Associate Apparel Product Developer

JOB TYPE: Hybrid

JOB LOCATION: 14460 Varsity Brands Way, Farmers Branch, TX 75244

Please note: This position does not offer relocation assistance. Candidates must be able to work from the designated location without company-sponsored relocation

HOURS: M-F, 8-5p / 9-6p (Friday WFH)

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

The Associate Apparel Product Developer is a full-time position. An Associate Apparel Product Developer at Varsity Spirit is responsible for aiding to successfully drive the development of seasonal products from concept through production readiness. You will partner with Product Developers to support the interaction with Design, Sourcing, Planning, Sampling, QA, and internal/external Supply Chain and Manufacturing partners. 

The Associate Apparel Product Developer aids in managing the effective implementation and distribution of new products for the organization, handles launch aspects, and verifies that quality control complies with all project requirements. The Associate Apparel Product Developer will support Product Developers to ensure the department is able to deliver approved projects on time, within budget, and with quality results. 

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

• Partner closely with the Product Developer, Varsity Design and Category Management Teams to understand the vision and direction of the product. 

• Work with Product Developers to support internal and external communication to adhere to milestones and deliverables. 

• Support Product Developers in communicating with internal teams and manufacturing partners to advance a product from prototype stages to successful production. 

• Troubleshoot design, material, and trim details to execute the desired design and product. 

• Team up with Product Quality Teams to ensure that all assigned projects meet the demanding standards of Varsity Spirit. 

• Engage internal and external testing labs to ensure the product hurdles all quality parameters for product release. 

• Partner with internal and external Material Developers to help effectively develop new materials, trims, and fabric. 

• Monitor status of new products and ensure effective execution of projects according to required policies, procedures, and government regulations. 

• Analyze and recommend improvements to all production processes and methods to facilitate cost reduction and quality improvement. 

• Investigate and give recommendations for corrective action in case of any design failure. 

QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES 

• The ability to communicate in an open and honest way that quickly builds trust and respect. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, PLM, and AS400 with an aptitude for learning latest programs. 

• Knowledge of product development processes is necessary. 

• Excellent analytical, verbal, and written skills with strong attention to detail. 

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle critical deadlines, prioritize work and business processes, and multi-task regularly. 

• Affinity for problem solving, with exposure or experience in Manufacturing, Quality Excellence, strategic thinking, listening to internal customers, and performing in the most professional manner. 

• Flexibility during times of change, with the ability to comprehend business operations and provide quality insight on how to achieve goals and ensure business success. 

• Ability to participate in continuous improvement projects and lean principles, ideally within apparel manufacturing. 

• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus. 

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE 

• College degree in Fashion, Business Administration, Project Management, Engineering, or equivalent experience required. 

• 1-3 years of related product development experience, including Design and Manufacturing. 

• Experience communicating via virtual meetings with Microsoft Teams, Citrix Webex, Zoom, and GoToMeeting. 

• Experience with Outlook calendar scheduling a plus. 

• Experience in PLM, OMS, and AS400 a plus. 

Physical Demands and/or Work Environment 

This job operates in a professional office environment. It is largely a sedentary role with some filing requiring the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets, and bend as necessary. This role is expected to be fully in office. 

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