Product Developer

Our client is now hiring a Product Developer, they are Los Angeles-based premium denim brand known for a modern, wearable aesthetic that pairs California ease with a sharp European sensibility. The brand is creatively led by a designer with deep roots in luxury fashion and premium denim who designs every piece from a distinctly female point of view. This person will own the seasonal development calendar and work closely with the Creative Director to bring collections from sales samples through bulk production. This role combines hands-on product development with vendor negotiation, costing, and margin ownership.

RESPONSIBILITES

• Own the seasonal calendar and critical path. Flag risks early, track milestones, and keep development moving when priorities shift.

• Partner with the Creative Director to develop sales sample (SMS) collections. Lead fabric and trim sourcing and development, manage wash development, and oversee weekly fittings.

• Manage sampling with local and overseas factories. Coordinate approvals for fit, wash, fabric, trims, and construction to keep samples on time and aligned with brand standards.

• Create and update garment tech packs and deliver complete specs, fit comments, and bills of materials on schedule.

• Manage relationships with mills, laundries, and factories. Negotiate costs, minimum order quantities, and lead times, and manage development changes against margin targets.

• Guide styles into bulk production by verifying that preproduction (PP) and top of production (TOP) samples meet final approved standards. Troubleshoot issues as they arise, including finding alternate materials or vendors and proposing construction changes.

REQUIREMENTS

• At least four years of apparel product development experience in the contemporary space. 

• Proficiency in Excel and a strong understanding of garment construction, technical drawings, and fit comments.

• An eye for the brand’s aesthetic and the ability to carry it through decisions on fabric, wash, fit, and construction.

• Strong organization and communication skills, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities and handle last minute changes while keeping deadlines on track.

• A collaborative approach and the initiative to find practical solutions when something changes or a sample misses the mark.