Associate Product Developer - North Mankato, MN

Summary: A Hiring Company is seeking a spirited and creative Associate Product Developer to join their dynamic product development team at FUN.com. In this role, you will manage products from concept through production, partnering closely with various teams to deliver high-quality, creative products on time and on cost. Responsibilities: - Evaluate tech packs and specs to communicate construction, design, and sizing details for each project to overseas partners and factories - Partner with Designers to review design intent, materials, and construction methods - Communicate with overseas factories to request samples, track progress, and resolve development issues - Review sample photos and confirm alignment with design, fit, and quality expectations - Participate in sample review meetings and document clear, actionable revisions - Assist in reviewing sample and production costing against target costs - Identify opportunities to reduce sampling, material, or construction costs while maintaining quality - Work with internal departments to make sure all deadlines and development requirements are being met - Communicate risks, delays, or roadblocks to leadership proactively - Coordinate with Licensing teams to support submission approvals and ensure licensed requirements are met - Provide input on styling, image accuracy, and product representation as needed - Manage product development from initial concept through to completion - Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with shifting priorities - Ability to work across different systems and adapt to new processes - Participate in regular status meetings with overseas partners, including occasional evening calls - Other duties assigned Required Qualifications: - High school diploma or equivalent - Strong attention to detail and organizational skills - Ability to manage multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment - Clear written and verbal communication skills, including with international partners - Understanding of apparel product development workflows and timelines - Working knowledge of garment construction, materials, and costing fundamentals - Ability to interpret and communicate technical information clearly - Comfort working with partners for whom English may be a second language - Strong problem-solving and follow-through skills - Ability to adapt quickly in a fast-changing environment - Strong applied knowledge in project costing Preferred Qualifications: - 1–2 years of experience in product development, apparel production, or manufacturing - Hands-on knowledge of garment construction and materials - Experience working with overseas factories (China experience preferred) - Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) - Degree in Apparel Design, Product Development, Merchandising, or related field (or equivalent work experience) Required Skills: Apparel product development, Garment construction, Materials knowledge, Product costing, Adobe Creative Suite, Working with overseas factories, Clear written