Merchandise Product Developer

Role Overview

• Partner with the Lead Merchandiser to execute strategic apparel and hardgoods assortments across e-commerce, catalog, and promotional programs, ensuring products meet client brand, quality, margin, and pricing objectives.
• Serve as a client-facing product expert, presenting product concepts, development pathways, costing scenarios, and execution trade-offs with confidence and clarity.
• Make informed development recommendations across fabric, trim, construction, decoration methods, and sourcing to achieve the intended product experience while maintaining cost and margin constraints.
• Own day-to-day product development execution, ensuring accuracy across materials, construction details, sizing, decoration, packaging, and compliance.
• Manage domestic and overseas sourcing and development, including fabric sourcing, trim selection, construction approvals, proto sampling, fit comments, lab dips, and pre-production sign-off.
• Ensure all product specifications, costing, and approvals are complete, accurate, and production-ready.
• Act as a brand steward, maintaining deep knowledge of client brand standards, campaign priorities, and product requirements.
• Coordinate cross-functional workback calendars to ensure all milestones, approvals, and launch dates are met without compromise to quality.
• Prepare and maintain client-ready materials including PowerPoint presentations, costing summaries, product specifications, and samples.
• Support vendor sourcing and product development efforts, including cost negotiations, MOQ management, and margin alignment, in partnership with the Lead Merchandiser.
• Maintain complete and accurate item setup documentation, including bills of materials, approved proofs, product copy, size charts, and web-ready imagery.
• Collaborate closely with in-house and agency Creative teams to support design direction, mockups, trend presentations, and photography needs.
• Serve as a knowledgeable partner on supply chain capabilities, production timelines, and product feasibility.

Requirements

• 5+ years of product development experience, with a focus on apparel and/or hardgoods.
• 2+ years of vendor sourcing, overseas product development, and cost negotiation experience.
• Demonstrated ability to make development recommendations that balance product vision, cost constraints, and production realities.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with exceptional organization and attention to detail.
• Strong understanding of margin, pricing, and cost structures within branded merchandise programs.
• Bachelor’s degree in fashion design, product development, supply chain management, business, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong business math and analytical skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Comfortable owning execution while working collaboratively under the direction of a Lead Merchandiser.
• Highly responsive, deadline-driven, and accurate in fast-paced environments.
• Open to feedback, adaptable, and solutions oriented.
• Professional, positive, and team-first mindset with a strong “can-do” attitude.

Benefits

• nationwide coverage for Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability insurance
• additional Voluntary Benefits
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)