Product Developer, Men's Apparel

J.McLaughlin is seeking a Product Developer, Men's Apparel to join its Brooklyn, NY team in a hybrid capacity. This role guides seasonal collections from concept through production readiness, ensuring quality, fit, and consistency while collaborating with Design, Merchandising, Technical Design, Raw Materials, and Production. The position offers a salary range of USD 80,000 – 95,000 per year and requires a minimum of five years of product development experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full product development lifecycle from initial concept handoff to final production approval.
• Plan seasonal development calendars and track milestones to meet deadlines.
• Oversee sample development across proto, fit, and pre-production phases to ensure timely delivery and actionable feedback.
• Identify development risks early and escalate issues to maintain on-time delivery.
• Collaborate with Raw Materials and Sourcing to monitor cost targets and maintain visibility throughout development.
• Own cost calculations and ensure margins meet targets.
• Function as a central coordinator among Design, Technical Design, Raw Materials, Sourcing, and Production.
• Convert design concepts into clear development requirements for vendors.
• Communicate with overseas vendors to monitor sample status, timelines, and progress updates.
• Ensure vendors adhere to sampling timelines and development expectations.
• Work with Technical Design to preserve product intent during development.
• Assess construction feasibility and propose improvements where appropriate.
• Keep product data accurate and current in PLM systems.
• Participate in fittings, line reviews, and cross-functional meetings to support seasonal development.
• Contribute to process improvements and cross-functional initiatives across the development lifecycle.
• Occasional travel to vendors, factories, or other sites may be required.
• Support ongoing vendor communication and performance tracking throughout development.
• Prepare for milestone meetings, fittings, and line reviews.
• Maintain organized development documentation and records.

Requirements

• 5 to 7 years of product development experience.
• Solid understanding of garment construction, fit, grading, and fabrication.
• Experience working across multiple apparel categories is required.
• Experience with raw material development is preferred.
• Overseas vendor communication and development experience.
• Ability to manage multiple seasonal deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong cross-functional communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong commercial awareness.
• Proficiency in PLM systems and Microsoft Office.

Technologies

• PLM systems
• Microsoft Office

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match (eligibility based on hours worked)
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays
• Hybrid or flexible work environment (role-dependent)
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional Critical Illness and Accident insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Clothing allowance and generous discounts on J.McLaughlin merchandise
• Discretionary bonus opportunities (role-dependent)
• Employee referral incentives and commuter benefits

Additional responsibilities

• Perform other related duties as assigned.