Apparel Developer
Givisiez, FR, CH
This position is currently a maternity leave cover for an initial period of 6 months, with a good chance of extension depending on business needs.
To strengthen our Development team, we are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Apparel Developer with a strong background in technical apparel construction and manufacturing. You will be responsible for turning design concepts into production-ready garments, working closely with Design, Product Management, Sourcing, and our supplier base to ensure every product meets SCOTT's standards for fit, function, and quality. You are a strong technical problem-solver with excellent knowledge of materials, construction methods, and garment manufacturing processes.
This role reports to the Head of Development and works closely with Design and Product Management throughout the product lifecycle, and directly with suppliers and factories to manage development timelines and product quality.
Key Tasks & Responsibilities:
- Translate design concepts and technical sketches into detailed, production-ready specifications
- Manage the development process from first prototype through fit approval to bulk production handover
- Build and maintain technical packages, including measurements, construction details, and material specifications, on Centric PLM
- Lead and coordinate fittings with Design, capturing comments and translating them into actionable pattern and construction changes
- Evaluate and select materials, trims, and construction methods that balance performance, cost, and manufacturability
- Work directly with suppliers and factories to troubleshoot construction issues, resolve quality concerns, and manage development calendars
- Ensure development timelines align with the seasonal go-to-market calendar, flagging risks early to Product Management and Design
- Drive consistency and quality standards across the collection while identifying opportunities for smarter, more efficient development processes
- Support costing discussions with Sourcing by providing technical input on construction complexity and material choices
- Use CLO 3D where relevant to support virtual fit reviews and faster development decisions
Requirements:
- 5+ years of experience in apparel development, preferably within premium cycling, sports, or outdoor brands
- Excellent understanding of garment construction, pattern-making, fit, materials, and manufacturing processes
- Hands-on experience managing development calendars and working directly with overseas suppliers and factories
- Strong skills in Centric PLM or comparable PLM systems; familiarity with CLO 3D a plus
- Experience managing complete development cycles from prototype through bulk production
- Strong problem-solving skills and comfort resolving construction and quality issues under time pressure
- Ability to work in a fast-moving international environment, coordinating across time zones with suppliers and internal teams
- Fluency in English; French or German is a plus
- A genuine interest in sport and products made for movement