What are the responsibilities and job description for the Product Developer position at RUTI INC.?
The Product Developer at RUTI Inc. is responsible for leading the end-to-end product development lifecycle from initial concept through commercialization, ensuring that all products align with the brand’s design vision, quality standards, financial objectives, and seasonal calendar. This role serves as the central liaison between Design, Merchandising, Technical Design, Sourcing, Production, Quality Assurance, and global manufacturing partners to bring innovative, market-relevant products to life.
The Product Developer oversees all aspects of development, including material and trim sourcing, prototype execution, fit and construction reviews, costing analysis, sample management, vendor communication, and timeline adherence. They are responsible for identifying development risks, driving solutions, and ensuring products are engineered for manufacturability while preserving design integrity and customer expectations.
This position requires strong knowledge of apparel construction, textiles, sourcing strategies, manufacturing processes, costing methodologies, and supply chain management. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple product categories and seasonal calendars simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. Success in this role depends on exceptional cross-functional collaboration, project management skills, commercial acumen, and the ability to balance creativity with operational execution to deliver high-quality products that support business growth and profitability.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising, Fashion Design, Product Development, or a related field
- 3-5 years of product development experience within the fashion or apparel industry
- Strong understanding of garment construction, textiles, sourcing, manufacturing processes, and costing
- Experience working with overseas factories and global supply chains
- Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple product categories simultaneously
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency in PLM systems and Microsoft Excel
- Knowledge of sustainability practices and responsible sourcing is a plus
- Strong attention to detail and follow-through
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Collaborative mindset
- Strong negotiation and vendor management skills
- Commercial awareness and understanding of market trends
- Ability to balance creativity with business objectives
- Knowledge of high-end design construction within womenswear