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 retailers preferred. 
• Experience coordinating overseas factories and international vendors. 
• Knowledge of apparel construction and garment manufacturing processes. 

Required Skills

• Strong project management and organizational skills. 
• Excellent follow-up and time management abilities. 
• Ability to manage multiple product categories simultaneously. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 
• Detail-oriented with excellent problem-solving abilities. 
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities. 
• Strong understanding of apparel development timelines and production processes. 
• Experience reviewing garment construction, trims, fabrics, and specifications. 
• Collaborative mindset with strong cross-functional communication skills. 

Technical Skills

• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint). 
• PLM systems preferred. 
• ERP experience preferred. 
• Adobe Illustrator knowledge is a plus. 
• Experience with WIP tracking and production management tools. 

Success in This Role

The successful Product Developer will:

• Drive seasonal product development while maintaining aggressive timelines. 
• Build strong partnerships with internal teams and overseas vendors. 
• Ensure products are production-ready with complete and accurate documentation. 
• Deliver high-quality products that meet Mad Engine's standards for licensed and private label apparel. 
• Contribute to continuous improvements that enhance speed to market, quality, and operational efficiency. 

Why Join Mad Engine Global?

At Mad Engine Global, you'll collaborate with talented teams to develop products for some of the world's most recognized brands and retailers. We foster a fast-paced, creative, and collaborative environment where innovation, accountability, and teamwork drive our success. If you're passionate about bringing products from concept to reality and thrive in a dynamic apparel industry, we'd love to hear from you.

This is a temporary position expected to last 30–60 days, with an immediate start.