Product Developer - Notogroup Executive Search

Reporting to the Head of Product, the Product Developer will be responsible for leading and managing both the apparel and hardgoods category efforts in product development, sourcing, and commercialization for all product categories. This includes yoga mats, towels, props, accessories, mat wash, and apparel. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the entire development and production process, from design concept to commercialization. A passion for yoga, technical sports products, performance wear, and eco-friendly initiatives is essential. The Product Developer will have previous experience working with domestic and international suppliers and factories, handling both small batch and mass production runs, and should have a strong network of sourcing relationships.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• As a Developer, you will be responsible for the development of product, and will oversee all development-related activity for these products from design hand-off through production.
• Oversee and manage the product development calendar, ensuring adherence to stage gates and timelines.
• Manage accuracy and delivery of product development tech packs hand off from Design through all product lifecycle stages including prototype development, ensuring updated communication of comments and changes to appropriate parties (designers, suppliers, vendors), to final production signoff. Oversee all follow-up within systems, and with internal/external teams.
• Working in collaboration with the Category leaders, the Developer must ensure products meet or exceed the expectations of users in accordance with industry best practices.
• Must flawlessly oversee and execute on seasonal development timelines, and in accordance with the corporate critical path and go-to-market calendar.
• Will work closely with Category leaders to negotiate and achieve costs that meet or exceed category margin and revenue requirements. Takes proactive approach to seek out and suggest cost-savings alternatives during the development process, ensuring uncompromised product integrity, category objectives and profitability.
• Oversee all review meetings specific to assigned products/styles, including prepared agenda, organized, and thoughtfully presented samples/prototypes and relevant information (vendor updates, cost, margin vs margin goal, meeting recap, etc.).
• Build and improve upon Product Development, Commercialization and Costing SOP’s, as well as maintain accurate BOM’s for all products in development and production.
• Nurture, source and develop vendor-based world class factories and raw material suppliers; building long-term relationships that support the brand objectives in terms of product, cost, quality, sustainability, and innovation.
• Ability to execute, develop and articulate strategy with materials suppliers, factory owners, managers, and staff.
• Manage salesperson sample orders process and ensure accurate pre-production and top of production samples are approved, archived, and communicated to internal and external parties.
• Drive vendor compliance and testing standards to ensure that all required testing and documentation are provided in accordance with the seasonal development calendar and further ensure testing requirements adhere to our high standards of social and product responsibility.
• Awareness of current industry trends, new technologies, sustainable materials, and sourcing improvements for all new and current products.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 5 + years experience designing and developing innovative equipment products, within sporting goods industry required.
• Must have proven ability to understand design concepts, print development, and have a track record of developing products that meet all development objectives (from design, costing, quality, and delivery).
• Previous development experience within sports, fitness, and lifestyle brand space, is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in industrial design or engineering preferred.
• Strong Photoshop and Illustrator skills and experience with 3D design programs are required.
• CAD and Rhino File knowledge and / or 3D printing of Hard Goods Rapid Prototyping experience a plus.
• Significant experience in Global Supply Chains, with an intimate knowledge of hardgoods manufacturing and working knowledge of apparel performance wear.
• Expert level knowledge of technical materials, physical properties standards, and testing protocols for all levels performance product (rubbers, plastics, chemical compounds, metals, waterproof systems, technical textiles, etc.).
• Understanding and knowledge of eco-friendly processes, restricted substances (RSL), and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies and procedures.
• Passionate about our planet, sustainability and driving the highest environmental standards to make cutting edge consumer product.
• Experience in collaborating with overseas suppliers and travel.