Product Development Lab Manager Jobs in Windermere, FL

About Us

For more than two decades, Entertainment Retail Enterprises (ERE) has been a leader in the design,

development, and distribution of private-label merchandise for some of the most recognized brands and retailers in the destination retail industry. Since acquiring Legendary Whitetails in 2019, ERE has continued to expand its portfolio through additional brands, licenses, and retail partnerships, including outdoor, workwear, lifestyle, and heritage apparel.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Men's Apparel Designer / Product Developer to join our growing Product Development team. This individual will play a key role in designing and developing seasonal collections while managing product from concept through

commercialization across multiple brands. This is a senior-level position for an experienced apparel professional who can confidently manage product categories, partner with overseas development teams, mentor junior team members, and deliver commercially successful products while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams and department leadership.

What You'll Do

• Design and develop seasonal men's apparel collections across multiple brands.

• Research market trends, consumer insights, competitive products, fabrics, trims, colors, washes, and silhouettes.

• Develop seasonal concepts, mood boards, color palettes, print direction, and product stories.

• Design commercially relevant woven and knit apparel with a strong understanding of the outdoor, workwear, western, and lifestyle markets.

• Design original silhouettes and collaborate with the Art Department on graphics, prints, plaids, branding, and trim development.

• Create and maintain detailed tech packs, CADs, specifications, bills of materials (BOMs), construction details, and artwork.

• Own assigned product categories from initial concept through final production.

• Lead product development with overseas teams, ensuring products meet quality, costing, fit, and delivery expectations.

• Review and approve lab dips, strike-offs, trims, fabrics, care labels, packaging, pre-production samples, and TOP samples.

• Evaluate development and fit samples, provide technical comments, and drive continuous product improvements.

• Partner closely with our China office, sourcing, and production teams to ensure smooth execution throughout the development process.

• Balance creativity with target costing, customer expectations, quality standards, and manufacturing capabilities.

• Identify opportunities for new product categories, fabric innovations, construction techniques, and product enhancements.

• Manage multiple brands, product categories, and development calendars while ensuring all milestones and deadlines are met.

• Effectively prioritize competing priorities, shift focus as business needs evolve, and manage multiple projects simultaneously without compromising quality or timelines.

• Mentor and support junior members of the Product Development team by sharing knowledge, best practices, and technical expertise.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, Product Development, Retail Merchandising, or a related field preferred.

• 8+ years of experience in men's apparel design and product development.

• Strong experience designing and developing both woven and knit apparel.

• Experience in outdoor, workwear, western, hunting, heritage, or lifestyle apparel is highly preferred.

• Strong understanding of garment construction, t, fabrics, trims, washes, embellishments, and manufacturing processes.

• Strong knowledge of Adobe Illustrator; PLM experience preferred; WFX experience is a plus.

• Strong understanding of apparel costing, target margins, and commercial product development.

• Excellent eye for trend, color, proportion, and commercially viable product.

• Experience working directly with overseas factories and product development teams.

• Exceptional organizational, communication, and project management skills.

• Ability to manage multiple brands and priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail and meeting

deadlines.

• Self-motivated, proactive, adaptable, and able to thrive in an ever-changing environment.

• Positive attitude with a strong sense of urgency and accountability.

• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.

Benefits

Health insurance

Paid Time off (PTO)

401(k) with company match

Relocation assistance

Location: Apopka, FL

This is a full-time, in-office position.

Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.