Senior Technical Designer / Product Developer
📍 Apopka, Florida (On-site) | 💼 Full-time | 💰 $75,000–$80,000
About Us:
For over 20 years, Entertainment Retail Enterprises (ERE) has been a trusted leader in the design, development, and distribution of private-label merchandise for some of the world’s most recognized brands and retailers. With deep expertise in destination retail, we manage the full product lifecycle—from concept to consumer—across a wide range of apparel and lifestyle categories.
In 2019, ERE expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of Legendary Whitetails, a heritage outdoor lifestyle brand with a loyal following. Building on that success, we licensed Thorogood in 2022—a storied American boot company with more than 130 years of craftsmanship—to develop and lead their workwear apparel line.
As we continue to grow and take on new partnerships, we are seeking an experienced Senior Technical Designer / Product Developer to join our team. The ideal candidate has a strong background in menswear and a deep understanding of workwear and outdoor apparel construction, fit, and function.
Position: Senior Technical Designer / Product Developer
We are looking for a driven, detail-oriented, and collaborative professional to lead the technical design and product development process from initial design prototype through final production. This role is responsible for managing all technical deliverables—including tech packs, fittings, grading, and construction details—and ensuring every style meets brand standards for fit, quality, and performance.
The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, hands-on environment, can manage multiple priorities, and collaborates effectively across design, sourcing, and merchandising teams to bring concepts to life.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all aspects of technical design and product development across multiple brands and categories, from concept through production handoff
- Create and maintain complete tech packs with detailed measurements, construction specs, fit comments, and bill of materials
- Conduct and lead fit sessions, ensuring consistency in fit and construction across size ranges
- Own grading specifications and partner with overseas vendors to ensure precise execution
- Collaborate with design and sourcing teams to translate creative concepts into production-ready garments that meet cost, quality, and brand standards
- Review and approve lab dips, strike-offs, fabrics, trims, PPS, and TOP samples for accuracy and compliance
- Maintain and update WIP tracking to ensure all deadlines and milestones are met
- Identify and resolve technical or construction issues early in development with proactive, cost-effective solutions
- Communicate daily with global factory partners to ensure alignment and timely progress
- Support and mentor junior technical and product development team members, fostering collaboration and process excellence
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Technical Design, Product Development, or related field, or equivalent professional experience
- 6+ years of experience in apparel technical design or product development
- Proven ability to own the full technical design process, from proto to TOP approval
- In-depth knowledge of garment construction, patternmaking, fit, grading, and fabric performance
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, PLM systems, and Microsoft Excel
- Experience fitting both knits and wovens, ideally within menswear, workwear, or outdoor lifestyle categories
- Strong attention to detail, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects
- Effective communicator with internal teams and global vendors
- Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with shifting priorities
- Portfolio or work samples required, demonstrating technical design expertise and fit process proficiency
Location
This is a full-time, on-site position based in Apopka, Florida.
Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates.
Salary Range
$75,000 – $80,000
Benefits
- Health insurance
- 401(k) with employer matching
- Paid time off (PTO)
- Collaborative, growth-focused work environment with opportunities to shape product and process development