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Contractual Apparel Product Development Jobs in Illinois

Scheels

Apparel Sales Associate

Springfield, IL · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

SCHEELS associates talk-the-talk, and walk-the-walk, with the best product and expert training in the sporting goods industry. Mentorship and professional development training are a focus throughout ...

S&S Activewear

Product Owner

Bolingbrook, IL · Hybrid

$100K - $115K/yr

We strive to be the apparel distributor of choice while inspiring and fostering growth for ... Serve as the voice of customer and the business within your agile development team, keeping ...

S&S Activewear LLC

Product Owner

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

We strive to be the apparel distributor of choice while inspiring and fostering growth for ... Serve as the voice of customer and the business within your agile development team, keeping ...

SCHEELS

Apparel Sales Associate

Springfield, IL

$19 - $22/hr

SCHEELS associates talk-the-talk, and walk-the-walk, with the best product and expert training in the sporting goods industry. Mentorship and professional development training are a focus throughout ...

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Contractual Apparel Product Development information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contractual Apparel Product Developer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Contractual Apparel Product Developer, you need expertise in garment construction, fabric selection, and trend analysis, often supported by a degree in fashion design or a related field. Familiarity with design software like Adobe Illustrator, PLM systems, and technical specification tools is typically required. Strong communication, project management, and negotiation skills help manage timelines, collaborate with vendors, and ensure quality. These skills and qualifications are critical for efficiently turning design concepts into market-ready apparel while meeting client and production requirements.

What are some common challenges faced in a contractual apparel product development role, and how can I prepare for them?

In a contractual apparel product development position, one of the main challenges is managing tight timelines while ensuring product quality and meeting client specifications. Since contracts are often project-based, you'll need to quickly adapt to different brand guidelines, workflows, and team dynamics. Strong communication skills are crucial, as you'll regularly collaborate with designers, buyers, and manufacturers to address issues like material sourcing or last-minute design changes. To prepare, familiarize yourself with agile development processes and build a robust network of reliable suppliers and technical experts.

What is the difference between Contractual Apparel Product Development vs Apparel Product Developer?

AspectContractual Apparel Product DevelopmentApparel Product Developer
CredentialsExperience in apparel manufacturing, technical skills, industry knowledgeDesign background, technical skills, industry experience
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with manufacturers, suppliers, and clients on a contractual basisWorks in design studios or corporate offices, often full-time
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by brands outsourcing production, freelance consultantsEmployed by brands or apparel companies directly

Contractual Apparel Product Development involves working with external manufacturers and clients on a project basis, focusing on bringing designs to production efficiently. In contrast, an Apparel Product Developer typically works within a company, overseeing the entire product lifecycle from concept to final product. Both roles require technical knowledge, but contractual development emphasizes external collaboration, while product developers focus on internal product management.

What are the most commonly searched types of Apparel Product Development jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Apparel Product Development jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Contractual Apparel Product Development jobs in Illinois? For Contractual Apparel Product Development jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contractual Apparel Product Development jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Contractual Apparel Product Development jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Contractual Apparel Product Development jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Contractual Apparel Product Development job openings:
Contractual Apparel Product Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contractual Apparel Product Development job openings in Illinois as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, and 11% Remote job distribution.
Product Development Manager - Dog & Cat Regulated Products

Product Development Manager - Dog & Cat Regulated Products

Central Garden & Pet

Chicago, IL

$110K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Central Garden & Pet rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Central Garden & Pet

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 67,533 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Central Garden & Pet

  • 97%

    97% say they get paid breaks

    say they get paid breaks

  • 94%

    94% say it is easy to take sick days

    say it is easy to take sick days

  • 94%

    94% say they don’t worry about hours

    say they don’t worry about hours

Featured by Central Garden & Pet, based on 40 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees

Job description

Description

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ:CENT), is a leading innovator, marketer and producer of high-quality branded products for the pet, lawn and garden markets. We are seeking a creative, driven, and forward-thinking R&D Product Development Manager to help shape the future of our Pet Health & Wellness portfolio, including the ADAMS (adamspetcare.com), Comfort Zone (comfortzone.com), and Sulfodene (sulfodene.com) brands.  In this role, you will lead and coordinate the development of new products focused on dog and cat health, nutrition, and behavior, guiding projects from initial concept through completion. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to prepare each product for federal or state regulatory approval, licensing or registration.  While we are open to all candidates who live within 30 miles of a Central location, we do prioritize candidates in Chicago, where many of the marketing team is located or Dallas where most of Research and Development team is located.  If you are ready to take the next exciting step in your research and development career, we’d love to hear from you!
 
