Product Developer - Licensed Brands

Reports to: Senior Design Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Department: Product and Brand Services (PBS)

Location: In-Office position at Zumiez Home Office - Lynnwood, WA

Zumiez and Product and Brand Services (PBS)

Zumiez is a leading specialty retailer of apparel, footwear, accessories, skateboards, and snowboards for young men and women who want to express their individuality through the fashion, music, art, and culture of action sports, streetwear, and other unique lifestyles. Headquartered in Lynnwood, Washington, Zumiez operates over 700 stores in North America, Europe, and Australia. We operate under Zumiez in North America, Blue Tomato in Europe, and Fast Times in Australia.

The Zumiez Product and Brand Services (PBS) team is responsible for over 30 unique brands spanning various categories, including men's and women's apparel, accessories, and snow/skate hardgoods. These brands are comprised of private label, licensed, and owned brands.

Position Purpose

The Product Developer is responsible for taking ownership of the creative design & development process for a set of licensed brand partners that include multiple product categories.

This position will act as the design & development liaison for assigned brands. Supporting the end-to-end development of assigned categories by executing core calendar tasks, maintaining accurate product data, and partnering closely with cross-functional teams and vendors. This role will collaborate with brand on design direction, then apply their creativity, problem solving skills & development expertise to see all designs from concept through to finished goods.

Within assigned categories this role ensures timely and accurate execution of seasonal deliveries. Provides support across non-assigned categories as needed to ensure overall team and product success.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

Manage the overall vision of a design while partnering with Brand, Technical Designers, Graphic Designers, Buyers and vendors on fit, details, and graphics applications.
Works cross functionally (Design, Graphics, Tech Design, Production) and external vendors to support development and maintain seasonal deliveries
Create and maintain accurate technical sketches, templates, and bill of material entries following established standards with high accuracy
Accurately evaluate physical submits for color, quality, weight, and techniques applied
Identify and elevate product risks or timeline slips early to ensure on time product
Internal and External communication to ensure clarity of product comments
Use Adobe Illustrator to update technical sketches, artwork placements, and silhouette revisions
Collaborate with Graphic Design to adjust artwork files for production needs
Participate in fittings, product reviews, and team meetings.
Research trends, construction, materials, to support seasonal concept direction
Actively identify areas of process and systems improvement and proactively find solutions.
Mentors fellow PD team members as needed
Other duties assigned by the Manager.

Requirements:

BA degree in Apparel Design, Product Development, or related field.
5-6 years of experience in apparel development, design, or related function preferred.
Proficient with Adobe CS - Illustrator, Photoshop
Proficient with Microsoft office – Outlook, Excel, Word and Teams
Clear understanding of garment construction, textiles, and print/artwork application techniques.
Ability to communicate timely, accurately and effectively with cross functional partners and overseas vendors
Some travel may be required

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Ability to sit/stand in a stationary position in an office environment for extended periods and work on a Mac or PC without limitations. Must be able to distinguish colors and inspect the material on the product.

Benefits

Salary Range Hourly Rate $30.00 - $38.00 (depending on experience)
Medical, Dental, and vision Insurance, following an initial wait period.
401k after 1 year of service
Paid Parental Leave
Life Insurance
10 days of accrued paid vacation
Bonus Potential
Employee Stock Purchase Program
Open, casual, pet-friendly office environment
Employee Discount on Zumiez product
On-site skate park & cafeteria

This job description is not all-inclusive and is only intended to describe the general nature of the work. All job responsibilities are essential job functions. Job responsibilities and requirements are subject to modification to accommodate individuals with disabilities reasonably. The Company reserves the right to modify the job description as it deems necessary for proper business operations.

Qualifications