Overview
Product Developer (Hard Goods & Apparel) Jobs in Salt Lake City, UT at Ballerina Farm
Full Job Description
Job Description
The Product Developer for Hard Goods & Apparel is responsible for driving the end-to-end development process of both hard goods and apparel products, from concept through production. This role collaborates cross-functionally with design, sourcing, merchandising, and manufacturing teams to deliver innovative, high-quality, and market-relevant products that align with brand vision and business goals.
Key Responsibilities
Product Development Lifecycle
Lead the full product lifecycle for hard goods and apparel, including ideation, prototyping, development, and production.
Collaborate with design and technical teams to translate concepts into manufacturable products, ensuring feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and quality.
Develop and manage tech packs, specifications, and bills of materials (BOMs) for all products.
Oversee the creation and evaluation of prototypes and samples, conducting fit sessions and product testing to ensure standards are met.
Market & Trend Analysis
Conduct market research and analyze customer feedback to validate product ideas and identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.
Monitor industry trends, competitor offerings, and consumer preferences to inform product development strategies.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with sourcing, production, and quality teams to ensure timely and successful product launches.
Communicate with vendors and manufacturing partners, both domestically and internationally, to source materials and manage production timelines.
Partner with merchandising and sales teams to align product development with business objectives and go-to-market strategies.
Project Management
Manage development calendars, track milestones, and ensure all critical deadlines are met.
Analyze costs, negotiate with suppliers, and develop pricing models to achieve margin targets.
Maintain accurate documentation and systems for all stages of product development.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Product Design, Fashion Design, Industrial Design, Merchandising, or a related field.
3+ years of experience in product development, with exposure to both hard goods and apparel preferred.
Strong understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, garment construction, and technical specifications.
Excellent project management, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to analyze market trends and translate them into commercially viable products.
Experience working with cross-functional teams and managing vendor relationships.
Proficiency in relevant design and PLM software is a plus.
Core Competencies
Creative problem-solving and critical thinking.
Attention to detail and quality focus.
Strong negotiation and analytical skills.
Adaptability and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Collaborative mindset and ability to build effective relationships across teams.
Reporting Structure
This position typically reports to the Product Development Manager.
Development and works closely with design, sourcing, merchandising, and production teams.
Title: Product Developer (Hard Goods & Apparel)
Company: Ballerina Farm
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Category:
