About the position
The Product Developer for Hard Goods & Apparel is responsible for driving the end-to-end development process of both hard goods and apparel products, from concept through production. This role collaborates cross-functionally with design, sourcing, merchandising, and manufacturing teams to deliver innovative, high-quality, and market-relevant products that align with brand vision and business goals.
Responsibilities
- Lead the full product lifecycle for hard goods and apparel, including ideation, prototyping, development, and production.
- Collaborate with design and technical teams to translate concepts into manufacturable products, ensuring feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and quality.
- Develop and manage tech packs, specifications, and bills of materials (BOMs) for all products.
- Oversee the creation and evaluation of prototypes and samples, conducting fit sessions and product testing to ensure standards are met.
- Conduct market research and analyze customer feedback to validate product ideas and identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.
- Monitor industry trends, competitor offerings, and consumer preferences to inform product development strategies.
- Work closely with sourcing, production, and quality teams to ensure timely and successful product launches.
- Communicate with vendors and manufacturing partners, both domestically and internationally, to source materials and manage production timelines.
- Partner with merchandising and sales teams to align product development with business objectives and go-to-market strategies.
- Manage development calendars, track milestones, and ensure all critical deadlines are met.
- Analyze costs, negotiate with suppliers, and develop pricing models to achieve margin targets.
- Maintain accurate documentation and systems for all stages of product development.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Product Design, Fashion Design, Industrial Design, Merchandising, or a related field.
- 3+ years of experience in product development, with exposure to both hard goods and apparel preferred.
- Strong understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, garment construction, and technical specifications.
- Excellent project management, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to analyze market trends and translate them into commercially viable products.
- Experience working with cross-functional teams and managing vendor relationships.
- Proficiency in relevant design and PLM software is a plus.
