Developer will develop sales sample collections; source fabrics and trims; manage wash development, fittings, and sampling with local and overseas factories; and coordinate approvals to ensure samples are timely and meet brand standards. The role also includes maintaining garment tech packs and specifications, managing supplier relationships, negotiating costs and lead times, and guiding approved styles into bulk production.

Requirements

• At least four years of apparel product development experience in the contemporary space.
• Proficiency in Excel.
• Strong understanding of garment construction, technical drawings, and fit comments.
• An eye for the brand’s aesthetic and the ability to carry it through decisions on fabric, wash, fit, and construction.
• Strong organization and communication skills.
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities and handle last-minute changes while keeping deadlines on track.
• Collaborative approach and initiative to find practical solutions when circumstances change or a sample misses the mark.

Responsibilities

• Own the seasonal calendar and critical path, flagging risks early, tracking milestones, and keeping development moving as priorities shift.
• Partner with the Creative Director to develop sales sample (SMS) collections.
• Lead fabric and trim sourcing and development, manage wash development, and oversee weekly fittings.
• Manage sampling with local and overseas factories.
• Coordinate approvals for fit, wash, fabric, trims, and construction to keep samples on time and aligned with brand standards.
• Create and update garment tech packs and deliver complete specifications, fit comments, and bills of materials on schedule.
• Manage relationships with mills, laundries, and factories.
• Negotiate costs, minimum order quantities, and lead times, and manage development changes against margin targets.
• Guide styles into bulk production by verifying that preproduction (PP) and top of production (TOP) samples meet final approved standards.
• Troubleshoot issues, including identifying alternate materials or vendors and proposing construction changes.

What This Job Offers

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