Senior Apparel Product Developer

Title: Senior Apparel Product Developer

Location: Portland United States

Full time

R-020985

Job Description:

This position is designated as a hybrid role based out of our headquarters near Portland, Oregon. The current expectation is for employees to work onsite four days per week, subject to change based on business needs. This in-office requirement may be adjusted at the discretion of the company.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Sr. Product Developer is responsible for managing the end-to-end development process for assigned apparel, accessories, and/or equipment products. This role ensures design integrity, quality, and target costs are achieved while meeting commercialization timelines. Acting as a key liaison between design, merchandising, technical teams, and manufacturing partners, you'll balance creative vision with manufacturability to deliver products that uphold the Columbia Sportswear brand promise.

HOW YOU'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

• Drive the product development process from concept to commercialization using both digital and physical prototyping.

• Collaborate with designers and technical designers to gather critical design information for technical development.

• Maintain accurate bills of materials, specifications, measurements, and construction details in PDM for assigned categories.

• Manage prototype samples and ensure timely delivery.

• Provide solutions throughout the commercialization process to achieve target costs and profitability goals.

• Communicate development progress and changes to liaison offices and vendors, ensuring alignment and timely execution.

• Lead strong cross-functional interactions with Product Creation teams and manufacturers to ensure a coordinated process.

• Act as the face of Apparel Manufacturing during commercialization.

• Engage with leadership on strategic long-range projects as needed.

• Stay informed on apparel trends, market insights, and consumer needs to influence product decisions.

• Mentor and train entry-level developers to build team capability.

YOU ARE

• Highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities under strict timelines.

• A proactive communicator who thrives in cross-functional collaboration.

• Detail-oriented with a strong ability to problem-solve and adapt to changing priorities.

• Passionate about product development and delivering high-quality, consumer-focused solutions.

YOU HAVE

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and 5-8 years of experience in technical product development, merchandising, design, or pattern making (or 10+ years without a degree).

• Advanced knowledge of garment construction and fit principles, with the ability to articulate techniques and develop new methods.

• In-depth understanding of materials, trims, and functional garment aspects.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

#Hybrid

#LI-LC1

This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company.

Columbia Sportswear Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

At Columbia Sportswear Company, we're proud to offer regular full-time employees a benefits package that includes a variety of services and products to help make your life and work more rewarding. Our benefit programs contribute to overall employee well-being by aligning those programs with the fundamental elements of well-being: physical, social/emotional, financial, career and community. Benefits that can protect your family's financial future and help you save money through our 401k plan plus a generous company match. Columbia offers medical, dental, vision, life Insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, and an assortment of voluntary benefit offerings (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and legal services). In addition, Columbia offers EAP + which is free and confidential 24/7/365 counseling services. We have extensive wellness benefits, employee discounts and a generous time off program available.