Sr. Apparel Product Developer

The Sr. Apparel Product Developer role at Varsity Brands is responsible for driving seasonal apparel product development from early concept through production readiness. The position serves as a category expert, coordinating internal teams and manufacturing partners to support quality, on-time, and within-budget product outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with Merchandise and Category Management Teams to understand product vision and direction.
• Act as the go-to expert for the assigned category.
• Collaborate with the project manager and serve as the category lead for the commercialization calendar.
• Coordinate across internal teams, other internal stakeholders, and manufacturing partners to move products from prototype to successful production.
• Apply technical knowledge related to the product and category to guide execution.
• Work with Costing Teams, internally and externally, to support profitable product launches.
• Analyze product change needs when costing does not meet expectations, communicate recommended updates to Merchandising, and support alignment.
• Work with Merchandise and Category Management to understand project timelines and adhere to milestones and deliverables.
• Partner with design and engineering to transition prototypes into cost-efficient, high-volume products.
• Troubleshoot design, material, and trim details to execute intended product design.
• Support Category Management by delivering and communicating Tech Packs to manufacturing partners.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain to help bring products that meet quality expectations and customer needs.
• Collaborate with Product Quality Teams to ensure assigned projects meet Varsity Brands quality standards.
• Work with internal and external testing labs to confirm products meet quality parameters for release.
• Partner with internal and external Material Developers to develop new materials, trims, and fabric.
• Monitor new product status and ensure project execution aligns with required policies, procedures, and government regulations.
• Evaluate designs and production execution for adherence to design and manufacturing principles.
• Analyze and recommend improvements to production processes and methods to reduce cost and improve quality.
• Recommend corrective actions in case of design failure.
• Coordinate with senior management to maintain visibility into product status and prepare appropriate reports.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to communicate openly and honestly, building trust and respect.
• Apparel technical expertise related to construction, fit, and function.
• Strong fabric knowledge, including circular, warp, and woven.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, PLM, and AS400, with an aptitude for learning new programs.
• Extensive knowledge of product development processes.
• Excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication, with attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize critical deadlines, and capability to multi-task regularly.
• Affinity for problem-solving and exposure or experience in manufacturing, quality excellence, and strategic thinking, including listening to internal customers and performing professionally.
• Flexibility during periods of change, with the ability to understand business operations and provide quality insights toward business goals.
• Participation in continuous improvement projects and lean principles, ideally within apparel manufacturing.
• College degree in Fashion, Business Administration, Project Management, Engineering, or experience required.
• 5 to 8 years of related product development experience, including design and manufacturing.
• Experience communicating via Microsoft Teams.
• Experience with Outlook and PLM systems.
• Role requires walking through departments as needed to follow up on assignments and check samples (70% sedentary, 30% active).

Preferred / Additional Notes

• Bilingual is a plus (English/Spanish).

Technology Stack

• Microsoft Office
• PLM
• AS400
• Microsoft Teams
• Outlook

Work Model, Location, and Schedule

• Work type: Hybrid
• Location: 14460 VARSITY BRANDS WAY, Farmers Branch, TX 75244
• Work hours: M-F, 8-5p / 9-6p (Friday WFH)
• International and domestic travel: 20%

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• 70% sedentary and 30% active, including walking through departments to follow up on completion of assignments and check samples.
• Professional office environment using standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Care Benefits
• HSA Employer Contribution and FSA Opportunities
• Wellbeing Program
• 401(k) plan with company matching
• Company paid Life, AD&D, and Short-Term Disability
• Generous My Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Varsity Brands Ownership Program
• Employee Resource Groups
• Access to Financial Coaching and member-owned Credit Union
• St. Jude Partnership and Volunteer Opportunities
• Employee Perks including discounts on personal apparel and equipment

Important Information

This position does not offer relocation assistance. Candidates must be able to work from the designated location without company-sponsored relocation.