Apparel & Footwear Development Developer Jobs

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Apparel & Accessories Product Developer

AKIRA Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL

Today

$70k - $100k/yr Full time Manager Apparel & Footwear Development Product Development

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Job Description

AKIRA is hiring an Apparel & Accessories Product Developer in Chicago, IL 60612 (on-site). In this fast-fashion environment, you will help take bold apparel and accessories from concept through line sample delivery, with a clear focus on staying on schedule and hitting margin targets. The role offers a high-visibility, high-ownership path where your decisions directly shape execution with internal partners and external manufacturing.

What you’ll do

Own the end-to-end product lifecycle, from concept submission through final line sample delivery, managing critical path deadlines and keeping close communication with Design, Sales, and cross-functional partners.
Partner with Footwear during the concept stage to identify and source new materials, trims, and constructions.
Build and submit detailed, accurate tech packs to external manufacturing partners so execution stays aligned with design intent.
Drive internal design and development deliverables to support on-time external execution.
Lead product, material, and trim cost negotiations to achieve target margins.
Own the fit and development process, recommending improvements to aesthetics, fit, construction, and quality.
Run fit sessions with the Product team, documenting outcomes with detailed notes and photos, and communicating required vendor changes clearly.
Identify second proto needs and required wear testing for high-risk styles, new materials, and constructions, and ensure clear communication with factories.
Ensure a clean, thorough handoff of pending development to the Production team after PO placement to streamline by-function communication.
Proactively troubleshoot development bottlenecks, material issues, fit challenges, and costing concerns.
Support system and data management, including PLM updates and ad hoc reporting as needed.

What you bring

3–5 years of experience in apparel and accessories product development.
Strong understanding of apparel construction, garment fit, materials, trims, and manufacturing processes.
Familiarity with apparel and accessory materials, construction methods, and material performance standards.
Proven project management skills and exceptional organization in a fast-paced environment.
Highly detail-oriented with a track record of meeting tight deadlines and cost targets.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving for both internal teams and external partners.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly across broader teams.
Experience working with PLM systems.
Proficiency in Adobe Suite and Google Suite.
A self-starter mindset with a collaborative, team-first approach.

Tools you’ll use

PLM systems
Adobe Suite
Google Suite

Compensation and benefits

Salary: USD 70,000 - 100,000 per year. Location: On-site in Chicago, IL (60612).

Medical, Dental, Vision
Pet Insurance
Life and LTD
FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA
Flex Transit (CTA)
401(k)
Generous employee discount
Internal growth with meaningful development and career advancement opportunities

Why you’ll love it here

Fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment where ideas move quickly into product.
Collaborative culture where everyone’s voice matters.
High visibility role with real ownership and impact.
Opportunity to develop bold, fashion-forward apparel and accessories at scale.

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