Product Developer

Company Description

Outdoor Outfits, established in 1945, specializes in manufacturing high-quality, innovative, and value-added uniform outerwear designed for Public Safety and First Responders, including Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS, and Tactical Operations. With an ISO 9001:2018 registered manufacturing facility, the company assures excellence in craftsmanship, materials, and on-time delivery. Outdoor Outfits offers a diverse range of protective outerwear and is third-party certified for Hi-Visibility, viral protection, and Emergency Services uniforms. Renowned for its customization capabilities.

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site role for a Product Developer based in Toronto, ON. The Product Developer will be responsible for conceptualizing and designing innovative outdoor and protective apparel, conducting research and development to enhance product performance, and collaborating with internal teams to oversee product management. This role involves identifying customer requirements, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and delivering high-quality solutions aligned with the company's reputation for excellence.

Job Responsibilities
:

• Collaborate with the Production team to understand style construction details, styling intent, and proportions, ensuring alignment throughout the development process.
• Develop detailed product specifications through accurate Tech Packs, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in manufacturing processes.
• Create and manage Bill of Materials (BOM) for each style to optimize production accuracy and streamline material sourcing ordering.
• Create, edit, and modify technical sketches using Adobe Illustrator.
• Partner with suppliers and vendors for fabric and trim sourcing, helping to achieve design while staying on budget.
• Measure samples and create size chart for prototypes and production runs.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of fabrics, trims, and notions, and issue accurate purchase orders to suppliers.
• Work closely with sample makers and pattern makers to ensure samples meet design intent and are delivered on schedule.
• Review and approve sample construction, ensuring design updates are implemented throughout development stages.
• Maintain accurate data in the PLM system.
• Review and suggest improvements to garment patterns and construction in collaboration with importers.
• Create marketing materials, such as product flyers, to support sales and trade shows.
• Offer construction feedback and recommend alternatives when technical challenges arise.
• Support the bid and tender process by ensuring bid samples made compliant to all the aspects for submission with Tender / Bids or RFP's
• Write detailed product descriptions for RFPs, Tenders, and Bid documents.
• Create ghost images and assist with managing website content using the Green Geeks portal.
• Coordinate with UL engineers for NFPA 1999 and NFPA 1975 certifications and testing preparation.
• Working with cross functional teams in a collaborative manner.

Qualifications:

• 2+ years' experience in an Outerwear Development Role and manufacturing preferred.
• University Degree/College Diploma in Fashion Arts.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator and Photoshop), Microsoft Office, and PLM software.
• Experience creating and managing detailed Tech Packs.
• Strong understanding of fabrics, trims, construction techniques, and garment fit.
• Able to conduct live model fittings and translate fit corrections to flat pattern.
• Experience managing product development from concept to production.
• Ability to work with tight timelines and deliver quality results under pressure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of pattern making and grading is a strong asset.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build productive relationships across teams.
• Fluency in English is required; ability to speak Mandarin is an asset.

Job Type:
Full-time

Location:
Toronto