Ridgeline of New Zealand
Apparel Product Developer
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About the Role
Ridgeline is looking for an experienced Apparel Product Developer to turn creative concepts into high-quality, commercially viable products ready for manufacture.
You will manage the development process across our mid-layer and country lifestyle collections, including knitwear, fleeces, shirts, casual trousers, and selected accessories. You will be responsible for product performance, fabric durability, wash stability, pricing structures, and fit perfection across each of these categories. You will also own the seasonal critical path, coordinate with our global manufacturing partners, and ensure every product delivers the rugged construction, reliable performance, and durability our customers expect.
Experience developing waterproof outerwear is welcome but not essential. Depending on the successful candidate’s experience, the role may also include responsibility for waterproof technical shells, seam-taped garments, and membrane technologies.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and manage the end-to-end seasonal product development critical path.
- Track prototypes, samples, lab dips, approvals, and production deadlines to support on-time global delivery.
- Translate design concepts and sketches into accurate, production-ready tech packs.
- Work closely with the designer to create product workbooks and Bills of Materials (BOMs), including measurement specifications and detailed construction notes.
- Source and evaluate durable fabrics, trims, and components, including heavyweight anti-pill fleece, cotton blends, and performance synthetics.
- Assess materials for comfort, abrasion resistance, shrinkage, colorfastness, wash stability, and overall performance.
- Oversee product quality to ensure fabrics, trims, and components withstand repeated use and washing.
- Act as the main day-to-day contact for UK and overseas manufacturers.
- Review and negotiate garment costs to achieve margin targets without compromising product quality.
- Lead fit sessions alongside the design team, accurately measuring and documenting samples.
- Identify and resolve issues relating to patterns, garment balance, grading, fit, and freedom of movement.
- Manage sample approvals and issue final approval for bulk production.
- Own the quality, consistency, standards, and performance of products manufactured for Ridgeline.
- Ensure products comply with current and upcoming legislation across all relevant markets.
- Support the development of a small range of hard-goods accessories when required.
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Skills and Experience
- At least three years’ experience in apparel or garment product development.
- Strong knowledge of soft-goods garment construction, pattern adjustment, grading, fabric weights, fiber blend characteristics, and manufacturing processes. You will also be required to develop a small number of hard-goods accessories.
- Strong proven ability to fit and grade a wide variety of garments accurately and consistently.
- Experience creating and maintaining detailed tech packs, Bills of Materials, and measurement specifications.
- Experience managing seasonal critical paths, multiple product styles, and international supplier deadlines.
- Competence using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to edit technical flats.
- Advanced Excel skills for product trackers, specifications, and costings.
- Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
- Confident written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to communicate and negotiate calmly but firmly with manufacturing partners across different time zones.
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Experience developing fleeces, knitwear, lifestyle shirts, casual trousers, country workwear, or performance mid-layers would be particularly valuable. Waterproof apparel experience is beneficial but not essential.
Desirable
- Experience developing waterproof technical apparel, seam-taped garments, or membrane products.
- A personal interest or background in farming, agriculture, field sports, or country and outdoor lifestyles.
- Willingness and ability to travel internationally to visit manufacturing partners.
- Full UK driving license.
If this sounds like you and you’re ready to help develop durable, high-quality clothing built for life outdoors, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today with your CV, including a clear overview of your relevant experience.
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