Columbia Sportswear, Inc.:
Product Developer Job in Burlington, VT

CLOTHING FOR POSITIVE CHANGE (C4PC)
From the farm to the factory to our closets, we all have an opportunity to create positive change through clothing as we work to fundamentally change the way clothing is made.

Do you want to join a team committed to creating positive change in the world through the C4PC movement?

ConsiderprAna, where you can transcend the current trends and demand more from your wardrobe and your employer; where you can help an enthusiastic and loyal audience celebrate the outdoors and their own unique style; and where you can help lessen our impact on the planet and its people every day.

ABOUT THE POSITION
As the Product Developer you will be responsible for the overall execution and development of product, from concept through production with emphasis on category and performance materials within apparel. This position collaborates with the Product Development Manager, Technical Design, Materials, Design, Merchandising, Quality, and Production/Sourcing teams to execute product initiatives utilizing creative thinking and problem-solving skills. The Product Developer coordinates approvals, data management, construction, fit, quality, vendor communication and costing which results in the commercial execution of products in their assigned categories. The position manages and reports on the development of their category as it relates to the calendar, product quality, and margin with sustainability and target customer as a main focus in execution. The Product Developer performs at an independent, self-directed level with the ability to handle daily decisions while being a collaborative team player.

HOW YOU'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Development
Manages the product lifecycle specified product categories based on prAnas development calendar and collaborates with Design, Merchandising, Product Development, Tech Design, Quality, Sourcing and Production teams to achieve commercial viability of designs.
Proactively communicates deadlines with internal (Design, Merchandising, Product Development, Tech Design, Production,) and external teams (vendors and suppliers) to ensure product delivery dates are met
Proactively trouble-shoots issues regarding fabric characteristics, technical construction, product testing, fit, packaging, and functionality vs. style details
Communicates with Design team regarding tech packs and the garments construction specifications during initial development by reviewing, making suggestions, and monitoring timelines.
Communicates with factories to ensure timely development of proto-types
Maintains tracking of seasonal progress for associated approvals of all protos, trims, and fabrics. Evaluates submittals to ensure prAnas quality standards are met
Tracks and monitors artwork/print development and approval processes in conjunction with Graphic Designer and Designer
Executes and manages cost process by advising target FOBs, negotiating and tracking cost submittals from factories. Aims to achieve and gain approval of specific margin goals for each product set by the Merchandising team
Builds, inputs, and maintains Full Circle (Product Lifecycle Management system) with product data
Counter-sources products to effectively build products at the best cost, quality, and compliance through the direction of sourcing department
In conjunction with the Merch team, maintains data integrity and product specifications for workbook, catalog, and on-line launches

Vendor Communication
In collaboration with Design, Materials Developer, Merchandising, Product Development Manager and Sourcing, supports the sourcing of materials, product, and vendor base to support prAnas vision, sourcing strategy and product requirements.
Communicates daily with our domestic & international vendors to enhance prAnas sourcing strategy, creating respectful, symbiotic relationships for combined growth
Continually assesses vendor base to allocate appropriately based on strengths, quality, capacity, delivery and MOQ
Supports teams sourcing fabrics & trims to ensure costs, MOQ, lead-times and technical qualities are met per Designs intentions in collaboration with Materials Developer
Participates in post-seasonal vendor evaluations with Design, Product Development, Tech Design and Production teams

Product Integrity
Cross-functional interaction with all departments of prAna to 1- deliver the highest quality product in our market, and 2- communicate the product attributes & vision. Makes thoughtful daily decisions to maintain high levels of standards in quality - from development to production
Participates in evaluating daily/seasonal processes in Product Development and how we interact with other teams
Lead seasonal hand off meeting to Production team for assigned product category
Co-evaluates fabric and garment test reports to determine if further testing &/or revisions to fabric/garment need to be made
Knowledge of apparel care instructions and product testing and how it relates to fabric and product performance for end consumer
Reviews, evaluates, and is pro-active in regards to QC issues at time of proto-typing and through sample process

Market R&D
Maintains knowledge of industry trends and current events to align prAnas product line with industry progress and growth, as well as, company goals and strategies.
Shops the current market (comp shopping & trade shows) for competitive garments, techniques, fabrics/trims, fit and assortment
Supports merchandising initiatives to see them through with knowledge in market trends/ analysis

YOU HAVEBachelors degree in Apparel &/or Textile Product Development, Merchandising or Design is required
2-4 years industry experience in Product Development
Extensive knowledge of technical apparel construction, fabrics (knits & wovens) and fabric properties, and trims
Understanding of supply chain transparency and compliance
Recommended experience travelling internationally &/or domestically to evaluate vendor execution
Experience in costing and negotiating
Working knowledge of: PDM systems, Word, Excel, Adobe Illustrator, SharePoint

#LI-AB1




We create versatile, stylish, and sustainable clothing and accessories that you can wear during every activity, every adventure, every day. How do we know? Because we base our designs on our own experiences. You see were more than makers, were doersyogis, climbers, and world travelersand we use our knowledge to make adventurous, free-spirited clothes that look good and play hard.


This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company.


At Columbia Sportswear Company (CSC), we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. CSC believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as a global company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. All employ