Lead Product Developer, Apparel Local Creation Korea APLA

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH This role is part of the APLA Local Creation team and reports to the Director, Apparel Product Management, Express Lane APLA based in Portland. The Lead Developer partners closely with Product Management, Design, Materials, Sourcing, Costing, Quality, and Manufacturing teams, as well as factory partners across China and Southeast Asia.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FO R APLA Local Creation is looking for a collaborative, solutions-oriented apparel developer who can bring locally relevant product concepts to life with speed, quality, and strong execution. The ideal candidate brings deep apparel development and commercialization experience, strong technical knowledge of product expression, and an understanding of apparel quality and product standards across Asia Pacific, particularly Korea and Japan.

This person is comfortable managing multiple projects, working across cultures and time zones, and partnering directly with factories to resolve development challenges. They balance creative intent with quality, cost, manufacturability, and delivery requirements.

While the current scope is primarily focused on graphics, color, garment finishing, embellishments, and selective material updates, broader experience in cut-and-sew development, material development, or end-to-end new product creation is an advantage as Local Creation capabilities continue to evolve.

8+ years of apparel product development and commercialization experience, preferably in sportswear, lifestyle, streetwear, or fashion apparel. Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design, Product Development, Textile Engineering, Textile Science, Industrial Design, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Strong knowledge of apparel expression techniques, including graphics, print applications, embellishments, garment finishing, wash techniques, and material enhancements. Experience working directly with apparel factories across Asia and strong understanding of apparel qual