Mid-Level Technical Designer / Product Developer (Apparel)

$65,000 - $80,000/Yr

Swannies Golf Apparel Co. - Inver Grove Heights, MN

Full-time - Mid Level

Hybrid - Inver Grove Heights, MN

Sporting Goods, Hobby, Musical Instrument, Book, and Miscellaneous Retailers

About the position

The Mid-Level Technical Designer / Product Developer at Swannies Golf Apparel Co. is responsible for leading the technical development of apparel products, ensuring they meet quality, fit, and performance standards. This role involves managing the entire product development process from concept to production, collaborating closely with design teams, and coordinating with overseas factories. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in technical garment construction and a passion for golf apparel.

Responsibilities

• Manage all sample submissions, including lab dips, strike-offs, proto samples, and pre-production samples for inline, capsule, and custom projects.
• Conduct video reviews with the design team to finalize sample approvals as necessary.
• Collaborate with the design team to create detailed tech packs with specs, graded dimensional specifications, and accurate construction details.
• Photograph development and pre-production samples, uploading visuals into tech packs.
• Initiate costing discussions with manufacturers, aligning on target margins and pricing tier categories with the Director of Product and Director of Supply Chain.
• Lead fit sessions for new styles, providing thorough evaluation notes and feedback to factories.
• Maintain daily updates in SOT (Source of Truth) and ApparelMagic, ensuring product data, imagery, pricing, and UPCs are current & accurate.
• Track development status, updating daily on lab dips, strike-offs, protos, SMS, and TOP samples, maintaining records in the development tracking sheet.
• Coordinate SMS sample handoffs to the sales team and maintain an organized sample library for reference.
• Maintain an organized library of lab dips, strike-offs, proto samples, and fabric swatches.
• Act as a point of contact with overseas factories and suppliers, managing the end-to-end communication on style approvals, timelines, and revisions.
• Source fabrics and trims in alignment with the design team and network of suppliers.
• Create and maintain all development documentation, including tech packs, production standards, BOMs, measuring guides, grade rules, and costing sheets.
• Monitor development and production calendars, ensuring all milestones are met.
• Develop and maintain WIP (Work In Progress) reports, communicating any delays or issues promptly.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in technical design/product development, preferably within the fashion, lifestyle, or sports industry.
• Proven experience managing garment fit and understanding technical construction details.
• Proficiency in PLM systems (ex: Apparel Magic).
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Illustrator.
• Knowledge of overseas production processes and a strong understanding of development and production calendars.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for managing factory and supplier relationships effectively.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with remote teams.
• Self-motivated with a keen eye for detail and a passion for design.

Nice-to-haves

• Specific experience or interest in golf apparel.

Benefits

• A dynamic and fun work environment with a team that loves what they do.
• Opportunities for growth and professional development.
• The chance to work on a variety of exciting projects in a fast-paced startup.
• Paid holidays & Unlimited PTO.
• 401k.
• 60% product discount.
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans.