Product Developer - Waterbury, VT (Project Management)

The Company:

Founded in 1978, Cabot Hosiery Mills is an American manufacturer of premium socks with uncompromised comfort, durability, and fit. With a family of brands including Darn Tough Vermont, Wide Open, and Cabot & Sons, our mission is to make the world's best socks, in Vermont, USA, and back them with our Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee. We are family-owned, three generations strong, and have yet to produce our best sock.

Job Summary:

As we continue to scale one of the fastest-growing sock brands, we seek a Product Developer to support the Product Development Manager and Designers in the design development process from concept to manufacturing. This role is pivotal in driving creative product solutions that meet our high standards for comfort, durability, and fit.

The Product Developer will work collaboratively in a team environment and is expected to provide expertise in design concepts, manufacturability, and supplier considerations during the conceptualization phase. This includes analyzing warranty and wear testing results to inform product improvements. A strong understanding of material properties, construction techniques, and production processes is essential to driving innovation and ensuring our products meet the highest standards of comfort, durability, and fit. Additionally, this role will manage sampling timelines and oversee projects both within and outside the seasonal calendar.

Starting at $70,000 per year.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with the Product Development Manager to develop products from design concept through manufacturing for B2B and D2C channels.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Sales, E-Commerce, and Product teams to establish project timelines and ensure seamless execution.
• Work with Product Developer(s) and Knit Technicians to create and evaluate Knit Blocks each season.
• Drive creative and innovative product solutions in partnership with the Sample (Knit) Team and Designer, ensuring alignment with the design brief and company standards.
• Lead and schedule fit sessions using a live model to assess fit, proportion, knit, style, and quality. Identify and resolve fit issues as needed.
• Manage tech packs, fit approvals, Sales Kits, Pre-Pro, and TOP approval processes, ensuring timely and accurate completion. Provide progress updates via internal shared reports.
• Stay informed on industry trends, competitor activity, and advancements in technology and sustainability within the apparel/hosiery sector.
• Ensure garment specifications and measurements meet company fit standards.
• Audit Bills of Materials (BOMs) and product specifications for accuracy and consistency, resolving discrepancies with relevant teams before production.
• Analyze warranty data and consumer feedback to identify trends, assess issues, and implement improvements to enhance product quality and customer satisfaction.
• Oversee the color lab dip approval process to maintain color accuracy and consistency across product lines.
• Support wear testing programs, working closely with the Marketing team to validate product performance.
• Facilitate communication with internal teams and external partners to ensure efficient product development. Track and organize incoming prototypes and materials.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
• Travel domestically and internationally for development and to collaborate with existing and new vendors as needed

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 5 years of development experience in apparel or soft goods/accessories.
• Understanding of sock/manufacturing enterprises.
• In-depth knowledge of knit construction, pattern making, and grading. Strong understanding of the factory production process and circular/flatbed knit machinery.
• Ability to think in 3D and work independently, while also collaborating effectively with others.
• Self-motivated creative problem solver with persistence and a proactive approach to finding solutions.
• Comfortable working hands-on with samples, including measuring, taping, and marking up.
• Proficient in Illustrator, Photoshop, PLM, and Microsoft Office.
• High color acuity – ability to pass Farnsworth Munsell 100 Hue Test
• Optimistic team player who thrives in an entrepreneurial environment and is willing to take a hands-on approach.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, multi-project environment.
• Skilled in collaborating with cross-functional teams to gather information and communicate effectively.
• Strong organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to adjust communication styles to different audiences.
• Experience providing critical feedback on product functionality.
• Outdoor experience in activities like hiking, running, skiing, and/or snowboarding is a plus for in-field product testing.
• Bachelor's Degree (Required) in Fashion Design, Patternmaking/Apparel Manufacturing, Textiles/Knitwear Design, Industrial Design, or Mechanical Engineering.
• Alternative Education: A Bachelor's degree in any discipline combined with significant experience in product development, particularly in technical apparel or accessories, is also acceptable.

Working Conditions:

• Manufacturing environment – exposure to machinery, noise and other adverse conditions for periods of time depending on the role
• Flexible nature to manage competing and changing priorities
• Travel locally to all of the organization's sites and locations
• Occasional domestic and international travel on as needed basis

At Cabot Hosiery Mills,  we have a list of shared company values – one of them is We Value Differences. Where you come from, how you identify, your age, and other descriptions are something that makes you, you, and we respect that. We're an honest group of people and work hard, if you like that, we encourage you to apply.

This job description should not be interpreted to be a complete list of all the duties, qualifications and responsibilities performed by the jobholder.  To maintain organizational flexibility, the organization has the discretion to add, drop or change at any time the duties, responsibilities and expectations of this position. This job description does not constitute an offer of employment, continuous employment or an employment contract. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

DEVELOPMENT