Apparel Product Development Manager Jobs in Utah

POSITION SUMMARY
Will be responsible for the management and execution of Black Diamond’s Apparel Product Creation Process activities for a variety of product categories at Black Diamond. With minimal supervision, will be responsible for project management as well as leading all the development tasks from the design specification handoff phase through to the final product commercialization phase. Will be expected to complete all required development functions in accordance with the Apparel Product Creation Process and within the published company development timeline, projected product costing and spending targets. In addition, will work as a member of a cooperative team-based working environment. Furthermore, based on their experience levels, may be asked to provide advice and guidance on line concepts, manufacturability, cost, and supplier input during the design conceptualization phase. Will be expected to assume a managing role during the sampling and implementation phase, whether made in-house or out, and provide a seamless transition of the product into stable bulk manufacturing.
 

Education

Preferred: A bachelor’s degree in any discipline combined with work experience in the Apparel design and development space.

Work Experience

Preferred: Typically, 0-4 years of development, design, product management, global logistics or process engineering experience in technical products or consumer products. In addition, experience in sub-component supply chain management, project management and/or product development in an ISO complement company(s) in outdoor recreation market and/or related industries is desired. 
Autonomy: Executes tasks with high collaboration, coaching, and direction from more experienced developers, managers, mentors, etc.

Organizational Impact: Conducts routine tasks efficiently. Supports objectives, and initiatives within Product Development space.

Alternative qualification: Alternative to Education qualification: A bachelor’s degree in any discipline combined with a thorough global knowledge base and work experience in Softgoods design, testing and development.

Required licenses:  Valid passport

Preferred Licenses: Drivers’ License

Required ability to travel: They must be willing to travel within the contiguous United States of America (USA), as well as, abroad to work with suppliers, contractors, and others. They may also attend relevant off-site events as required to complete their job responsibilities. This position may require a total travel time away from Salt Lake City, Utah, USA of up to twenty percent (20%) of the work year or fifty-two (52) business day or ten (10) weeks per year.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
General physical requirements: Light Work 
Visual acuity requirements: Close vision, color vision, and depth perception
Motion and sensory requirements: Balancing, stooping, kneeling, Reaching, Standing, Walking, Pushing, Pulling, Lifting, Grasping, Feeling, Talking and Hearing.
Physical working conditions: Noise, Hazards, Atmospheric conditions and Oils exposure possible
Specific sport competence: Extensive skiing, climbing, and/or mountaineering experience preferred for in field product testing and development preferred.

SKILLS AND GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Comprehensive understanding of global manufacturing enterprises combined with the leadership traits and communication skills required to excel in this environment. Experience with quality systems, lean manufacturing techniques, sourcing and vendor qualification, product design, costing, MRP and global logistics is desired. Strong leadership, collaboration and negotiation skills are required. Thorough knowledge of MS office and Adobe Creative Suite required. Must be able to use the product in the field and provide critical feedback on product function. Requires little to no experience in specific role but must show aptitude and ability to grow in role.

Materials Knowledge: 
Familiar understanding of materials essential to product requirements, and design decisions.

Creative Problem Solving: 
Should have the natural inclination to break problems down to root cause and approach solutions with curiosity and an open mind. Generate concepts through brainstorming and other creative processes.

Task & Project Planning: 
Must be able to prioritize individual / team project tasks, be a trusted member of the team, and reach out to others to verify and select a path forward. Not expected to manage the scope of a project without guidance from BUD/PLM or relevant manager.

Partner with merchandising and design team throughout prototype development to ensure aesthetic and function execution.  

Develop product briefs including sending CADs detailed design instruction, trim direction, fit direction, fabric information, technical specifications, and Softgoods production calendar 

External Communication, Project Management, and Planning: 
Clear communication of product development and production plan details with consideration for factory and internal team needs.

Internal Communication and Project Management: 
Must have the ability to communicate technical product issues clearly, concisely, and accurately in both written and verbal form. Must be able to shift communication styles to interact successfully with different types of people and cultures. Expected to host meetings on a cadence and provide notes with action items.

Processes Management: 
Cursory understanding and familiar with internal workflows & software systems.

Maintains development process including product sign-off samples. Maintain detailed records of the production sample library.  

Understanding of pattern making, garment constructions, specs, fabric and tech packs and how that all plays into the final quality of the product - an eye for detail.  

Product Costing and Tools: 
Requesting critical costing and product information from vendors and reporting back to the team. Works closely with the PLM, BUD, and relevant manager, gets sign off on a project budget.

Negotiate costing and manage delivery dates with vendors and factory partners.  

Comprehensive knowledge of the Adobe Illustrator Creative Cloud, Microsoft office, and basic PLM knowledge.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Authorized and responsible to perform all duties in accordance with BDEL Quality, Safety and Employee Policies and procedures:

•    Responsible for the management and coordination of product components and finished product development and manufacturing integration from design into bulk production. This includes the oversight of all sales sample production. 
•    Responsible for the creation, proper and timely maintenance of all required development documentation as specified by the Director of Development or relevant manager.
•    Authorized and responsible to provide development timeline status and task assignments through various project management delivery systems (ERP system, design team meetings, etc)

•    Strategic Supplier/Vendor Management - Working in close alignment with the Product side of the business and the Vice President of Operations, the Development Engineer will actively participate in discovering, qualifying and managing relationships with Black Diamond’s strategic vendor base. These responsibilities include: 
•    Understanding the sorts of vendor capabilities that are needed to bring to market innovative BD designs in the lowest cost manner possible.
•    Managing this vendor base to assure adherence to all requirements established in BD’s Vendor Guide
•    Aligning vendor capacities with customer demand
•    Seeking to expand the vendor base to support demand growth.
•    Establishing seasonal costing parameters and negotiating costing for in-line product
•    Conducting semi-annual vendor reviews.

Black Diamond is and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Black Diamond Equipment HR representative.