Product Developer, Softgoods and Accessories

As the Product Developer, you will drive the full product lifecycle, guiding ideas from concept to market launch across softgoods, accessories, trims, and packaging. Leveraging deep knowledge of materials, construction, and development processes, you will create distinctive, high-performing products that balance innovation with commercial success. 

Collaborating cross-functionally with Design, Merchandising, Sourcing, and Production, you’ll ensure every product aligns with brand standards for quality, value, and innovation—reinforcing each brand’s position as a market leader. 

This role reports to the Development Manager and is base onsite in Irvine, CA.

As the Product Developer, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Develop and maintain comprehensive specification packages that accurately capture the product’s design intent, performance criteria, and commercial viability—including all materials, trims, accessories, and packaging components. 

• Deliver tech packs to vendors in accordance with the development calendar to ensure timely sampling and costing. 

• Receive, evaluate, and track product samples—including softgoods, accessories, trims, and packaging—for design accuracy, quality, and production feasibility. 

• Present development samples and cost information to Design, Merchandising, and Management teams for review and approval. 

• Partner with vendors during the initial development and sampling stages to confirm execution aligns with original design details and target cost parameters. 

• Collaborate in fittings with Technical Design, Merchandising, and Design teams; record and communicate comments to vendors. 

• Source, develop, and approve raw materials, trims, embellishments, hardware, and packaging appropriate to product type and brand positioning. 

• Track and manage lab dips, fabric/trim approvals, and packaging prototypes to ensure brand consistency across product lines. 

• Maintain clear and organized product documentation, ensuring visibility and accessibility for internal team members and cross-department partners. 

• Coordinate with vendors and suppliers throughout the development cycle for timely communication of updates, sample approvals, and issue resolution. 

• Potentially travel domestically or internationally to visit factories, inspect developments, review production readiness, and address on-site challenges. 

• Attend appropriate trade shows and vendor meetings to research industry trends in materials, trims, packaging innovation, and manufacturing techniques. 

As a Product Developer, you have the following experience:

• Accurately create all pages of specification packages, including Bill of Materials, construction details, and packaging specs. 

• Strong understanding of both knit and woven fabrics, accessories construction, and packaging materials. 

• Proficiency in Windows-based applications (Word, Excel); PLM experience is a plus. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

• Strong attention to detail combined with conceptual and analytical thinking. 

• Effective time management skills and ability to balance multiple priorities. 

• Solid understanding of fit, pattern, construction, and finishing techniques. 

• Highly collaborative and comfortable working within cross-functional teams. 

• Enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the Action Sports and Lifestyle industries. 

• Self-starter capable of executing projects independently and meeting multiple deadlines. 

Required Education, Experience, and Skills 

• Associate’s Degree in Apparel Design, Product Development, or related field required; Bachelor’s preferred. 

• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in product development, including soft goods, trims, accessories, and/or packaging. 

• Experience with Centric PLM is a plus. 

• Strong working knowledge of costing, sourcing, negotiation, manufacturing processes, and material performance. 

• Familiar with color management, sewing and assembly techniques, and packaging functionality. 

• Proven ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment to meet objectives within set timelines. 

• Collaborative mindset with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work across diverse teams and projects. 

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