Outerknown · 3 months ago
Product Developer
Carlsbad, CA, US
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$80K/yr - $90K/yr
5+ years expOuterknown is deeply committed to creating a world where people and the planet prosper. They are seeking a detail-oriented and innovative Product Developer with a strong understanding of the apparel market to manage the product development process from concept to commercialization.
ApparelFashion
Responsibilities
Manage the end-to-end product development process for assigned categories, ensuring timelines, quality, and cost targets are met
Partner with merchandisers, designers and production team to translate concepts into commercially viable, high-quality products
Leverage fabric expertise to recommend materials and finishes that align with performance, durability, and aesthetic goals
Ensure that all product information is accurate in Backbone and Full Circle systems at all times during life cycle of the product and share updates of Tech Packs to the vendors
Attend fittings and share visual comments to vendors
Manage the prototype and sampling process, ensuring timely reviews, comments, approvals, and delivery that align with the brand vision and quality standards
Partner with Technical Design and Production teams to communicate factory deadlines and approval processes, ensuring timely and high-quality product execution
Collaborate with mills and suppliers to source and develop fabrics and trims, ensuring compliance with performance, sustainability, and cost requirements
Maintain seasonal materials and oversee approvals for fabrics, washes, trims, and colors between Design and vendors
Conduct fabric and trims testing and evaluations, ensuring materials meet brand and industry standards
Stay informed on fabric and trims trends and innovations, particularly in the lifestyle and surf markets, to drive product differentiation
Manage and communicate raw-material lead-time at development and ensuring viable for bulk
Take full ownership of specific categories, from initial development to final handoff to production
Analyze market trends and competitive benchmarks to identify opportunities for growth and innovation within your assigned categories
Establish and maintain strong partnerships with vendors, mills, and factories to ensure seamless development and production processes
Negotiate costs, lead times, and production schedules to optimize efficiency while maintaining quality standards
Regularly evaluate vendor performance, providing feedback and making recommendations for improvements or changes as necessary
Collaborate with vendors to troubleshoot and resolve any development or production challenges
Travel domestically and internationally, as needed, to build relationships, monitor development and ensure product standards are met
Ensure the alignment of product vision, quality, and functionality with the goal of minimizing environmental impacts
Partner with Interim Development Manager to execute product development strategies with a responsible purchasing mindset, minimizing waste from over-sampling and over-development
Ensure sustainable practices are embedded in every stage of the product development process, prioritizing practicality and efficiency
Encourage innovative solutions to reduce environmental impacts while maintaining design and quality standards
Demonstrate a passion for sustainability in all aspects of product development
Foster a high-performing, team-oriented, and cross-functional work environment
Provide leadership and mentorship to teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
Qualification
Required
Minimum 5 years apparel production/sourcing experience in domestic and international production
Demonstrate expertise in managing global supply chains and production processes
Experience in product development with deep knowledge of performance materials and trims
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Proficient in creating and managing tech packs, with a strong background in product development
Detail, skilled and highly organized at prioritizing multiple tasks and managing seasonal workflows to ensure deadlines and quality standards are met
Strong negotiation skills
Good people management
Strong team orientation
Proven experience having travelled and worked extensively with factories overseas
Company
Outerknown
Outerknown is an Apparel & Fashion based company.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
John Moore
Co-Founder & Chief Creative
Recent News
EIN Presswire
2025-06-12
Outdoor Innovation Awards
2025-05-17
COOL HUNTING®
2025-04-23
Company data provided by crunchbase