Sr. Product Developer

The Senior Product Developer for Outerwear & Apparel is the lead co-creation partner for Design, responsible for translating design vision into innovative, high-quality products, that embody creativity and technical excellence.

This role is entrusted with the full responsibility of driving, influencing, and managing complex development processes from initial concept through prototyping & commercialization, ensuring meticulous attention to luxury execution, design intent, superior quality and fit.

Critical to success is effective calendar management as well as seamless collaboration and communication with cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional products that meet strategic objectives.

About The Role:

• Drive, manage, and influence the development of assigned outerwear & apparel styles from concept to commercialization, integrating innovation at all stages to optimize efficiency and quality.
• Collaborate closely with Design as a co-creation partner, to bring creative vision to life from concept & prototyping through commercialization. Incorporating innovation such as 3D visualizations when available.
• Drive innovation by staying on the forefront of industry trends and technological advancements.
• Apply deep knowledge of woven & knit materials to influence fit and construction, supported by renders, concept samples etc.
• Oversee the creation of physical samples and prototypes, ensuring they meet established standards, design intent, and calendar deliverables.
• Conduct and lead fittings and style reviews, facilitating clear communication of design and fit requirements to all stakeholders.
• Research and implement fit, material, and construction innovations to drive efficiency gains and enhance product creativity and quality.
• Identify and champion opportunities to reduce sampling and lead times using technologies available from vendors & design team.
• Develop detailed product specifications through accurate Tech Packs, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in manufacturing processes.
• Create and manage Bill of Materials (BOM) to optimize production accuracy and streamline material sourcing ordering.
• Collaborate strategically with Design, Sourcing, Vendors and Quality teams to achieve commercialization and exceed quality goals.
• Partner with Vendors and MD on material development and sourcing strategies to achieve design and cost objectives.
• Collaborate with Sourcing and Finance to conduct cost analysis and margin assessment, balancing design integrity and functionality to meet financial targets effectively.
• Maintain alignment with product calendars, providing transparent status updates and risk analysis to key stakeholders.
• Support Quality Assurance and Sourcing in resolving production issues promptly and efficiently.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives through feedback sharing.
• Collaborate closely with Merchandising and Product Education teams to ensure accurate product information and alignment with market needs.
• Collaborate, partner, and align with other Product Developers to ensure consistency across product type (i.e. construction standards, process, and sharing of best practices) as well as fostering proficiency in garment technology to elevate team capabilities.

About You:

• 5+ years of working experience within an Outerwear & Apparel Development Role
• Education in Industrial Design, Tailored Design, Product Design, Fashion Design preferred
• A Degree in Design is an asset
• Proficiency in PLM, Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator & photoshop.
• Experience with 3D/AI platforms a plus.
• Expertise technical knowledge of woven & knit fabrics including fiber content/compositions, weave/construction, weight, performance characteristics, finishes/techniques and how it relates to proper fit, drape, and comfort.
• Expertise in down construction, layers, & fill in relationship to ease of body
• Experience with cost analysis, production, manufacturing, and sourcing.
• Exceptional communication skills, adept at fostering collaboration across global teams and translating creative visions into tangible outcomes.
• Detail-oriented with robust organizational, time management, and multitasking abilities, essential for managing complex projects and deadlines.
• Experience in leading teams and direct reports
• Proactive problem solver with a passion for continuous improvement and innovation, driven by a commitment to excellence in product development and quality.
• Thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, embodying an entrepreneurial spirit and a dedication to achieving organizational objectives through strategic thinking and collaborative effort.