Commercial Product Developer

Workwear Outfitters has a strong legacy of building innovative and authentic market-right products and is a leading supplier of work apparel and footwear for diverse occupations in industries such as automotive, manufacturing, oil and gas, utilities, government, food services, telecommunications, hospitality, and many more. Workwear Outfitters is based in Nashville, Tennessee and we employ more than 5,800 people in facilities spanning the globe.

The Workwear Outfitters family includes trusted brands such as Red Kap®, Bulwark®, Image Authority®, Kodiak®, Terra®, Liberty®, Work Authority®, Workrite® Fire Service, Chef Designs®, Horace Small®, Criticore®, and OOBE®. The company is also the exclusive licensee for Dickies® apparel in the B2B channel.

Our Purpose: We champion and empower workers who make our world work better.

What You Will Do as a Commercial Product Developer:

This position evaluates detailed product requirements as outlined by customers, sources, costs, and develops potential commercially available options which meet specific criteria. Builds and maintains relationships with key suppliers across various markets and develops a deep knowledge of their product offering. Ensures efficient, timely communication with internal stakeholders and oversees and facilitates product transition from concept to commercialization in the product lifecycle.

How You Will Make a Difference:

• Drives all aspects of the commercial product development process for assigned accounts, facilitates detailed communication between commercial suppliers, Merchandising, Program Management, and Operations to ensure timely development of products which meet customers’ product and service requirements under strict deadlines, including in support of RFIs, RFPs, etc.

• Provides analysis and input in the development phase, comparing supplier options, costs, and logistical considerations to ensure profitability, operational efficiency and excellent service.

• Maintains and develops a wide commercial supplier base, displaying a thorough understanding of suppliers’ unique capabilities and points of differentiation, and acts as the subject matter expert on commercially available products to the organization.
• Manages communication with commercial suppliers about maintaining designated quality metrics and facilitates supplier corrective action in response to product quality issues where required to ensure product integrity.

• In conjunction with the Product Development Manager, gathers, evaluates, and negotiates variables such as pricing, cost scenarios, MOQs, lead times, country of origin, and specific logistics concerns in support of the product development process.

• Maintains accuracy of product level data across systems for commercially sourced items.

Skills for Success:

• Bachelor's degree is required

• 3-5 years of related experience preferred

• Previous experience in merchandising, procurement, product development and/or degree in supply chain

• Previous experience in apparel a plus

• Excellent communication skills (writing/oral)

• Strong ability to negotiate terms in a variety of circumstances 

• Strong technical skills, computer skills, and overall business acumen  

• Detailed oriented, able to multitask and meet deadlines

• Ability to travel up to 10%

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you both professionally and personally, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability coverage
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• And many additional employee benefits