Associate Product Developer - North Mankato, MN

Are you prepared to weave enchantment and bring Halloween fantasies to life? At FUN.com, we beckon a spirited and creative Associate Product Developer to join our coven of Halloween aficionados! If you possess a passion for transforming mere ideas into tangible spells of delight and a love for all things spooky, then this is your magical invitation to join our bewitching adventure! 

We are seeking a detail-driven and proactive Associate Product Developer to support our dynamic product development team. In this role, you’ll help manage products from concept through production, partnering closely with Design, Buying, Licensing, and overseas factory partners to deliver high-quality, creative products on time and on cost. This position is ideal for someone who is organized, adaptable, and thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-focused environment.

Wage: $46,500/year

• Evaluate tech packs and specs to communicate construction, design, and sizing details for each project to overseas partners and factories
• Partner with Designers to review design intent, materials, and construction methods
• Communicate with overseas factories to request samples, track progress, and resolve development issues
• Review sample photos and confirm alignment with design, fit, and quality expectations
• Participate in sample review meetings and document clear, actionable revisions
• Assist in reviewing sample and production costing against target costs
• Identify opportunities to reduce sampling, material, or construction costs while maintaining quality
• Work with internal departments to make sure all deadlines and development requirements are being met
• Communicate risks, delays, or roadblocks to leadership proactively
• Coordinate with Licensing teams to support submission approvals and ensure licensed requirements are met
• Provide input on styling, image accuracy, and product representation as needed
• Manage product development from initial concept through to completion 
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with shifting priorities
• Ability to work across different systems and adapt to new processes
• Participate in regular status meetings with overseas partners, including occasional evening calls
• Other duties assigned

Minimum Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including with international partners

Preferred qualifications: (if any) 

• 1–2 years of experience in product development, apparel production, or manufacturing
• Hands-on knowledge of garment construction and materials
• Experience working with overseas factories (China experience preferred)
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop)
• Degree in Apparel Design, Product Development, Merchandising, or related field (or equivalent work experience)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Understanding of apparel product development workflows and timelines
• Working knowledge of garment construction, materials, and costing fundamentals
• Ability to interpret and communicate technical information clearly
• Comfort working with partners for whom English may be a second language
• Strong problem-solving and follow-through skills
• Ability to adapt quickly in a fast-changing environment
• Strong applied knowledge in project costing