ban.do Hiring Apparel Product Developer (L.A.)
ban.do is a lifestyle brand based in sunny Los Angeles that designs clothes, accessories, gifts, stationery, and more. Sold in department stores, specialty stores, and boutiques, as well as online at bando.com. Inspired by the power of friendship, the good old days, and all things FUN. ban.do is also really into supporting their community of customers, fellow artists, and like-minded brands.
ban.do is currently seeking a superstar Apparel Product Developer to join the expanding team in Los Angeles! You’ll be responsible for leading the development process of all ban.do apparel, including wholesale & bando.com exclusives. You’ll report to the VP of Product Development and work closely with the apparel sourcing department and Merchandise Director to develop apparel from the yarn up. You’ll also get to work closely with the Creative Director and the entire design and merchandising team to make their vision come to life! As the key communicator between vendors and the LA team, you’ll be responsible for managing each development milestone on the product to market calendar. Ideal candidate is obsessed with processes, a serial problem solver, and an all-star communicator.
REQUIREMENTS:
- At least 2-years experience in an apparel development role
- Knowledge of all steps in an apparel development process
- Comfortable communicating with an overseas vendor base
- Hyper organized and detail oriented
- Highly communicative and proactive in your day-to-day
- Knowledge of fabrics, techniques and print/embellishment processes
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel / Google Sheets
- Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
- Solution oriented critical thinker
- Comfortable with calendars and dates; excellent time management skills
- Team player
- Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and CAD / Tech Pack knowledge a plus
RESPONSIBLE FOR:
- Partner with VP of Product Development, Sourcing & Merchandise Director to set product development schedule & follow through the design/development process. Ensure financial goals are being met & aesthetic/quality is in line with brand goals.
- Champion of communication between all apparel team members. Provide transparency on timeline conflicts, risks, changes and action items day-to-day. Build key processes & tools that work cross-functionally and deliver status updates on apparel.
- Schedule & lead key development meetings to ensure milestones are met.
- Partner with merchandising and the executive team on target pricing to ensure margin goals are being met. Build processes to promote cost reduction and efficiency.
- Negotiate costing and timing with vendors and bring creative solutions to the merchandising and design teams when a costing or development challenge arises.
- Champion the line plan each season and partner with merchandising to thoughtfully build the line. Partner with merchandising and development to maintain sku count throughout development.
- Partner with sales and merchandising for quantities to inform production PO’s with apparel vendors. Communicate and facilitate sample ordering and tracking. Place reorders and track to in DC date, keeping everyone aware of changes along the way.
- Be ears on the ground for apparel quality control issues, bringing them to the team and suggesting solutions. Partner with customer service & merchandising to react to consumer feedback as we see fit.
- Alert the team when new development materials arrive, including but not limited to lab dips, strikeoffs, and prototypes. Follow up with the team for timely comments.
- Oversee all fittings and partner with Technical Designer to schedule in the most financially efficient cadence.
- Partner with sourcing on research and development of techniques & quality
- Adhere to all policies and procedures outlined in ban.do’s employee handbook.
- Any other tasks that may be assigned to meet company goals.
