Sr. Advanced Development Project Specialist

Columbia Sportswear
life insurance, 401(k)
United States, Oregon, Portland
May 10, 2025
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. HOWYOU'LLMAKE 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 YOUHAVE 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 project tracking tool. #LI-JD1 This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company. Columbia Sportswear Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Columbia Sportswear is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf. If you need reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please notify your recruiter. At Columbia Sportswear Company, we're proud to offer regular full-time employees a benefits package that includes a variety of services and products to help make your life and work more rewarding. Our benefit programs contribute to overall employee well-being by aligning those programs with the fundamental elements of well-being: physical, social/emotional, financial, career and community. Benefits that can protect your family's financial future and help you save money through our 401k plan plus a generous company match. Columbia offers medical, dental, vision, life Insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, and an assortment of voluntary benefit offerings (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and legal services). In addition, Columbia offers EAP + which is free and confidential 24/7/365 counseling services. We have extensive wellness benefits, employee discounts and a generous time off program available. If you need an accommodation/adjustment to successfully complete and submit your application, please reach out to AskHR@columbia.com with the Subject: Applicant Assistance Requested.