Product Developer, Softgoods and Accessories

Job Description

As the Product Developer, you will drive the full product lifecycle, guiding ideas from concept to market launch across softgoods, accessories, trims, and packaging. Leveraging deep knowledge of materials, construction, and development processes, you will create distinctive, high-performing products that balance innovation with commercial success.

Collaborating cross-functionally with Design, Merchandising, Sourcing, and Production, you’ll ensure every product aligns with brand standards for quality, value, and innovation—reinforcing each brand’s position as a market leader.

This role reports to the Development Manager and is base onsite in Irvine, CA.

• Develop andmaintaincomprehensive specification packages that accurately capture the product’s design intent, performance criteria, and commercialviability—including all materials, trims, accessories, and packaging components.

• Deliver tech packs to vendorsin accordance withthe development calendar to ensuretimelysampling and costing.

• Receive, evaluate, and track product samples—includingsoftgoods, accessories, trims, and packaging—for design accuracy, quality, and production feasibility.

• Present development samples and cost information to Design, Merchandising, and Management teams for review and approval.

• Partner with vendors during theinitialdevelopment and sampling stages to confirm execution aligns with original design details and target cost parameters.

• Collaborate in fittings with Technical Design, Merchandising, and Design teams; record and communicate comments to vendors.

• Source, develop, and approve raw materials, trims, embellishments, hardware, and packagingappropriate toproduct type and brand positioning.

• Track and manage lab dips, fabric/trim approvals, and packaging prototypes to ensure brand consistency across product lines.

• Maintain clear and organized product documentation, ensuring visibility and accessibility for internal team members and cross-department partners.

• Coordinate with vendors and suppliers throughout the development cycle fortimelycommunication of updates, sample approvals, and issue resolution.

• Potentially travel domestically or internationally to visit factories, inspect developments, review production readiness, and address on-site challenges.

• Attendappropriate trade shows and vendor meetings to research industry trends in materials, trims, packaging innovation, and manufacturing techniques.

• Accurately create all pages of specification packages, including Bill of Materials, construction details, and packaging specs.

• Strong understanding of both knit and woven fabrics,accessoriesconstruction, and packaging materials.

• Proficiency in Windows-based applications (Word, Excel); PLM experience is a plus.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong attention to detail combined with conceptual and analytical thinking.

• Effective time management skills and ability to balance multiple priorities.

• Solid understanding offit, pattern, construction, and finishing techniques.

• Highly collaborative and comfortable working within cross-functional teams.

• Enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the Action Sports and Lifestyle industries.

• Self-startercapableof executing projects independently and meeting multiple deadlines.

• Associate’s Degreein Apparel Design, Product Development, or related field required;
  
  Bachelor’spreferred.

• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in product development, includingsoft goods, trims, accessories, and/or packaging.

• Experience with Centric PLM is a plus.

• Strong working knowledge of costing, sourcing, negotiation, manufacturing processes, and material performance.

• Familiar with color management, sewing and assembly techniques, and packaging functionality.

• Proven ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment to meet objectives within set timelines.

• Collaborative mindset with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work across diverse teams and projects.

Annual Salary: $72,400.00 - $83,000.00
The actual annual salary offered to a candidate will be based on variables including experience, geographic location, education, and…