Product Development Specialist with Expertise in Hat Design

Job Title: Product Development Specialist with Expertise in Hat Design

Location: EMORY TEXAS

Reports to: Department/Manager

Rate: $18.00 per hour

Company Profile

We are American Hat Makers handcrafting hats for over 50 years, looking for a full time Product Development Specialist with Expertise in Hat Design responsible for the regular day to day operations for our new warehouse in Emory TexasJob Overview:

We are seeking a highly skilled and creative Product Development Specialist with a strong background in hat design to join our team. The ideal candidate will bring both artistic vision and technical expertise to drive the design and development of innovative, high-quality headwear products. You will work closely with design, marketing, and production teams to create new products that align with market trends, customer needs, and brand values.

Key Responsibilities:

• Product Conceptualization & Design:
• Lead the design process for new hats and headwear collections from initial concept to final production.
• Research market trends, customer preferences, and competitive products to create innovative and stylish hat designs.
• Create detailed design specifications, including materials, construction, sizing, and color palettes.
• Use design software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, CAD) to create prototypes and visual representations of designs.
• Material Sourcing & Supplier Management:
• Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturers to source high-quality materials, trims, and fabrics for production.
• Evaluate potential suppliers and negotiate pricing, lead times, and delivery schedules.
• Ensure all materials align with the brand’s quality standards, sustainability goals, and production timelines.
• Prototyping & Sampling:
• Oversee the creation of prototypes and samples, ensuring they meet the design intent and quality expectations.
• Work closely with pattern makers, manufacturers, and production teams to resolve design or manufacturing issues.
• Test and evaluate prototypes for fit, function, and durability, making adjustments as necessary.
• Collaboration & Cross-Functional Communication:
• Work closely with the marketing and sales teams to ensure new products align with branding and customer needs.
• Collaborate with production teams to ensure designs are manufacturable within budget and timeline constraints.
• Provide input on product pricing, cost analysis, and potential margin improvements.
• Project Management:
• Manage the product development timeline, ensuring key milestones are met and the final product is delivered on schedule.
• Maintain detailed records of design iterations, materials, and project timelines.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, competitor products, and new technologies to maintain a competitive edge.
• Quality Control & Production Oversight:
• Ensure all products meet the company’s quality standards and brand guidelines.
• Monitor the production process, resolving any issues that arise to ensure timely and high-quality delivery of finished products.
• Work with the quality control team to establish and enforce inspection protocols for finished hats.

Qualifications:

• Experience: 3 years of experience in product development, with a focus on headwear design or a similar fashion-related field.
• Skills & Expertise:
• Proficient in design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, CAD).
• Strong understanding of fabric, materials, and construction techniques used in hat design.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, from prototyping to full-scale production.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, able to work cross-functionally with various teams.
• A keen eye for detail and an understanding of fashion trends, color theory, and design aesthetics.
• Desirable:
• Experience working with sustainable or eco-friendly materials in fashion or product design.
• Innovative and to develop the product for different targeted market
• Previous experience in the hat or accessories industry is a plus.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a creative and dynamic team dedicated to pushing boundaries in fashion.
• Opportunity to work on exciting projects with a focus on innovation, design excellence, and market impact.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to Commute:

• Emory, TX 75440 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Emory, TX 75440: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18