Product Developer

Local Boy Outfitters was built on a simple idea: stay rooted in who you are and where you come from. We're a Columbia, SC-based apparel brand inspired by life on the water, in the woods, and back home, and we believe hard work matters, family comes first, and community means everything. Join a growing Product team where you'll have real ownership over the styles that reach our customers, from first fabric swatch to bulk production.

Local Boy Outfitters is looking for a Product Developer to join our Product team in Columbia, SC. In this role, you'll manage development of new styles from concept through bulk production, partnering closely with Design, Sourcing, and our supplier network to bring product to life on time, on cost, and on quality. You'll also help mentor and train junior team members as the department grows.

• Maintain and track WIPs for new developments, SMS, and production to keep the cross-functional team on calendar; lead cross-functional meetings.
• Partner with Design to develop fabric and trims that meet quality, cost, and aesthetic targets.
• Manage daily correspondence with suppliers to ensure timely, clear communication.
• Order all SMS samples.
• Troubleshoot issues and communicate solutions to management proactively.
• Anticipate production, cost, and quality issues, and work with suppliers on solutions.
• Mentor and train Product Specialists on commenting, vendor communication, WIP maintenance, and related processes.
• Create and update Tech Pack Bills of Materials.
• Comment on all bulk color approvals and build/maintain the seasonal bulk approval library.
• Comment on all graphic T-shirt sales orders and bulk production alongside the Product Specialist.
• Attend fittings to manage and track changes.
• Maintain the Change Log to track development changes over time.
• Create and maintain the Vendor Matrix (current suppliers, contacts, and core competencies).
• Support the eventual rollout of Vendor Scorecards to track quality, timing, and execution.
• Collect costing information and work with the Manager on cost targeting; build cost charts to track historical costs.
• Maintain trim and fabric libraries.
• Review protos, SMS, and PP samples to confirm quality and design intent.

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Textiles, Apparel Design, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of experience in product development, technical design, or a related apparel role.
• Working knowledge of tech packs, bills of materials, and the bulk production approval process.
• Comfort managing multiple vendors and calendars simultaneously, with strong organizational skills.
• Clear, proactive written and verbal communication with both internal teams and overseas suppliers.
• Strong eye for fabric, trim, color, and fit quality.
• Proficiency in Excel; experience with PLM systems is a plus.
• Ability to travel occasionally for fittings and vendor visits, as needed.