Associate Product Developer (Bags)

Overview

Passion. Creativity. Integrity. Teamwork. Ambition. Innovation. These are the qualities that have made Wilson Sporting Goods Co. the number one sports equipment brand in the world. And these are the qualities that our global team embodies every day as we pursue one shared bold mission: to ignite the true potential in every athlete.

We know that great people are what makes our brand great. We know that teams who bring a variety of skill sets, experiences and perspectives to challenge the status quo and create game-changing product means we are doing right by the athletes and coaches we serve. And that’s why we work with each member of our team to help them dream, discover, grow and realize their own full potential.

Evolving the sports world and being the best partner for players is no small task. We are continually looking to add hard-working, ambitious, team-first individuals who desire to make a difference —and who love to help others win. Join us.

What You’ll Do

We are currently seeking an Associate Product Developer (Bags), who is responsible for the development process from initial concept to commercialization and production for assigned products (baseball, softball, fastpitch, lacrosse, volleyball, football, basketball, and tennis bags). Under the guidance of their manager, this individual takes the brief from the PLM (the idea) and assists in product development needs and technical resources (fabric testing, fabric research).

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Work closely with design, internal and external, and fabric and trim developer to create tech pack based on product briefs and line plan from PLM.
• Work closely with factory to ensure correct construction, clear comments, and accurate Bill of Material (BOM) for samples and bulk production aligned with brand needs.
• Responsible for pre costing and provide solutions to PLM to reduce BOM cost as needed. Work with Senior Product Developer to negotiate cost sheets from factories at each stage of development (P1, P2 and SMS) and reconcile PLM system BOM value with factory cost sheet BOM value.
• Develop fabrics, trims, and prints as needed with suppliers.
• Plan and track the development schedule for all products to ensure a timely completion following predetermined product development calendar.  Ensure BUY READY objectives.
• Interact with materials manager and QC teams to achieve product objectives and deliverables.
• Maintenance of development and other status charts.
• Daily follow up on tracking any incoming packages and send outgoing packages.
• Organize and maintain material and sample library.

What We Are Looking For

This role requires a Bachelor’s Degree.  We are looking for candidates with a minimum of two years of strong experience in soft goods product creation or manufacturing process. Experience focused on product development, sampling, BOM, and/or product is strongly desirable, and experience communicating with domestic and overseas factories and across language barriers is a must.

Other qualifications include:

• Knowledge of product development processes
• Knowledge of BOM and product costing
• Demonstrated project management experience
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and juggle multiple competing tasks and demands
• Work requires continual attention to detail in composing, typing and proofing materials, establishing priorities and meeting deadlines
• Able to interact and communicate with individuals at all levels of the organization
• Proficient in MS Office Suite, Outlook, PLM System, Illustrator
• Works with others in the department to gain alignment and technical approval of the work completed.

What We’ll Provide

Located in the vibrant, sports-centric city of Chicago, Wilson Sporting Goods Co. global headquarters sits along the lakefront with first-class access to a burgeoning creative, innovative, energetic and active professional community. We offer an open, collaborative, high tech work environment with best in class amenities and perks, including:

• Medical, dental and vision
• Pre-tax transit discounts
• 401(k) with company match
• Life insurance
• Paid maternity/paternity leave
• Professional development opportunities
• Volunteering programs
• Team building outings
• Discounts on Wilson and Amer Sports products
• Smart casual dress (yes, jeans every day!)
• On-site health club
• Summer hours
• Company-sponsored sports leagues/teams
• Fun, active company outings around major sports events

Wilson Sporting Goods Co. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristics.