Product Developer

**Position Summary** Mad Engine Global is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented Product Developer to join our Production team. This role is responsible for managing the product development process from concept through production readiness, ensuring products meet quality, cost, and timeline expectations. Working closely with Design, Production, Merchandising, Sourcing, Technical Design, and overseas vendors, the Product Developer will help bring licensed and private label apparel collections to market for major mass-market retailers. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, possesses strong organizational and communication skills, and has experience managing multiple product categories while balancing quality, cost, and speed to market. **Key Responsibilities** **Product Development** - Manage the development process from concept approval through production handoff. - Coordinate seasonal development calendars to ensure all milestones are achieved on schedule. - Track product development status and proactively identify risks to delivery timelines. - Partner with Design to ensure product execution aligns with creative vision and customer requirements. - Review product specifications, construction details, trims, and packaging requirements. - Manage sample requests, sample tracking, and approvals throughout the development process. - Ensure all development information is complete and production-ready before bulk manufacturing. **Cross-Functional Collaboration** - Work closely with Design, Production, Technical Design, Merchandising, Sales, Licensing, and Sourcing teams throughout the product lifecycle. - Coordinate with overseas factories and domestic partners to communicate development priorities. - Participate in development meetings, fittings, sample reviews, and seasonal line reviews. - Assist in resolving product issues while balancing quality, cost, and timeline objectives. **Vendor & Factory Communication** - Communicate daily with overseas factories and vendor partners regarding development status. - Follow up on sample progress, approvals, and production readiness. - Clarify development comments and ensure vendor understanding of product expectations. - Build strong vendor relationships while maintaining accountability for deadlines and quality. **Sample Management** - Coordinate prototype, fit, salesman, pre-production, and TOP samples. - Maintain sample tracking logs and ensure timely distribution to internal teams. - Review samples for accuracy against approved specifications. - Document development comments and communicate revisions to vendors. **Cost & Production Readiness** - Partner with Sourcing and Production teams to ensure products meet target costing. - Support value engineering initiatives while maintaining design intent and quality. - Monitor development costs and identify opportunities for process improvements. - Ensure BOMs, specifications, artwork, trims, and packaging information are finalized prior to production. **Reporting & Documentation** - Maintain accurate development trackers, WIP reports, and seasonal calendars. - Organize development files, approvals, specifications, and sample records. - Prepare status updates for management and cross-functional meetings. - Ensure documentation is complete and organized for production transition. **Continuous Improvement** - Identify opportunities to improve development processes and communication. - Stay informed on market trends, materials, construction techniques, and manufacturing capabilities. - Support initiatives that improve efficiency, product quality, and speed to market. **Qualifications** **Education** - Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Apparel Production, Product Development, Fashion Design, or a related field preferred. **Experience** - 3–5 years of experience in Product Development, Production, Merchandising, or Apparel Manufacturing. - Experience working with licensed apparel, private label, or mass-market reta…