Product / Line Developer - Project Manager
1 day ago
Irvine
We're Hiring: Line Developer & Project Manager Core Blanks - Graphic Apparel - Cut and Sew Knits Irvine, CA | Full Time | Apparel Industry | $84k–$108k (DOE) Who We Are: White Label MFG is an apparel design and manufacturing company, delivering graphic programs and premium lifestyle collections for top retailers and global brands. From fast-turn printables to fully custom cut-and-sew, we bring products to life at scale. We specialize in developing best-in-class core silhouettes—tees, fleece, headwear, and accessories—that serve as the foundation for screen print, dye, and embroidery programs across private label, licensed, and in-house brands. Our speed, consistency, and quality set us apart in the world of embellishment-driven apparel. The Role: The Line Developer & Project Manager oversees the development of our core silhouettes and finished products—spanning graphics, washes, all-over prints, and embellishments. This role combines technical execution, creative development, and cross-functional coordination to bring exceptional products to market. As a key partner in our product creation process, this position works closely with Design, Production, and Sales to build, maintain, and evolve our core style library, seasonal programs, and special projects. You will manage the development process from tech pack through SMS/PPS, ensuring each style is created with quality, speed, and scalability in mind. Collaborating with Design and Sales, you’ll help conceptualize and develop collections—translating creative ideas into commercially viable products through technical precision, process discipline, and accurate costing. Success in this role requires a deep understanding of how silhouettes, graphics, washes, and trims come together to form cohesive, production-ready styles—delivered on time, on cost, and to spec. This is a fast-paced, detail-intensive role that sits at the heart of the product lifecycle. The Line Developer & Project Manager will also contribute to building and refining our design systems, enabling rapid development and agility in responding to time-sensitive retail and DTC opportunities. What You’ll Do: • Own development of our core blank library, including tees, fleece, headwear, and accessories., • Oversee style updates, new body creation, and blank optimization based on fit, fabrication, and print compatibility., • Manage graphic product development across private label and licensed programs—ensuring all products are properly spec’d, sampled, and approved., • Collaborate with Account Managers and customers to align on buyer direction, cost targets, and retail requirements., • Create and maintain tech packs, BOMs, spec sheets, and embellishment callouts., • Communicate daily with domestic and international factories to track sampling progress and resolve development issues., • Review lab dips, strike-offs, sample submissions, and fit approvals for both blanks and graphic applications., • Track and manage development timelines to ensure all milestones are met., • Support costing initiatives and provide recommendations to improve margins and vendor performance., • Prepare samples and presentation materials for sales meetings, customer reviews, and line presentations. What You Bring: • Strong understanding of margin dynamics, costing strategies, and buyer negotiation., • Familiarity with embellishment processes including screen printing, DTG, dyeing, embroidery, and appliqué., • Deep knowledge of knitwear, garment construction, fabrications, and finishing treatments., • Advanced skill in creating and managing tech packs, BOMs, and spec sheets; capable of troubleshooting development issues independently., • Experience working directly with both offshore and domestic factories and vendors., • Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple styles and programs simultaneously., • Proficiency in PLM systems, Adobe Illustrator, Excel/Sheets, and Google Workspace., • Collaborative mindset with strong awareness of cross-functional priorities and sales-driven timelines., • Active participation in weekly design and merchandising meetings., • Strong communication and teamwork skills; fosters a positive, solutions-oriented environment., • Willingness to travel to production facilities or customer sites as needed., • Adherence to in-office working hours; consistent engagement and output expected when remote. Bonus Points For: • Experience managing a core body library used across multiple programs, • Background in both private label and licensed apparel, • 5+ years in similar experience. Perks & Compensation: • Full-time salaried position: $84k–$108k DOE, • Health benefits + 3% match in Simple IRA, • Paid time off, 11+ company holidays, and sick leave, • Flex work days and hybrid options, • Team meals, snacks, and a creative, energized office culture, • Clear path for growth and leadership within a high-volume apparel company