Product Developer II

Job Title: Product Developer II

Reports To: Director of Design and Development

Company: Kokatat Inc. - ISO 9001:2015 Certified 

Location: Arcata, California U.S.A 

Salary: $70,304-$93,600/year

Position Type: Full-time, Exempt 

ABOUT US:

Kokatat is a prominent Paddle Sports Apparel and Gear company that takes pride in its commitment to quality and innovation. As an ISO 9001:2015 certified organization, we strive to deliver exceptional products that meet the highest standards in the industry. We are looking for a skilled and motivated Product Developer II to join our dynamic team and contribute to our ongoing success.

JOB PURPOSE

The Product Developer will play a pivotal role within the Design & Product Team to execute the creative vision, according to timeline and within cost/margin targets. They will demonstrate strong commitment to elevating brand standards for garment construction, fit, finish and detail. This role will report directly to the Director of Design & Development.

RESPONSIBILITY

·        Maintain a robust and efficient product development process across all product classes (Apparel / Flotation) and categories (Recreation / Commercial / Industrial / Public Safety)

·        Understand, embrace, and communicate the design team’s vision to factories, ensuring that outcome is true to intent, production friendly, cost effective, and representative of Kokatat standards.

·        Develop and maintain all BOM, spec sheets and other information for all stages of sampling to commercialization.

·        Communicate all product revisions to factory throughout development cycle, including updates to materials, construction, styling, fit, pattern, and garment measurement etc. Ensure all documentation is accurate and up to date.

·        Support the materials validation process by facilitating and managing the creation of samples for testing purposes.

·        Support the development and maintenance of a comprehensive Construction Standards Library, in collaboration with Design, QA and other cross functional partners.

·        Work with Design and Pattern on establishing and implementing fit strategy and standards.

·        Work with vendors to ensure and improve manufacturability & find efficiencies to reduce cost, without compromising product quality or design intent.

·        Work with Product Leadership to clarify, simplify, and streamline design & development processes / procedures. Ensure that said processes and procedures are standardized and that maximum consistency is achieved.

·        Support the creation & maintenance of an effective and realistic master calendar & VCB, applying advanced understanding of timelines, lead times, critical deadlines, and dependencies.

·        Apply innovative, creative problem-solving techniques in achieving unique design goals.

·        Ideate and develop new construction methods that are production friendly and cost effective, while maintaining Design integrity

·        Other duties and projects as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

• 5 years of apparel industry experience in technical product development
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Apparel Design/Development or related field
• Solid technical knowledge of performance product, fit & construction.
• Experience with bulk manufacturing of technical products
• Thorough knowledge of the product development process from concept through commercialization
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite
• Proficiency with Adobe Suite

ATTRIBUTES:

• Creative, innovative and analytical problem solver
• Highly organized & attentive to detail
• Independent and initiative-taking
• Strong communication skills, oral and written
• Goal and deadline driven
• Team player with positive attitude
• Ability to travel internationally
• Interest in the activity spaces (sailing, fishing, paddling, boating) serviced by Kokatat is considered an asset

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

·        Able to sit and/or stand for up to 8 hours per day 

·        Constant and repetitive movement of fingers, hands, and wrists 

·        Able to lift and carry up to 20lbs 

BENEFITS: 

·        Competitive salary 

·        Medical, Dental, Vision Life Coverage 

·        Health and wellness programs 

·        Retirement savings plan with Employer match 

·        Professional development opportunities 

·        Interindustry company discounts 

·        Collaborative and inclusive work environment 

OUR LOCAL AREA:

Surrounded by majestic redwood forests, Arcata offers a year-round mild climate. Our local area offers amenities you often find in larger cities but with a small-town feel and strong sense of community. Our community is rich in arts, music, theater, hiking, biking, and paddling with six nearby rivers and mountains as well as the Pacific Ocean at your doorstep. Arcata is also home to Cal Poly Humboldt, which offers not only wonderful educational opportunities, but many diverse cultural and athletic activities. Our local school system is outstanding and offers options of public, charter, and private schools.

Click here to learn more about our amazing area: https://www.visitredwoods.com/

Kokatat is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to excellence through diversity. Employment offers are made on the basis of qualifications and without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, family medical history, ancestry, religious creed, medical condition, marital status, reproductive health decision-making or any other protected characteristic under applicable law

Please visit our website at www.kokatat.com/careers or 5350 Ericson Way Arcata, CA for an application.

Kokatat, Inc.

5350 Ericson Way

Arcata, CA 95521

(707) 822-7621

Fax: (707) 822-1631

www.kokatat.com