Apparel Product Developer

About the role

Varsity Spirit, a Varsity Brands company, is seeking a full-time Apparel Product Developer based in Farmers Branch, TX. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving the development of seasonal products from concept through production readiness, working closely with Design, Sourcing, Planning, Sampling, QA, and internal/external manufacturing partners.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Design and Category Management teams to understand product vision, direction, and strategic intent
• Align with Design and Category Management on project timelines, ensuring adherence to milestones and deliverables
• Partner with internal and external Material Developers to support the development of new materials, trims, and fabrics
• Work with Product Compliance and QA Testing teams to ensure all products meet required quality standards and release criteria
• Prepare, deliver, and communicate complete and accurate technical packages (Tech Packs) to manufacturing partners
• Troubleshoot design, material, and trim challenges to achieve the intended product outcome
• Collaborate with Product Quality teams to ensure all assigned projects meet Varsity Spirit’s quality expectations
• Work with Design and Engineering teams to transition prototypes into cost-efficient, scalable, high-volume production
• Coordinate with internal teams and manufacturing partners to guide products from prototypes through successful production
• Partner with the Supply Chain team to deliver profitable, high-quality products to customers
• Monitor the status of new products to ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and applicable regulations
• Evaluate product operations and design execution to ensure alignment with manufacturing and design principles
• Analyze production processes and recommend improvements that support cost reduction and quality enhancement
• Identify design failures and recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence
• Communicate product status to senior management and prepare clear, accurate reports as needed

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate in an open and honest way that quickly builds trust and respect
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, PLM, and AS400 with an aptitude for learning latest programs
• Solid understanding of product development processes
• Excellent analytical, verbal, and written skills with strong attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle critical deadlines/prioritize work and business processes and able to multi-task regularly
• Affinity for problem-solving, exposure or experience in Manufacturing, Quality Excellence, Strategic thinking, listening to internal customers, and performing in the most professional manner
• Flexibility during times of change, comprehension of business operations, and providing quality insight on how to achieve goals and ensure business success
• Participation in continuous improvement projects and lean principles, ideally within apparel manufacturing
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus

College degree in Fashion, Business Administration, Project Management, Engineering, or experience required. 2-4 years of related product development including design and manufacturing.

Physical Demands

This is a 70% sedentary role and 30% active; it is necessary for this role to walk in all departments to follow up on completion of assignments and check on all samples. This position requires 20% domestic and international travel.

Benefits

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