This job reports to the Executive Design Head and is preferably based in Toronto with flex potential.
POSITION SUMMARY: The Product Developer supports the Design, Development, Sourcing and Merchandising teams, to drive the administration, organization, commercialization and execution of best-in-class product, from inception, through prototyping, sampling, pre-production, and the entirety of the GTM calendar. (Including the administrative responsibility for technical specs, fit, fabrication, color, trim, branding, and labeling processes).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The essential duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:
- Work closely with the Head of Design in executing the design process of seasonal apparel collections through tech pack and development.
- Organize the daily workflow that adheres to GTM calendar deliverables & developmental timelines.
- Initiate, execute, update, manage and communicate the BOM (Bill of Materials) for the entire SKU portfolio.
- Facilitate all aspects and organization of the initial prototype samples, fit samples, salesman samples and pre-production samples.
- In partnership with the Lead Designer, establish and manage a component library that includes fabrics, trims, construction details, labels, collateral, and other relevant items.
- Measure and analyze garments to determine compliance of measurements, workmanship, construction, direction, and maintain fit intent.
- Lead fittings and articulate fit or prototype changes and rational to cross-functional partners utilizing visual or verbal communication and or tools.
- Efficiently communicate fit comments inclusive of updated style measurements, construction details in line with fit comment SOP to Sourcing and Merchandising.
- Create and initiate all subsequent systematic sample requests as required inclusive of measurement templates.
- Maintain style data integrity and accuracy in Flex PLM and other relevant PLM software systems.
- Support in the creation and maintenance of fit and construction standards and protocols.
ASSETS & TRAITS:
- Driven by the desire to contribute to the design and development of best-in-class performance athletic apparel.
- Attention to detail, initiative, organization, strong verbal & written communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks & competing priorities.
- Proficient at technical communication with vendors via pattern diagrams, BOM, fit photos, etc.
- Knowledge of Size Grading.
- Knowledge of performance fabrications and constructions.
- Knowledge of lab dip color fastness and execution process.
- Strong applied comprehension of the end-to-end product life cycle.
- Self-motivated, strong sense of urgency, collaborative mindset.
- Ability to work and thrive in a fast-paced, cross-functional team environment.
- Excellent time management, organizational & problem-solving skills.
- Curiosity for change & learning, capable of managing ambiguity.
- Able to conduct fit sessions independently and lead other products as needed.
- Domestic & North American travel flexibility.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- BA, BFS, or BS in Design, Technical design, Fashion Design , Product Management, Product Development or equivalent professional experience.
- 2>5 years of industry experience as a Technical Developer, Product Developer. Junior or Associate Developer in the Activewear, Outerwear, Performance, Running, Golf, Fitness Apparel Wholesale Brand, Brand Name Retail or DTM Brand.
- Working knowledge of contemporary athletic performance fabrics, trims and constructions.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Proficiency in FLEX PLM or similar PLM software.
- Proficiency in relevant BOM software.