Apparel & Accessories Product Developer

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.