Apparel Product Developer

Product Developer For Apparel

The Product Developer for apparel is a full-time position based in Farmers Branch, TX. An Apparel Product Developer at Varsity Spirit is responsible for successfully driving the development of seasonal products from concept through production readiness. You will work extensively with Design, Sourcing, Planning, Sampling, QA, and internal / external manufacturing partners.

The Product Developer manages the effective implementation and distribution of new products for their organizations; handles launch aspects and verifies that quality control complies with all project requirements. The Product Developer will help deliver approved projects on time, within budget, and with quality results.

The responsibilities include:

• Collaborate closely with the Design and Category Management teams to understand product vision, direction, and strategic intent.
• Align with Design and Category Management on project timelines, ensuring adherence to milestones and deliverables.
• Partner with internal and external Material Developers to support the development of new materials, trims, and fabrics.
• Work with Product Compliance and QA Testing teams to ensure all products meet the required quality standards and release criteria.
• Prepare, deliver, and communicate complete and accurate technical packages (Tech Packs) to manufacturing partners.
• Troubleshoot design, material, and trim challenges to achieve the intended product outcome.
• Collaborate with Product Quality teams to ensure all assigned projects meet Varsity Spirit's quality expectations.
• Work with Design and Engineering teams to transition prototypes into cost‑efficient, scalable, high‑volume production.
• Coordinate with internal teams and manufacturing partners to guide products from prototypes through successful production.
• Partner with the Supply Chain team to deliver profitable, high‑quality products to customers.
• Monitor the status of new products to ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.
• Evaluate product operations and design execution to ensure alignment with manufacturing and design principles.
• Analyze production processes and recommend improvements that support cost reduction and quality enhancement.
• Identify design failures and recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Communicate product status to senior management and prepare clear, accurate reports as needed.

Qualifications:

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

· The ability to communicate in an open and honest way that quickly builds trust and respect.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office, PLM, and AS400 with an aptitude for learning latest programs.

· Solid understanding of product development processes is necessary.

· Excellent analytical, verbal, and written skills with strong attention to detail.

· Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle critical deadlines/prioritize work and business processes and able to multi-task regularly.

· Must have affinity for problem solving, exposure or experience in Manufacturing, Quality Excellence, Strategic thinking, listen to our internal customers, and perform in the most professional manner.

· The ideal candidate should be flexible during times of change, comprehend business operation, and provide quality insight on how to achieve goals and ensure business success.

· Participate in continuous improvement projects and lean principles, ideally within apparel manufacturing.

· Bilingual is a PLUS. (English/Spanish).

Education/

Experience:

· College degree in Fashion, Business Administration, Project Management, Engineering, or experience required.

· 2-4 years of related product development including design and manufacturing.

· Experience communicating via virtual meetings with Microsoft Teams, Citrix Webex, Zoom, Go To Meeting .

· Experience with Outlook calendar scheduling a plus.

· Experience in PLM, OMS and AS400 a plus

Physical Demands:

· This is a 70% sedentary role and 30% active;
It is necessary for this role to walk in all the departments to follow up on completion of assignments and check on all samples.

· This position requires 20% Domestic and International Travel

· This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

Varsity Brands companies are equal opportunity employers. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran's status, age or disability.