Sr. Apparel Product Developer

Varsity Brands•Farmers Branch, TX

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Apparel Product Developer at Varsity Brands is responsible for successfully driving the development of seasonal products from concept through production readiness. You will be the expert for your category and will work with internal / external teams where you are the business driver for successful product launch. You will work extensively with Merchandising, Sourcing, Planning, Sampling, QA, and internal / external manufacturing partners. The Senior Apparel Product Developer will manage product lines within Varsity Brands. They will manage and execute the effective implementation and distribution of new products for their organizations, drive and execute launch aspects, and verify that quality control complies with all project requirements. The Senior Apparel Product Developer will deliver approved projects on time, within budget, and with quality results.

Requirements

Apparel technical expert as it relates to construction, fit, and function.
Knowledge of fabrics is a must. Including circular, warp, woven.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, PLM, and AS400 with an aptitude for learning latest programs.
Extensive knowledge of product development processes is necessary.
Excellent analytical, verbal, and written skills with strong attention to detail.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle critical deadlines/prioritize work and business processes and able to multi-task regularly.
Must have affinity for problem solving, exposure or experience in Manufacturing, Quality Excellence, Strategic thinking, listen to our internal customers, and perform in the most professional manner.
The ideal candidate should be flexible during times of change, comprehend business operation and provide quality insight on how to achieve goals and ensure business success.
Participate in continuous improvement projects and lean principles, ideally within apparel manufacturing.
College degree in Fashion, Business Administration, Project Management, Engineering, or experience required.
5 - 8 years of related product development to include design and manufacturing.
Experience communicating via virtual meetings with Microsoft Teams, Citrix Webex, Zoom, GoToMeeting.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual is a PLUS. (English/Spanish)
Experience with Outlook calendar scheduling a plus.
Experience in PLM, OMS and AS400 a plus

Responsibilities

Work closely with the Licensing Merchandising and Category Management Teams to understand the vision and direction of the product.
Be the go-to expert in your assigned category.
Work with the project manager and be the go-to expert on the commercialization calendar.
Work with your internal teams, other internal teams, and manufacturing partners to advance a product from prototype stages to successful production.
Bring technical knowledge to the team as it relates to your product and product category.
Work with Costing Teams, both externally and internally, to bring profitable products to the market.
Work with your team and the factories to analysis product changes if costing does not meet expectations, communicate recommended changes to Merchandising.
Work with the Merchandising and Category Management Teams to clearly understand the project timeline and adhere to milestones and deliverables.
Work with design and engineering to help transition design prototypes into cost-efficient and high-volume products.
Troubleshoot design, material, and trim details to execute the desired design and product.
Work with Category Management Team to deliver and communicate technical packages (Tech Packs) to our manufacturing partners.
Works closely with the supply chain team to bring successful, profitable, and quality products to our customers.
Works closely with Product Quality Teams to ensure that all assigned projects meet the demanding standards of Varsity Brands.
Works with internal and external testing labs to ensure the product hurdles all quality parameters for product release.
Partners closely with internal and external Material Developers to effectively develop new materials, trims, and fabric.
Monitor status of all new products and ensure effective execution of projects according to required policies, procedures, and government regulations.
Monitor operations of products and evaluate designs to ensure adherence to all design and manufacture principles.
Analyze and recommend improvements to all production processes and methods to facilitate cost reduction and quality improvement.
Analyze and recommend corrective action in case of any design failure.
Coordinate with senior management to maintain knowledge of product status and prepare appropriate reports.