Please see our website for additional company information – www.central.com 
 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 
  • Lead the development of new Pet Health & Wellness products from concept through commercialization, partnering with cross-functional teams including R&D, Regulatory, Quality, Marketing, Legal, Procurement, and Manufacturing.
  • Develop and manage project plans, timelines, and milestones to ensure on-time execution and clear communication across all stakeholders.
  • Design and oversee stability studies to validate product shelf life, ingredient stability, and label; select and manage external testing laboratories as needed.
  • Provide technical expertise to support product claims, labeling, and marketing materials before and after product launch, in collaboration with Marketing, Regulatory, and Legal teams.
  • Conduct literature reviews on active ingredients to support product development and substantiation of claims, particularly for supplement and/or pheromone products.
  • Collaborate with New Business Development and Marketing to investigate new product concepts and innovation opportunities for U.S. and international markets.
  • Ensure products meet internal quality standards and comply with applicable federal, state, and international regulatory requirements by partnering closely with Regulatory Affairs and cross-functional teams, and by supporting quality and compliance initiatives, including SOP development and continuous improvement efforts.
  • Stay current on scientific, regulatory, and industry trends through professional publications, continuing education, and scientific conferences.
  • Provide technical support to Consumer Care by assisting with responses to customer inquiries related to product efficacy, usage, and concerns; develop accurate, science-based guidance and leverage consumer feedback to inform continuous improvement, quality enhancements, and future product innovation.
QUALIFICATIONS 
Technical & Regulatory Expertise
  • Familiarity with AAFCO and NASC regulations governing animal feeds, supplements, and feed ingredients strongly preferred.
  • Experience supporting regulated products, including labeling, claims substantiation, and compliance activities.
Skills & Competencies
  • Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders, including non-technical teams, to achieve project objectives.
  • Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and database systems.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external partners.
  • Highly detail-oriented, organized, and results-driven, with a strong commitment to quality and compliance. 
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION 
  • Master of Science (MS) in Animal Science or a related discipline required; PhD or DVM preferred.
  • 5–10 years of relevant experience in research, product development, and/or project management within regulated animal health, nutrition, or pet care industries, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Working knowledge of pet nutrition and/or animal behavior.

WORKING CONDITIONS 

  • Comfortable, office environment; frequent use of phone and PC; required overnight business travel approximately 10% of the time after onboarding
  • Laboratory and on-location field sites.  Safety apparel is required in the lab or production areas, i.e. safety glasses (always), lab coat, gloves, respirators or dust masks (as appropriate).
 
POSITION INFORMATION 
This position pays approximately $110,000 - $140,000 annually, based on prior related product development experience in animal health, nutrition & behavior, geographic location, and academic background. This position may also be eligible for an annual discretionary management incentive.
 
BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS 
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Free Life and Disability Insurance
  • Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • 401k with 3% company match 
  • Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Access to thousands of free online courses
  • Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
  • Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
  • Referral Program with cash bonus
  • Access to on-demand pay
  • Paid parental leave
 
Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Best Bully Sticks®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Kaytee®, Nylabone®, Pennington®, Sevin® and Zoёcon®. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. Visit www.central.com to learn more.
 
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. 
  
#LI-CM1 

Working at Central Garden & Pet

Perks for frontline workers

From Central Garden & Pet, via Breakroom

  • Safety is a top priority!

  • Paid Vacation

  • Paid Holidays

  • Paid Sick Time

  • Paid Breaks

  • Consistent shift and schedule

  • Comprehensive Health Insurance

  • 401k with Company Match

  • Referral Program with Cash Bonus

  • Education Assistance

  • Paid Parental Leave

About Central Garden & Pet, in their own words

From Central Garden & Pet

Our leading consumer and professional brands provide forward-thinking, high quality products to care for your lawn, garden, pets and community. We are committed to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier and communities grow stronger.

Company values

From Central Garden & Pet

The Central Way | We Do the Right Thing | We Strive to be the Best | We are Entrepreneurial | We Win Together | We Grow Every Day | We are Passionate

Diversity and inclusion statement

From Central Garden & Pet

Central Garden & Pet is committed to building a great place to work that embraces diversity as a key pillar of our culture. This is a journey, and we are committed to listening, learning and doing the work to move forward together.

What Central Garden & Pet employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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