Apparel Developer

Company: Free Fly Apparel
Location: Mount Pleasant
Posted on: June 4, 2021

Job Description:

Job Mission The Apparel Developer supports product development throughout production of category life cycle. Under the direction of Product leadership, this role collaborates with Design, Product Managers and Technical Design to ensure products meet or exceed criteria for performance, cost, manufacturability, and quality. The Apparel Developer influences and directs the material development process, working with cross functional teams to execute to seasonal calendar dates and margin goals. Leads in analyzing supply markets, executing competitive costing and leading supplier negotiations specific to the respective category ownership. Major Accountabilities Manage all critical development dates on calendar and follow development WIP. Responsible for awareness, reporting and support of Buy Ready gates and exceptions including but not limited to; cost/margin, fit, color, prints, print, testing and fabric/trim approvals. Support and help to manage on-going materials development per product category/ classification to provide guidance and support to design on seasonal trends. May also work on independent fabric resourcing projects in order to improve the margin and/ or quality of a program. Ensure that proto yardage and initial testing as well as the fabric WIP is followed up on for the season and reports up any challenges to the Sr. Developer. Works with Product Managers and Sourcing teams to calculate target costing from initial line plans to direct FOB and gross margin targets. For specific categories, will lead the development process to achieve commercial feasibility of designs through collaboration with Design, Product Managers and Technical Design teams. Provides feedback to Product Managers, Design Teams and Tech Design on relevant product issues such as production technology or changes that impact cost or quality. Develops and maintains vendor relationships and regional development strategies. Works with the Sr. Apparel Developer to partner with Sourcing / Ops teams to ensure global product development and sourcing objectives are clearly articulated, implemented and achieved. Provide direction in the areas of sourcing and costing with cross functional sourcing teams to ensure strategic and corporate initiatives are met. Works to ensure the PLP, Pre-line and bulk SMS are on time and that samples are first quality. Collaborate with Production, Sourcing & Ops Manager to analyze and evaluate business and supply chain performance on seasonal basis. Have awareness of international customs and duty regulations to maintain product, cost and deliveries. Maintain awareness of requirements as they vary by customer to ensure appropriate, effective costing. Actively participate in weekly cross functional meetings, proto-reviews, line reviews and any other respective meetings for their categories. Other related duties as required. Requirements Bachelors degree in Manufacturing, Textiles, Apparel Merchandising or Business Administration. An advanced degree would be a plus. Minimum of 3-5 years experience in Product Development and Sourcing Experience in regional sourcing, either domestic or international. Comprehensive understanding of fabric construction and performance, garment construction, production processes, and general logistic aspects of the industry. Strong project management, negotiation and communication skills. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills Strong pre-costing analysis and cost negotiation skills. Ability to manage complex business issues and multiple projects simultaneously Ability to develop relationships with key Business Partners and cross functional teams Ability to perform in a fast-paced, goals-oriented, and time-sensitive environment. Strong Computer skills and experience with PLM systems. Domestic and International travel may be required. Personal Attributes: Strong interpersonal skills, ability to communicate and manage well at all levels of the organization High level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results-orientation. Excellent organizational skills and multi-tasking ability Strong attention to detail and exceptional communication skills A no task is too small attitude and a positive, spirited outlook; no ego is a must and will not be tolerated. Benefits Full-time, salaried position with performance-based, end of year bonus Medical coverage option 401k option Paid time off, Paid holidays Casual dress code, open office environment

Keywords: Free Fly Apparel, Mount Pleasant , Apparel Developer, Other , Mount Pleasant, South Carolina