Senior Product Developer
About The Position
Rhoback is seeking an experienced and proactive Senior Product Developer to help lead seasonal product development across multiple categories and overlapping timelines, from initial concept through production hand‑off. This role plays a critical part in driving execution at scale, ensuring that materials, trims, tech packs, samples, and approvals are delivered on time and meet quality standards. As a senior member of the Product Development team, you will collaborate closely with Design, Technical Design, Production, and a global vendor base to support sourcing strategies, vendor onboarding, and dual‑sourcing initiatives. You will balance strategic oversight with hands‑on execution, while helping to align priorities, manage complexity, and maintain a seamless development process. This role reports to the Product Development Manager and is based full‑time onsite at Rhoback’s Charlottesville, VA headquarters.
Requirements
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence cross‑functional partners and support team development.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and complex development timelines in a fast‑paced environment.
- Deep understanding of the end‑to‑end product development process, including fabrics, trims, packaging, and fit.
- Advanced problem‑solving skills with the ability to navigate sourcing shifts, vendor challenges, and external market factors.
- Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and process discipline.
- Clear and effective communicator across internal teams and external vendor partners.
- Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on execution.
- Proactive mindset with the ability to anticipate issues and drive solutions independently.
- Collaborative, team‑first approach with a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
- 7+ years of product development experience, preferably within apparel or soft goods.
- Proven track record of vendor management, including onboarding and maintaining global factory relationships.
- Demonstrated experience managing multiple seasons and categories within a fast‑paced, growth‑oriented environment.
- Proficiency in PLM systems, BOM management, and product development tracking tools (Centric PLM experience preferred).
- Strong understanding of sourcing, costing, and production considerations.
- Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising, Apparel Development, or a related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
Nice To Haves
- Centric PLM experience preferred
Responsibilities
- Lead development efforts across multiple overlapping seasons and product categories, managing complex calendars and shifting priorities.
- Support the Product Development Manager in seasonal costing strategy and vendor negotiations to help achieve target FOBs while maintaining product quality and margin goals.
- Assist in reviewing cost breakdowns, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and tracking pricing updates throughout development and production stages.
- Help monitor and maintain seasonal costing trackers, margin updates, and vendor communication to ensure accuracy and organization throughout the development process.
- Partner with Design and Technical Design to ensure tech packs are complete, accurate, and ready for release.
- Oversee material and trim development, including lab dips, strike‑offs, and packaging, coordinating approvals and timelines.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with global vendors, including onboarding new factories and supporting dual‑sourcing strategies.
- Collaborate with Sourcing to manage cost negotiations, minimum order quantities (MOQs), and product testing requirements.
- Ensure BOM (Bill of Materials) accuracy and alignment across systems throughout the development lifecycle.
- Monitor time and action (T&A) milestones, proactively identifying risks and driving solutions to stay on schedule.
- Support and provide guidance to Product Development team members, helping balance workloads and ensure deliverables are met.
- Act as a liaison across Product Development, Technical Design, and cross‑functional teams to maintain alignment and executional excellence.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
