Patagonia, in Ventura, Calif., is looking for Product Developer (Hardgoods) to join its team.

General Summary
The Product Developer manages a product line from concept through production. The Developer collaborates with the Director of Product Development Operations to achieve product initiatives. The Developer coordinates the material sourcing, costing, and commercial execution of product. The position requires extensive knowledge of raw materials, technical construction, sourcing, and costing.

The Developer supports a product category and reports performance metrics to the management team. Performance metrics include product execution to the corporate calendar and financial performance to the revenue plan.

Essential Job Functions
o Identify sourcing, material and construction technology that supports designer’s vision and product requirements
o Manager of Product Development to determine the sourcing strategy for the season.
o Manage the calendar and process including costing, quality evaluation, fabric, trim and color approvals.
o Direct development process to achieve commercial viability of designs through collaboration with Fabric Sourcing, Design, Trim Development, Purchasing, Costing and Quality departments.
o Produce accurate product specifications and ensure they are maintained and distributed effectively.
o Develop and maintain BOM’s and accurate database information that result in efficient raw material purchasing.
o Manage proto, sample, counter-sample and production approvals to ensure Patagonia quality standards as well as on time deliveries.
o Coordinate all factory communication for the development of proto-types. Establish the timeline, raw material management, and approval requirements with the factory.
o Manage garment fit process in collaboration with design and pattern making. Instruct a manufacturer on necessary changes to a pattern to influence the fit.
o Collaborates with factories to achieve ‘state of the art’ opportunities for product innovation.
o Support the sourcing and training of new factory resources.
o Lead product team meetings.
o Deliver regular team performance metrics to management.
o Ensure that Company standards for quality, function and reducing environmental impacts are met.
o Support Sourcing and Quality Managers as needed.

Minimum Job Qualifications
o Bachelor’s degree in a related field [Apparel / Textile Design, Technology, Merchandising, Engineering].
o 5+ years experience in design, development, production or merchandising.
o Knowledge of apparel construction, material construction and properties, pattern making, costing, embroidery and surface applications (e.g. screen printing, etc).
o Thorough understanding of the design, development and merchandising process from inception through production.
o Ability to interpret design intent and offer alternative solutions.
o Ability to be a technical resource to others.
o Proven skill at problem solving and product innovation.
o Proven performance history with domestic and offshore vendors and manufacturers.
o Working knowledge of personal computers with experience in such programs as Adobe Illustrator and Microsoft office.
o Strong verbal and written communication skills, including presentations.
o Extreme attention to detail.
o Ability to write product specs.
o Knowledge of garment fit and the ability to instruct a manufacturer on necessary changes to a pattern to influence the fit.
o Able to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines.

Physical Requirements
o Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds for up to 100 feet.
o Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
o Ability to travel, domestically and internationally, utilizing various methods of transportation.

Employee Conduct
It is the responsibility of every employee to contribute to a positive work environment through cooperative and professional interactions with co-workers, customers and vendors.