Product Developer

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Title & Reporting Relationships

Position Title : Product Developer

Reports to :

Interim Product Development Manager

Department : Supply Chain

Oversees : No Direct Reports

Interactions :

Sourcing and Supply Chain

Merchandising

Planning

Design

Factories (Garment manufacturers)

Fabric Mills

Accounts Payable

Creative Services

Customer Service

Marketing

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 manages 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 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 life cycle of the product and share updates of Tech Packs to the vendors.
• Attend fittings and share visual comments to vendors.
• Manage the prototype and sampling process, ensuring timely reviews, comments, approvals, and delivery that align with the brand vision and quality standards.
• Partner with Technical Design and Production teams to communicate factory deadlines and approval processes, ensuring timely and high-quality product execution.

Fabric and Trims Knowledge

Category Ownership

Vendor Relationships and Management

Brand mission :

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