Product Developer - Hard Goods & Apparel

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are looking for a highly motivated Product Developer for Hard Goods and Apparel to lead and manage the division’s efforts in product development, sourcing, and commercialization for all product categories, including yoga mats, towels, props, accessories, mat wash and apparel.

The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of the entire development and production process from design concept to commercialization, as well as a passion and enthusiasm for yoga, technical sports products, performance wear and eco-friendly initiatives.

This person should have previous experience working with domestic / international suppliers and factories, including small batch to mass production runs, and a strong network of sourcing relationships.

Primary Job Function and Responsibilities

As a Developer, you will be responsible for the development of product, and will oversee all development-related activity for these products from design hand-off through production.

Categories include yoga mats, towels, props, accessories, mat wash and apparel.

Manage accuracy and delivery of product development tech packs hand off from Design through all product lifecycle stages including prototype development, ensuring updated communication of comments and changes to appropriate parties (designers, suppliers, vendors), to final production signoff.

Oversee all follow-up within systems, and with internal / external teams.

• Working in collaboration with the Category Directors, the Developer must ensure products meet or exceed the expectations of users in accordance with industry best practices.
• Must flawlessly oversee and execute on seasonal development timelines, and in accordance with the corporate critical path and go-to-market calendar.
• Will work closely with Category Directors to negotiate and achieve costs that meet or exceed category margin and revenue requirements.

Takes proactive approach to seek out and suggest cost-savings alternatives during the development process, ensuring uncompromised product integrity, category objectives and profitability.

• Oversee all review meetings specific to assigned products / styles, including prepared agenda, organized, and thoughtfully presented samples / prototypes and relevant information (vendor updates, cost, margin vs margin goal, meeting recap, etc).
• Build and improve upon Product Development, Commercialization and Costing SOP’s, as well as maintain accurate BOM’s for all products in development and production.
• Nurture, source and develop vendor-based world class factories and raw material suppliers; building long-term relationships that support the brand objectives in terms of product, cost, quality, sustainability, and innovation.
• Ability to execute, develop and articulate strategy with materials suppliers, factory owners, managers, and staff.
• Manage salesperson sample orders process and ensure accurate pre-production and top of production samples are approved, archived, and communicated to internal and external parties.
• Drive vendor compliance and testing standards to ensure that all required testing and documentation are provided in accordance with the seasonal development calendar and further ensure testing requirements adhere to our high standards of social and product responsibility.
• Awareness of current industry trends, new technologies, sustainable materials, and sourcing improvements for all new and current products.

Skills and Requirements

• Proficiency with basic computer applications (i.e., Excel, MS Word, MS Outlook,) are required.
• Strong Photoshop and Illustrator skills and experience with 3D design programs are required.
• CAD and Rhino File knowledge and / or 3D printing of Hard Goods Rapid Prototyping experience a plus.
• Significant experience in Global Supply Chains, with an intimate knowledge of hardgoods manufacturing and working knowledge of apparel performance wear.
• Expert level knowledge of technical materials, physical properties standards, and testing protocols for all levels performance product (rubbers, plastics, chemical compounds, metals, waterproof systems, technical textiles, etc.).
• Understanding and knowledge of eco-friendly processes, restricted substances (RSL), and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies and procedures.
• Passionate about our planet, sustainability and driving the highest environmental standards to make cutting edge consumer product.
• Must be organized and work well in a team environment, displaying curiosity, innovative thinking, collaborative spirit, personal drive, and initiative on the job.
• Able to execute tasks independently but with some guidance; strong problem-solving abilities, organizational and planning skills are required.

Must be solution minded and fiercely deadline oriented.

Must have ability to communicate technical product issues clearly, concisely, and accurately in both written and verbal form;

ability to facilitate meetings, as necessary.

Experience in collaborating with overseas suppliers and travel.

Education and Experience

• 5 + years' experience designing and developing innovative equipment products, within sporting goods industry required.
• Must have proven ability to understand design concepts, print development, and have a track record of developing products that meet all development objectives (from design, costing, quality, and delivery).
• Previous development experience within sports, fitness, and lifestyle brand space, is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in industrial design or engineering preferred.
• Willing to travel.

Physical Requirements

• Seeing : Must be able to see well enough to read reports.
• Hearing : Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with customers, vendors, and employees.
• Standing / Walking : Must be able to move about company building.
• Climbing / Stooping / Kneeling : Must be able to stoop or kneel to pick up products.
• Lifting / Pulling / Pushing : Must be able to lift up to ten pounds.
• Fingering / Grasping / Feeling : Must be able to type and use technical sources.

Local candidates only. This is a hybrid role and will be working from the El Segundo office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Candidates should also include a cover letter and portfolio.