Product Developer Full Time

Main Purpose and Major Challenges of the Role

Outerknown is deeply committed to creating a world where people and the planet prosper. Our mission is to protect workers and natural resources, reimagine design, and embrace circularity. To deliver on these commitments, we prioritize innovative solutions and responsibly sourced materials that align with both our brand and industry standards.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and innovative Product Developer with a strong understanding of the apparel market. This role will own specific development categories from concept to commercialization while building strong vendor relationships and proactively managing internal cross-functional partnerships to ensure clear communication, alignment, and seamless decision-making. The ideal candidate is technically skilled and passionate about creating high-quality, functional apparel that aligns with our brand vision.

ACCOUNTABILITY: Product Development

• Manage the end-to-end product development process for assigned categories, ensuring timelines, quality, and cost targets are met.

• Partner with merchandisers, designers, and the production team to translate concepts into commercially viable, high-quality products.

• Leverage fabric expertise to recommend materials and finishes that align with performance, durability, and aesthetic goals.

• Ensure that all product information is accurate in Backbone and Full Circle systems at all times during the product lifecycle; share updated Tech Packs with vendors.

• Attend fittings and share visual comments with vendors.

• Manage the prototype and sampling process — timely reviews, comments, approvals, and delivery that align with brand vision and quality.

• Partner with Technical Design and Production teams to communicate factory deadlines and approval processes, ensuring timely and high-quality product execution.

ACCOUNTABILITY: Fabric and Trims Knowledge

• Collaborate with mills and suppliers to source and develop fabrics and trims, ensuring compliance with performance, sustainability, and cost requirements.

• Maintain seasonal materials and oversee approvals for fabrics, washes, trims, and colors between Design and vendors.

• Conduct fabric and trims testing and evaluations, ensuring materials meet brand and industry standards.

• Stay informed on fabric and trims trends and innovations — especially in lifestyle and surf — to drive product differentiation.

• Manage and communicate raw-material lead times at development stage and ensure viability for bulk production.

ACCOUNTABILITY: Category Ownership

• Take full ownership of specific categories, from initial development to final handoff to production.

• Analyze market trends and competitive benchmarks to identify opportunities for growth and innovation within assigned categories.

ACCOUNTABILITY: Vendor Relationships and Management

• Establish and maintain strong partnerships with vendors, mills, and factories to ensure seamless development and production processes.

• Negotiate costs, lead times, and production schedules to optimize efficiency while maintaining quality standards.

• Regularly evaluate vendor performance, providing feedback and making recommendations for improvements or changes as necessary.

• Collaborate with vendors to troubleshoot and resolve any development or production challenges.

• Travel domestically and internationally, as needed, to build relationships, monitor development, and ensure product standards are met.

ACCOUNTABILITY: Brand Mission

• Ensure alignment of product vision, quality, and functionality with the goal of minimizing environmental impacts.

• Partner with Interim Development Manager to execute product development strategies with a responsible purchasing mindset (minimizing waste from over-sampling and over-development).

• Ensure sustainable practices are embedded in every stage of the development process, prioritizing practicality and efficiency.

• Encourage innovative solutions to reduce environmental impact while maintaining design and quality standards.

• Demonstrate a passion for sustainability in all aspects of product development.

• Foster a high-performing, team-oriented, and cross-functional work environment.

Balancing Multiple Stakeholder Needs

The role requires balancing the needs of different stakeholders, including internal departments, customers, and vendors. Ensuring smooth communication and meeting diverse requirements can be challenging, especially when priorities shift.

Provide leadership and mentorship to teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 5 years of apparel production/sourcing experience in domestic and international production.

• Demonstrated expertise in managing global supply chains and production processes.

• Experience in product development with deep knowledge of performance materials and trims.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Proficient in creating and managing tech packs, with a strong background in product development.

• Detail-oriented, skilled, and highly organized at prioritizing multiple tasks and managing seasonal workflows to meet deadlines and quality standards.

• Strong negotiation skills.

• Good people management.

• Strong team orientation.

• Proven experience with extensive overseas factory collaboration and travel.

Tagged as: california, carlsbad, development, outerknown, outerwear, product, product developer, USA