Soul, performance, and style take flight at Jordan Brand. With its deep roots in basketball, the Jordan Brand began as an homage to one player: Michael Jordan. Since then, Jordan has become synonymous with peak performance and an endless pursuit of greatness. Employees in merchandising, product branding, sports marketing and sales bring creativity, innovation and audacious design to footwear and apparel, all with one mission in mind: help athletes fly on and off the court.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

We’re looking for a Lead Product Developer who is an experienced project manager and has a deep understanding of construction, textiles, trims, and graphics to be part of our creative team within Nike Apparel.  A key part of this role is understanding the full scope of product creation from design concept to production.  The Lead Product Developer is a highly creative problem solver, versatile, and forward-thinking who thrives in a fast-paced environment.  They are an active participant in cross functional discussions, leading the team with technical recommendations and creating and/or implementing innovation into products that will enhance and inspire athlete performance.  Our ideal candidate can communicate effectively in varied settings and is able to influence the team when needed, while demonstrating credibility and reliability.  We are looking for someone who is optimistic, self-aware, embraces change, holds their decisions and actions accountable, will actively seek feedback to grow and develop, values and respects the opinions of their teammates and embraces the diversity of people, ideas, and cultures.  You will be a technical resource and mentor other Product Developers.  You will create and update Development documentation for our factory partners including Tech packs and Bill of Materials.  You will lead proto review sessions and take responsibility for the quality of material, graphic, craftsmanship, and manufacturing feasibility of your assigned styles.  You will raise awareness of potential quality or manufacturing risks and influence triad partners to resolve prior to prototype creation.  You will track prototypes for your styles, meet your calendar target dates, attend meetings that relate to your product’s development and communicate progress and challenges to your team as needed.

WHAT WILL YOU WORK ON?

You will work within the EMEA Geo Express Lane Apparel team, managing your assigned styles collaboratively with your cross functional partners to bring creative solutions and ensure the finished product meets or exceeds the required end use.  You will review prototype’s, graphic strike offs and samples, shepherding the styles through the creation process, advising in margin conversation, while meeting gates and dates to ensure on-time production.

A typical day/week looks like setting up new styles across different system, like PCX and PPS. Reviewing styles with the x-functional team, engaging in margin conversations and working on process improvements. Staying connected with our global product engine is also a key element of the role, ensuring consistency in product fit, make and quality.  This all while managing multiple seasons and tracks at the same time.

WHO WILL YOU WORK WITH?

You will report to the Senior Development manager.

The Lead Product Developer will collaborate with Design, Product Management, Operations, Sourcing and Costing, PCC Partner, Materials, Quality, Color and our factory partners to effectively execute on product development deliverables.

WHAT WILL YOU BRING?

• An extensive and proven development experience in the apparel industry, which includes the apparel development process from inception through production including construction, materials, costing, print / graphics, manufacturing and quality.
• Bachelor’s level of thinking in apparel design, textile science or related field. 
• A proven additional product creation experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Ability to create product specs and advanced construction instructions along with interpreting design intent and offering alternative solutions.
• Ability to act as a technical resource, mentor others and lead initiatives through high energy and positive influence.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to excel in a deadline driven environment. Ability to manage multiple projects.
• Strong problem solving and decision-making skills with attention to detail and process orientation.
• Proficiency with MS Office programs and confident using Adobe Illustrator with familiarity of CAD Pattern Design software. Experience with Optitex/Browzwear/CLO a plus.
• Familiarity with PCX and PPS.
• Basic understanding of Footwear product development process is a plus.
• Proficiency with MS Office programs and confident using Adobe Illustrator with familiarity of CAD Pattern Design software. Experience with Optitex/Browzwear/CLO a plus.
• Ability to travel 10% (domestic and international).