Kontoor Brands, Inc. (KTB) is a global lifestyle apparel company with a portfolio of some of the world’s most iconic denim brands: Wrangler®, Lee® and Rock & Republic®. We design, manufacture and distribute superior high-quality products that look good, fit right, and are crafted with sensitivity to our planet to give people around the world the freedom and confidence to express themselves.
Our global community of more than 15,000 employees fosters a culture of integrity, collaboration, performance and entrepreneurial spirit. We are looking for inclusive, humble, creative and forward-looking employees with a passion for creating innovative apparel products, accessories, and solutions that are both meaningful and purposeful for consumers and employees.
Product Developer: Become the Newest Member of Kontoor Brands
This entry level position is responsible for contributing to the development, engineering, and specifications processes of innovative and technologically advanced products that meet the needs of the Company’s customers and end users which assists in Company sales and profits. Assists with the engineering the highest level of innovative and quality products, executing to the product development timeline in conjunction with the timelines of the Company’s business strategies. Works to develop products which meet or exceed predetermined gross margin targets and communicating the specifications and product details to the Sourcing organization and Suppliers. Works under close direction and handles increasingly complex issues while developing a track record of success in the development processes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Line Development. Serves as a key member of the product development team, providing technical input on garment construction, wet finishing, fabric and trim development. Works with Merchandising for assigned marketing area, assuring development packages are prepared, maintained, and published; and that prototypes and preliminary costs are acquired in a timely manner for the desired models and fabric finishes. To enable the completion of line development within the time frame of the development calendar with products that Merchandising deems marketable and are compliant with VF Jeanswear Product Standards.
- Product Specifications for Product Line. With some supervision, provides technical input and is responsible for accurate and timely Product Specifications being prepared, maintained, and published with the needed fabric, trim, ticketing, construction specifications, illustrations, and wet finish standard. To ensure that the supply chain can execute the procurement of the desired product and that it is compliant with VF Jeanswear Product Standards.
- Product Cost. With some supervision, is responsible for preliminary cost and cost estimates for assigned product line, using current Federal Trade Regulations and VF Jeanswear Cost Structure (i.e. SAP functions, Act, Rates, CSD, Reserves, Prod Routings, and U.V.). To financially quantify product cost, profitability, and the opportunities for cost savings.
- Business Systems. Provides technical input on Business Systems Requirements (i.e. SAP, STRIDE, TIPR, PROD). Responsible for all product, trim, and ticketing being valid, accurate, and complete within the Business Systems for assigned product line. To ensure the ability of product execution and accuracy.
- Training. Provides training for Product Development Technicians. To ensure continuous staff development and the use of consistent practices and processes.
Skills for Success:
- Product Development Technician skills
- General knowledge of business systems, product costing, GMT construction, wet processing, and quality control.
- Strong team building skills
Experience/Education:
Years of Related Professional Experience: 2 – 4 years
- Experience in product development processes/systems
- Preferred experience in Jeanswear product development or related Jeanswear
- manufacturing, sourcing, or operations areas.
Educational/Position Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent
Special Physical and/or Mental Requirements:
- Limited travel
- Occasional evening or weekend work