Associate Product Developer

Associate Apparel Product DeveloperVARSITY SPIRIT, A VARSITY BRANDS COMPANY - THE DRIVING FORCE IN SPIRIT ACROSS CHEER, DANCE, BAND AND YEARBOOKFor over 50 years, Varsity Spirit has been the leading global source for all things spirit, including cheerleading, dance team, performing arts and yearbook. Focused on safety, entertainment and traditional school leadership, Varsity Spirit's 5,000+ employees are dedicated to celebrating school spirit. A leader in apparel innovation, educational camps, clinics, competitions, and yearbook, Varsity Spirit impacts more than a million athletes each year.OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFETYAt Varsity Spirit, the safety and wellbeing of the young people we serve is of the utmost importance. Since our inception 50 years ago, we have been – and remain – steadfastly committed to doing our part to create a safe and positive environment for our participants' physical, emotional, and social development, and promoting an environment free from abuse and misconduct. Varsity has a zero tolerance for abuse in its programs, events, and associated business activities. Varsity is committed to reporting all suspicions, allegations, and incidents of abuse in full accordance with local laws and reporting requirements.JOB TYPE: HybridJOB LOCATION: 14460 Varsity Brands Way, Farmers Branch, TX 75244Please note: This position does not offer relocation assistance. Candidates must be able to work from the designated location without company-sponsored relocationHOURS: M-F, 8-5p / 9-6p (Friday WFH)HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACTThe Associate Apparel Product Developer is a full -time position. An Associate Apparel Product Developer at Varsity Spirit is responsible for aiding to successfully drive the development of seasonal products from concept through production readiness. You will partner with Product Developers to support the interaction with Design, Sourcing, Planning, Sampling, QA, and internal/external Supply Chain and Manufacturing partners.The Associate Apparel Product Developer aids in managing the effective implementation and distribution of new products for the organization, handles launch aspects, and verifies that quality control complies with all project requirements. The Associate Apparel Product Developer will support Product Developers to ensure the department is able to deliver approved projects on time, within budget, and with quality results.WHAT YOU WILL DOPartner closely with the Product Developer, Varsity Design and Category Management Teams to understand the vision and direction of the product.Work with Product Developers to support internal and external communication to adhere to milestones and deliverables.Support Product Developers in communicating with internal teams and manufacturing partners to advance a product from prototype stages to successful production.Troubleshoot design, material, and trim details to execute the desired design and product.Team up with Product Quality Teams to ensure that all assigned projects meet the demanding standards of Varsity Spirit.Engage internal and external testing labs to ensure the product hurdles all quality parameters for product release.Partner with internal and external Material Developers to help effectively develop new materials, trims, and fabric.Monitor status of new products and ensure effective execution of projects according to required policies, procedures, and government regulations.Analyze and recommend improvements to all production processes and methods to facilitate cost reduction and quality improvement.Investigate and give recommendations for corrective action in case of any design failure.QUALIFICATIONSKNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIESThe ability to communicate in an open and honest way that quickly builds trust and respect.Proficiency in Microsoft Office, PLM, and AS400 with an aptitude for learning latest programs.Knowledge of product development processes is necessary.Excellent analytical, verbal, and written skills with strong attention to detail.Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle critical deadlines, prioritize work and business processes, and multi-task regularly.Affinity for problem solving, with exposure or experience in Manufacturing, Quality Excellence, strategic thinking, listening to internal customers, and performing in the most professional manner.Flexibility during times of change, with the ability to comprehend business operations and provide quality insight on how to achieve goals and ensure business success.Ability to participate in continuous improvement projects and lean principles, ideally within apparel manufacturing.Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.EDUCATION/EXPERIENCECollege degree in Fashion, Business Administration, Project Management, Engineering, or equivalent experience required.1-3 years of related product development experience, including Design and Manufacturing.Experience communicating via virtual meetings with Microsoft Teams, Citrix Webex, Zoom, and GoToMeeting.Experience with Outlook calendar scheduling a plus.Experience in PLM, OMS, and AS400 a plus.Physical Demands and/or Work EnvironmentThis job operates in a professional office environment. It is largely a sedentary role with some filing requiring the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets, and bend as necessary. This role is expected to be fully in office.JOIN THE BEST TEAM IN SPORT & SPIRITAt Varsity Brands, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed and every educator wants to make a difference. It takes a team to make a real impact, and through our two divisions – BSN SPORTS and Varsity Spirit – and our network of 6,000+ employees and independent representatives, we are proud to partner with a wide range of educational institutions and club and professional sports to transform the student journey in SPORT and SPIRIT.OUR VALUESService - We lead with heart. We champion community.Passion - We love what we do. It fuels our purpose.Integrity - We do what we promise. We own our actions and decisions.Respect - We earn it by giving it. Because everyone deserves it.Innovation - We never stop striving to be better. For ourselves and our community.Transparency - We are committed to openness and honesty in everything we do.OUR BENEFITSWe are committed to putting you and your families first. For benefits eligible roles, we offer a variety of choices and costs as well as program enhancements that align with our responsibility to elevate the employee experience. Some of our offerings include:Comprehensive Health Care BenefitsHSA Employer Contribution/ FSA OpportunitiesWellbeing Program401(k) plan with company matchingCompany paid Life, AD&D, and Short-Term DisabilityGenerous My Time Off & Paid HolidaysVarsity Brands Ownership ProgramEmployee Resource GroupsAccess to Financial Coaching and member-owned Credit UnionSt. Jude Partnership & Volunteer OpportunitiesEmployee Perks including discounts on personal apparel and equipment!Varsity Brands companies are equal opportunity employers. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran's status, age or disability.