Description:
The Senior Product Developer (SPD) will be responsible for managing the development process of a men's line, by collaborating closely with Design, Merchandisers, Technical Development Manger, and vendors. The role ensures that the design integrity, product quality, and target price are maintained and that products are developed on schedule and delivered within the allocated timeline. The SPD is also responsible for training new PDs, checking other PDs tech packs, helping the TDM with grading, and working closely with the PDM on building out new SOPs and other department updates.
Job Duties & Responsibilities
- Work in partnership with Design Director and Technical Development Manager from initial concept through to initial protos, fit samples, and PP samples.
- Create technical specifications packages in PLM, including technical sketches in AI along with BOM creation and measurement charts.
- Determine best construction options during fittings in tandem with Technical Development Managers and Design Director.
- Propose changes and recommend solutions during development to make for improved products and ensure successful commercialization.
- Communicate all style development progress to the vendor keeping them updated and addressing concerns to ensure accurate delivery of the product.
- Anticipate and identify potential obstacles and issues from all aspects of development, costing & delivery.
- Develop and maintain strong cross-functional relationships with Design, Merchandising, and Production regarding changes/discrepancies/on-time delivery etc.
- Adhere to company’s merchandising calendar to meet calendar timelines.
- Builds repeat sheets/colour standards w/ Design and Merchandiser’s input.
- Participates in live garment fittings with Technical Development Manager and Design Director.
- Findings sheets: assign labels/tags from PLM library.
- Builds and maintains fabric/colour standards library.
- Builds and maintains trims and accessories library.
- Coordinates with vendors on all sample spec checks and fitting results.
- Update and maintain seasonal Tracker to capture all major development milestones.
- Training of new PDs (helping with on boarding and continual oversight of other PDs tech packs and workload).
- Supporting the Technical Development Manager (TDM) with grading measurements.
- Working closely with the Product Development Manager (PDM) to help support the build out of new SOPs and any other department updates in workflow/processes.
Experience, Education & Designations
- 7+ years in apparel product development or related roles.
- College/Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design, Fashion Merchandising, Product Development, Textile Science, or a closely related field.
- Proven experience with multiple product categories (e.g., knit, woven, denim, outerwear) and familiarity with different market segments (e.g., activewear, fashion, performance, lifestyle).
- Experience working with overseas vendors, factories, and sourcing teams.
- Full ownership of the product development lifecycle, including calendar management, costing, tech pack creation, and production approvals.
Knowledge, Skills & Attributes
- Proficient in Production Lifecycle Management system (WFX is an asset).
- Proficient in Adobe Illustrator.
- Advanced in Microsoft office suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.).
- Strong time management skills to meet tight deadlines.
- Knowledge of patternmaking using software applications, construction, grading, garment measurements and POM.
- Deep understanding of textiles, fabric behaviour and performance properties.
- Strong ability to manage complex calendars, track development stages, and meet deadlines.
- Clear, concise communication with internal teams and external vendors, often across cultures and time zones.
- Experience working with design, sourcing, merchandising, and production teams.
- Proven ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
- Consistently exhibit American Tall’s Values - innovation, respect, passion, and commitment.