Sr. Product Developer

JOB OVERVIEW

Develop product from concept to finished goods.  As a Sr. Product Developer, you'll use your exceptional skills and knowledge of products and processes to bring innovative designs to completion.  Your focus will be to develop quality, on-time, cost efficient products that are an accurate reflection of each brand position leader.

This position reports to the Sr. Product Development Manager out of our Irvine, CA office.   

As the Sr. Product Developer, you will have an opportunity to:.

• Create and maintain comprehensive spec packages that meet the product’s goals for performance, innovation, image, function, and commercial viability.  Continually make sure packages are complete and free from errors. Deliver tech packages to vendors precisely within development calendar time frame.  Receive in product samples precisely within the development calendar time frame and present them to the design and merchandise teams for review.  

• Research and evaluate new methods of assembling a garment and combining materials and manufacturing technology to reach the highest levels of performance, style and quality. Review and prioritize performance, safety, and style to properly incorporate them into products. Visualize performance and styling goals and create solutions to achieve them.   

• Work as part of the Product Development Team made up of the Product Designer and Merchandiser in order to manage and meet design and sample deadlines.  Work with the Team in the initial development phase to ensure that the vendor is accomplishing the originally intended design and details.  This includes all aspects of a product from approving all components, to fit and construction, and through to the production stage.  

• Source materials and trims for each specific product being developed appropriate for each product’s end use. Have and grow knowledge of fabrication and its functionality

• Be available to train and teach Product Developers. 

• Be able to cross over to other category/brands as necessary.

• You will participate in the choosing of appropriate sources for each style with regards to volume, technique, fabrication and cost.  You will receive in costing and work with the Team to achieve margin goals for each style.  At times, you will need to work independently and use your own discretion and judgment that properly represents the brand    

• Maintain documentation of your portion of the product process and make sure this documentation is readily available to others.

• You will research and visit production factories, mills, supply houses, washing and finishing facilities, and showrooms to become familiar with manufacturing supply chain.  You will make recommendations for new working relations for Fox Racing with outside vendors and suppliers and will at times work with the Purchasing/Production team to qualify them.

• You will monitor and track to full accountability, the complete development process with your vendors and suppliers.  You will notify other appropriate departments of critical information that will affect their areas.

• You will travel to foreign countries to visit factories and aid with development and production issues.  You will travel to research new fabrics, trims and techniques.       

• When appropriate, you will attend events for market research such as races, contests and festivals.  You will attend appropriate trade shows and meet with vendors to research trends in materials, color, trims, and manufacturing

You have:

• College Degree in Apparel Design or related course of study.

• Minimum 5 years of product development related experience.

• Accurately create all pages of a spec package including Bill of Materials and construction.

• Ability to use discretion and independent judgment to meet objectives within set timelines.

• Thorough knowledge of Windows platform with an emphasis on Word and Excel.

• Advanced knowledge of a product specification package in Centric PLM

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Manage multiple development projects, across several categories, within the set timeline and meeting the standards set by management.

• Experience in costing and negotiation, forecasting, manufacturing, sewing assembly, materials, and construction techniques

• Assist with the exploration of new construction and manufacturing technologies.

• Ability to execute the development of complete projects, resolve issues and make recommendations to design and merchandising teams. 

• Ability to work across multiple categories/brands, meeting all calendar deadlines and standards set by management. 

• Ability to train and mentor

• Strong attention to detail, ability to think on a conceptual level, with confident decision-making skills and good use of judgment.  Project management and leadership skills are also necessary.

• Excellent time management skills are necessary with superb organization

• Understanding of fit, pattern making, and grading

• Work as part of a team and with a diverse group of people and projects

• Previous work experience in apparel

Pay Range:

The actual annual salary offered to a candidate will be based on variables including experience, geographic location, education, and skills/achievements, and will be mutually agreed upon at the time of offer.

We offer a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits including: medical and dental, vision, disability and life insurance, 401K, PTO, paid holidays, gear discounts and the ability to add value to an exciting mission!

Our Postings are not intended for distribution to or use in any jurisdiction, country or territory where such distribution or use would violate local law or would subject us to any regulations in another jurisdiction, country or territory. We reserve the right to limit our Postings in any jurisdiction, country or territory.

Equal Opportunity Employer Protected Veteran/Disabled