Senior Technical Apparel Developer

Pendleton Woolen Mills Inc•Portland, OR

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Pendleton is seeking a Senior Apparel Developer to lead the technical development of assigned apparel styles from concept through production approval. This role serves as the key technical expert on construction, fit, manufacturability, and costing, ensuring each product meets quality, consistency, and margin expectations. The position offers the opportunity to shape and elevate construction and fit standards, contributing to the evolution of development processes, tools, and ways of working. The Senior Apparel Developer will work on products with long lifecycles and a strong emphasis on quality and craftsmanship, partnering closely with design, sourcing, product management, and leadership.

Requirements

6+ years of Technical Development experience within apparel brands focused on quality, construction, and product integrity heritage, lifestyle, or premium apparel brands.
Strong working knowledge of apparel development, sourcing, manufacturing, and costing.
Proven experience owning fit, specs, and development timelines from concept through bulk.
Deep understanding of garment construction, grading, and fit evaluation.
Strong communication and problem-solving skills with the ability to influence cross-functional partners.
Growth mindset and curiosity to continuously improve processes and tools.
Appreciation for craftsmanship and passion for building quality product.
Degree in Apparel Development, Patternmaking, Apparel Engineering, or related field.
Proficiency in Product Data Management systems and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM).
Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, and 3D development tools such as CLO.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new project management tools.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the development process for assigned styles from concept through bulk production approval.
Partner closely with Design to articulate fit intent, aesthetic, and construction into accurate patterns, prototypes, and production specifications.
Own and maintain all technical documentation for each style within the PLM system.
Plan, track, and manage development calendars, ensuring on-time prototype execution and production readiness.
Lead fit sessions, providing clear analysis and actionable input to support consistent fit across categories.
Ensure all products align with Pendleton fit standards, size consistency, and quality expectations.
Recommend appropriate constructions, materials, and manufacturing methods that balance durability, aesthetics, cost, and production efficiency.
Own development stage costing for assigned styles in partnership with Sourcing and Product Management.
Build and maintain accurate BOM costs, including materials, trims, labor, and construction complexity.
Evaluate cost drivers throughout development and proactively recommend cost engineering solutions that maintain product integrity and brand standards.
Support margin targets by identifying opportunities for material substitutions, construction efficiencies, and vendor optimization.
Protect and elevate Pendleton’s fit standards across categories.
Engineer products that balance beauty, durability, and cost integrity.
Partner with vendors to review and validate cost breakdowns, negotiate improvements, and ensure transparency.
Ensure cost accuracy from prototype through bulk production, addressing variances and risks early.
Provide expert-level guidance on fit, construction, and manufacturability to cross-functional partners.
Contribute to the development and refinement of departmental standards, best practices, and process improvements.
Lead or support special projects related to process optimization, calendar efficiency, and tools adoption.
Collaborate closely with vendors and manufacturing partners, including periodic overseas travel as required.