Product Developer

At we believe the outdoors brings out the best in all of us. We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging and creating safe inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcomeboth here and Outside. We value individual differences and are dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment where everyone can bring the best of their experience and talents and truly thrive.

is seeking a Product Developer I to support the execution of line development and grow toward full ownership of a product this role you will collaborate with design merchandising and sourcing teams to ensure a smooth product development process. Responsibilities include managing systems processes samples and quality standards to deliver exceptional products. ***This role requires a minimum of three days in the office at our Headquarters in Freeport Maine.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct Market & customer research through focus groups vendor/mill visits & field testing.
• Travel to trade shows for material sourcing.
• Travel to factories and mills to research construction techniques and material innovation.
• Works with raw materials to identify new fabric development needs. Provide fabric development needs to mills and/or raw materials suppliers to develop materials that meet strategic direction and cost.
• Ensure Corp Merchants vision is met through development of products that meet cost & margin targets including attention to materials construction fit wear/lab testing performance & function.
• Develop/drive calendar to meet development timelines production plans and delivery schedules for products and raw materials. Monitor to ensure all deadlines are met.
• Collaborates with key partners to ensure fabric selection meets original product intent.
• Ensures fabric selection passes lab testing; meets cost target; is commercially viable and meets the original Design intent for hand feel drape aesthetic.
• Works with key partners to determine vendors ensuring best price construction quality design and cost/value relationship standards.
• Partners with Sourcing to review product costing negotiate pricing and provide input to vendor performance management.
• Provides input into product research & testing quality & fit specification to maintain product quality and reduce return rates.
• Partners with Graphics to develop and execute labels/hangtags/packaging.
• Maintains systems to support the development process.
• Incorporates packaging & hangtag requirements into product specifications.
• Resolves problems & trouble shooting issues as they arise.
• Maintains consistent flow of information to key partners including Merchandising Design Sourcing & Technical Design to ensure that key aspects of the product are clearly communicated.

• Manage low to medium (size and/or complexity) demand center while also providing support & coordination for the team.
• Makes sound and timely decisions for activities within own area of responsibility consulting others as appropriate.
• Facilitates cross-functional communications. Solicits input and influences decisions.

• Performs moderately complex analysis of data. Identifies trends. Makes suggestions.

• Actively learns and applies new skills techniques and procedures. Continuously keeps knowledge current and seeks opportunities to broaden and enhance cross-functional expertise.

• Identifies issues within the context of own job which require decisions or other action. Recognizes early warning signs and opportunities and acts.
• Makes innovative suggestions and tries new approaches.

• Verbally delivers engaging and clear presentations to leave audience with deeper understanding and knowledge. Includes appropriate level of detail for all audiences including senior-level managers.
• Proactively leverages written communications to keep others informed. Writes with clarity succinctness and persuasiveness for the intended audience.
• Builds collaborative relationships to support win-win outcomes. Sought out as a trusted expert. Effectively advocates for ideas but also remains open to others. Demonstrates high discretion and accountability.

• Tasks are a balance of strategic and tactical.
• Other duties as assigned.

Health and Safety Requirement: Every employee is responsible for contributing to a safe and healthy workplace. Employees are expected to be active participants in health and safety by following all safety policies and procedures reporting unsafe conditions or at-risk behaviors to leadership and conducting work in a safe manner. Those in a leadership role are also expected to model safe behaviors evaluate risk and ensure that risks are reduced to acceptable levels.

Skills & Qualifications

• BA/BS preferred
• 1-3 years of relevant experience required
• Fabric/textile experience required
• Proven understanding of the end-to-end product development process
• Strong ability to build cross-functional relationships and communicate effectively

If you care about the outdoors joining is a great way to feel good about what you do. Our benefits package makes a good thing even better with programs and perks designed to support your health and financial goals. Plus maintaining a healthy work-life balance and re-charging outside are all part of the plan.

If your experience looks a little different from what weve identified and you think youd be great at this role wed love to learn more about you! At we believe the outdoors brings out the best in all of us. We strive to reflect this every day in our commitments to employees and partners and in our efforts to promote belonging.