Associate Apparel Product Developer

Varsity Spirit, a Varsity Brands company, is the driving force in spirit across cheer, dance, band, and yearbook. For over 50 years, we’ve been the leading global source for all things spirit, including cheerleading, dance team, performing arts, and yearbook. Focused on safety, entertainment, and traditional school leadership, our 5,000+ employees are dedicated to celebrating school spirit. A leader in apparel innovation, educational camps, clinics, competitions, and yearbook, Varsity Spirit impacts more than a million athletes each year.

About the role

The Associate Apparel Product Developer is a full-time, hybrid position based in Farmers Branch, TX. This role supports the development of seasonal products from concept through production readiness, partnering with Product Developers, Design, Sourcing, Planning, Sampling, QA, and internal/external supply chain and manufacturing teams. The position ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and with quality results.

Location: 14460 Varsity Brands Way, Farmers Branch, TX 75244 (no relocation assistance provided).

Responsibilities

• Partner with Product Developers, Design, and Category Management Teams to align on product vision and direction.
• Support internal and external communication to adhere to milestones and deliverables.
• Collaborate with manufacturing partners to advance products from prototype to production.
• Troubleshoot design, material, and trim details to execute the desired product.
• Work with Product Quality Teams to ensure projects meet Varsity Spirit’s standards.
• Engage testing labs to verify products meet quality parameters for release.
• Partner with Material Developers to innovate new materials, trims, and fabrics.
• Monitor new product status and ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Analyze and recommend improvements to production processes for cost reduction and quality enhancement.
• Investigate and recommend corrective actions for design failures.

Requirements

• College degree in Fashion, Business Administration, Project Management, Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 1-3 years of product development experience, including Design and Manufacturing.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, PLM, and AS400; aptitude for learning new programs.
• Knowledge of product development processes.
• Strong analytical, verbal, and written communication skills with attention to detail.
• Organizational skills to handle deadlines, prioritize work, and multitask.
• Problem-solving affinity with exposure to Manufacturing, Quality Excellence, or strategic thinking.
• Flexibility during change and ability to provide quality insights for business success.
• Experience with continuous improvement projects and lean principles in apparel manufacturing.
• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.
• Experience with virtual meetings (Teams, Webex, Zoom, GoToMeeting) and Outlook calendar scheduling.
• Experience with PLM, OMS, and AS400 is a plus.

Schedule

• Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM or 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (remote work on Fridays).

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care benefits, including HSA employer contributions and FSA opportunities.
• Wellbeing program and 401(k) plan with company matching.
• Company-paid Life, AD&D, and Short-Term Disability insurance.
• Generous My Time Off and paid holidays.
• Varsity Brands Ownership Program and Employee Resource Groups.
• Access to financial coaching and a member-owned credit union.
• St. Jude Partnership and volunteer opportunities.
• Employee perks, including discounts on personal apparel and equipment.