Sr. Advanced Development Project Specialist

This is a hybrid role based out of our HQ office near Portland, Oregon. The expectation is for employees to be in-office 3 days or more per week, depending on business need. This in-office expectation is subject to change at business discretion.

OUTGROWN YOUR OWN BACKYARD? COME PLAY IN OURS.

At Columbia, we’re as passionate about the outdoors as you are. And while our gear is available worldwide, we’re proud to be based in the Pacific Northwest, where natural wonders are our playground.  

Every product we make and every task we undertake is inspired by the famous words of our founder Gert Boyle: “It’s perfect. Now make it better.” As pioneers of relentless improvement, we are constantly evolving. 

We believe the outdoors is ours to protect and strive to keep our planet healthy. We believe in empowering people to experience the outdoors to the fullest.  

And we believe in you.  

ABOUT THE POSITION 

Columbia Global Manufacturing brings product ideas to reality in order to connect active people with their passions. We cover everything from raw materials development, product development, fit engineering, quality, sourcing and the Liaison Offices that manage the product manufacturing.

The Sr. Advanced Development Project Specialist is responsible for managing the advance prototype process for assigned apparel, accessory and/or equipment products by influencing and leading cross-functional partners, liaison offices and finished goods manufacturers.  Ensure that design integrity, quality, and construction techniques are achieved/exceeded and that samples are executed within established timelines.  Must remain true to the creative direction while considering manufacturability of the product in bulk production for future seasons.

HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE 

• Collaborate with leaders in Design, Product Creation, Innovation and R&D, Licensing and Marketing teams, to interpret critical design information related to the sample requirements of a style.  
• Leverage existing and future product development processes from sketch to sample execution through the use of both digital and physical prototyping.  Optimize processes around digital development software solutions that reduce the dependency of physical prototypes.  Lead rapid prototyping effectiveness that drives future seasonal product development and ultimately delivers the brand promise to the Columbia Sportswear consumer. 
• Responsible for the timely delivery of advance development sample execution by leveraging project management skills and tools.
• Work with Advance Development team in our overseas liaison office to coordinate sample requests through the use of a standardized lite-tech-pack model that incorporates the brand product performance expectations. 
• Providing solutions and suggestions as the requests are being built that align with the factory partners capabilities.
• Responsible for proactive engagement with the overseas Advance Development team to ensure accurate prototype delivery of the lite-tech-pack.  Ability to enhance design and construction elements through the use of Adobe Illustrator

YOU ARE 

• A strong organizer and can work under pressure, meet strict timelines and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• A strong written and verbal communicator who can deal with various levels of management and employees within the organization as well as vendors and worldwide personnel
• Innovative and knowledgeable of materials and functional aspects of garments.
• Create a work environment that builds collaboration and knowledge, fosters open communication and creates an environment of trust and forward thinking.
• Able to balance and prioritize multiple tasks and demands simultaneously, working towards weekly and monthly priorities

YOU HAVE 

• Bachelor's degree specializing in related field and 8+ years of experience in technical Product Development, Merchandising, Design or Pattern Making.  10+ years of experience without degree.  Work experience directly related to the apparel product development is required. 
• Advanced knowledge of garment construction methods and manufacturing sewing operations, including pattern making, grading and marking processes. 
• Comprehensive knowledge of the apparel industry and commercialization process including upstream/downstream departmental dependencies.
• Proficient in Office Suites, Adobe Creative Suites, SharePoint and other CAD/Textile programs such as Generation Digital, Browzwear, and PLM systems
• Strong Project Management skills with a proven ability to coordinate multiple projects from intake to final delivery, ensuring timely execution, clear communication and cross-functional alignment through the use of a p