Product Developer - Apparel

Product Developer — Chêne Gear

Location: Memphis, Tennessee

Type: Full-Time

About Chêne

Chêne Gear was built around a simple commitment: make gear the right way, for the hunter who depends on it.

We believe in quality without shortcuts. Service without scripts. Gear that earns trust because the people behind it care enough to build it right.

We’re expanding into new categories and elevating our product creation engine as we grow. The Product Developer will play a key role in shaping how our gear is brought to life — from first sketch to field use.

The Role

We’re looking for an Apparel Product Developer who puts quality at the center of their work. Someone who understands that small pattern details, material choices, construction methods, and testing discipline are what separates gear that works from gear that fails when it matters.

You’ll drive products from design to commercialization — ensuring that what leaves our hands is something we’re proud to stand behind. This role is highly cross-functional, working closely with Design, Sourcing, and our factory partners to ensure fit, durability, and authenticity.

What You’ll Do

Quality First

· Create and manage tech packs with full technical clarity — illustrations, BOMs, grading, measurements, and construction notes.

· Bring products through the development cycle with rigor and consistency.

Factory Partnership

· Communicate directly with vendor partners to ensure samples reflect Chêne standards.

· Clarify fit adjustments, construction improvements, and quality expectations.

Fit & Function Leadership

· Prepare and lead fit sessions — ensuring garments function as a system and maintain sizing consistency across categories.

· Diagnose and solve pattern and grading issues early, before they hit production.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

· Work closely with Design to translate aesthetic intent into durable commercial product.

· Partner with Sourcing on raw materials, testing protocols, and performance validation.

Calendar Ownership

· Keep development timelines on track and proactively flag risks before they become fire drills.

Requirements

You’ll Bring

· A clear sense of product excellence — you know good construction when you see it.

· The ability to work hands-on and fast, shifting priorities without losing detail.

· A collaborative approach — you work well with designers, merchants, and factory partners.

· Deep technical understanding of materials, patterns, measurements, and fit.

· An appreciation for the culture of the outdoors and the people who live in it.

Qualifications

· 7 years in technical apparel product development, ideally in outdoor or performance categories.

· Strong patterning and fit experience; comfort identifying and correcting construction issues.

· Proficient in Adobe Illustrator and Excel; PLM experience preferred.

· Experience communicating directly with overseas factories and sourcing partners.

· Organized, clear communicator, and team-oriented.

· Passion for hunting, waterfowl, whitetail, fishing, or broader outdoor culture is a strong plus.

Why Join Chêne

· You will influence products that matter to people — gear that becomes part of their story.

· You will be part of a brand with momentum and real authenticity.

· You will join a team that values craft, character, and purpose.