Bauer: Senior Product Developer, Apparel

TEAMMATES WANTED

Working at Bauer is like playing on a hockey team. We empower each other to be our best. Everyone on the team has an important role to play. You might be leading others or collaborating with teammates on a big project. Whatever your title, you are part of something bigger than yourself.

Founded in 1927, Bauer Hockey developed the first skate. Since then, our passion for the game, drive for innovation, and commitment to the hockey community have made us the most trusted brand in hockey.

Want to join our team as a Senior Product Developer, Apparel?

The Senior Product Developer, Apparel will play a critical role in managing the development of apparel and accessories in the performance category. The candidate will have a proven track record of bringing best in class product to life from development through production. This role requires superior communication skills and a flexible, collaborative mindset working with internal and external partners along with a strong understanding of the functional needs of performance garments as it relates to functional fabrics, fit and construction. A drive to innovate and elevate products at all levels will be key and measured in this role.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities:

• Drive the charge in innovation, inspire new ideas and approaches to introduce new product concepts and revolutionize the product.
• Collaborate with cross-functional team for alignment on initial product vision and ensure benefits and functional needs are clearly defined and achievable.
• Work with brand team at the onset of development to understand cost targets. Partner with design, technical design, material development, sourcing to allow for a coordinated effort in meeting target costs while maintaining design aesthetic and performance requirements.
• Request and review cost breakdown sheets for each product, document each iteration in cost tracker and communicate with costing team in Taiwan office. Lead costing discussion during prototype reviews, identify concerns and propose solutions.
• Lead cross-functional partnership with product team and vendors to ensure product designs, specs and materials meet certifications standards and stay up to date on changes for various regions.
• Develop, maintain and optimize seasonal product creation calendars including timing and action for design, development, field testing, sales samples, certification and launch.
• Initiate, own and maintain accurate BOM, artwork, trim, labeling sections within tech packs while working closely with designers, tech design and material developer to ensure alignment at proto kick off.
• Evaluate mock-ups, artwork strike-offs, prototypes, sales samples, PPS, TOP in partnership with technical designer, designer and material developer, ensure accurate documentation within tech packs and provide detailed comments to vendors in a timely manner.
• Identify and manage field testing requests and work with internal and external teammates on identifying styles, requesting samples, writing protocols, reviewing reports and reporting out findings.
• Determine approval status at each sample stage while providing vendors with clear instructions on areas of improvement. Keep stakeholders updated on timelines and issues that arise.
• Expand knowledge of competitive landscape, consumer insights and industry innovations to inform decision making during product creation process.

Qualifications:

• BS or BA in related field- or equivalent years of relevant and related experience.
• 7-10 years of experience in product development of performance apparel required. Experience with compression, seamless knitted garments and sports uniforms across Men, Women and Kids are preferred.
• High-level expertise in textiles with emphasis on technical fabrics and functional treatments.
• Strong acumen of apparel construction and stitch terminology. Sewing experience is a plus.
• Thorough understanding of cost breakdowns.
• Demonstrated experience working with offshore vendors.
• Proficient with Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Suite, specifically Excel. Experience and/or strong desire to learn PLM and 3D CLO Software.
• Proficient and overall understanding of patent/IP landscape and potential impact on product strategy and innovation roadmap.
• Comprehensive knowledge or strong desire to learn product certification requirements and regulations.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills include listening and sharing professional ideas and recommendations.
• Must be proactive in trouble shooting, and problem solving with a solution driven approach.
• Positive, motivated team player who thrives in both team settings and independently.
• Proven ability to multi-task, handle a fast-paced dynamic environment and execute at a very detailed level.
• Adjust quickly to changing priorities and business needs.
• Ability and willingness to travel globally if needed.

Interested yet? Good. We are, too. We're pretty sure you’ll want to know this position is eligible to participate in the Company’s annual incentive plan. We also offer one of the most generous benefits packages around including a 401(k) plan with employer match, paid parental leave, an employee discount program on apparel and gear, casual & hybrid work environment and a host of other perks we don't have room to mention here.

We are committed to employing a diverse workforce and are an equal opportunity employer.