ERL
ERL, based in Venice Beach, is seeking a Product Developer to join our team. In this role, you will oversee the end-to-end development process and sample execution for all domestic and imported apparel and accessories categories.
As the Product Developer, you will manage all phases of the development cycle - from initial concept through production hand-off. Collaborating closely with the design team, you will ensure each product aligns with design intent, meets quality standards, stays within cost targets, and adheres to delivery timelines.
The ideal candidate has in-depth experience with complex garment manufacturing and a thorough understanding of its processes, along with a strong network of trusted vendors.
Must have Product Development experience, working in Los Angeles, California
- Product Lifecycle Management: Lead the full product development process from initial concept through production hand-off, ensuring timely execution and alignment with design vision, brand standards, and business goals.
- Design Collaboration: Work closely with the Design team to translate creative concepts into executable products. Ensure complete and accurate tech packs—including construction details, measurements, and BOMs—are delivered on schedule.
- Vendor & Factory Liaison: Maintain direct communication with domestic and international factory partners throughout the development process.
- Material & Trim Sourcing: Research and source materials, trims, and finishes from both local and global vendors, partnering with factories to align with product requirements, sustainability standards, and cost targets.
- Sample Development Oversight: Manage all sample stages, including protos, fit, SMS, and PP samples. Review and approve samples for design accuracy, fit, construction, quality, and packaging. Provide clear and detailed feedback to suppliers and internal teams.
- Fittings Management: Lead all fit sessions, including scheduling with models and cross-functional teams. Ensure fit intent and construction details are accurately captured and communicated.
- Costing Expertise: Collaborate with sourcing and production teams to analyze and manage product costs. Understand how materials, trims, and construction techniques impact final cost and margin goals.
- Production Readiness: Own seasonal handoffs to the Production team, ensuring all documentation is complete and accurate—including finalized tech packs, fit approvals, lab dips/strike-offs, trim details, and confirmed costs.
- Timeline & Calendar Management: Drive development timelines across multiple product categories. Monitor key milestones to ensure on-time delivery, from prototype through final sample approval.
- WIP: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in the ERP system across all development stages.
- Issue Resolution: Identify and proactively resolve development challenges, such as construction problems, fit issues, or cost constraints, ensuring solutions maintain product integrity and deadlines.
- Documentation & Reporting: Maintain clear records of all product specs, tech packs, sample tracking, purchase orders, and communication logs to support a smooth transition into production and cross-functional transparency.
- Budget Management: Monitor and manage the product development budget, including sample costs, material sourcing, and testing. Ensure all expenses stay within approved limits and are accurately tracked.
- Purchase Order Support: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to initiate and track development-related purchase orders (POs). Ensure POs align with product timelines, sample needs, and vendor lead times.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 4-7 years of experience in apparel product development, ideally within luxury, contemporary, or high-design brands domestically and internationally
- 3+ years product developing in Los Angeles
- Deep knowledge of complex garment manufacturing
- Ability to understand detailed tech packs and convey relevant information to various vendors
- Well versed in washing and dyeing techniques
- Strong understanding of different print and embroidery techniques
- Basic knowledge of patterns
- Must be well versed in hard and soft wovens, as well as knits
- Understanding of shrinkage
- Ability to handle multiple time sensitive projects simultaneously