Product Development Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Take ownership of the entire product lifecycle, from initial concept to launch.

• Convert brand vision, performance requirements, and trends into innovative, fashion-forward products.

• Lead the development of performance knits and fleece materials.

• Create and sustain comprehensive tech packs that include construction details, measurements, materials, trims, and performance specifications.

• Oversee fit development, conducting fittings to ensure optimal comfort, mobility, and silhouette.

• Manage prototypes, sampling processes, wash approvals, and color consistency.

• Facilitate daily communication with vendors to guarantee clear execution and timely progress.

• Maintain in-depth knowledge of fashion trends, consumer behavior, retail dynamics, and fabric innovations in athleisure and outerwear sectors.

• Continuously research and stay informed about fabric trends, new materials, and performance technologies.

• Proactively test, evolve, and enhance fabrics to improve their handfeel, durability, and performance.

• Collaborate closely with the Fabric Manager to refine core fabric platforms and drive material innovation.

• Interpret macro and micro trends—spanning fashion and performance—into products that align with brand identity and market viability.

• Ensure product assortments are current, cohesive, elevated, and distinct.

• Work alongside Design to ensure silhouettes, colors, and materials reflect brand DNA.

• Conduct competitive market analysis in knit and fleece categories, with a solid grasp of trends, pricing, and market opportunities.

• Analyze sales performance, margins, sell-through rates, returns, and customer feedback to guide product decisions.

• Develop seasonal line plans, SKU architecture, and assortment strategies within the category.

• Balance core offerings, seasonal products, and new innovations to foster growth and creativity.

• Support pricing strategy based on product value, complexity, and market positioning.

• Collaborate with Planning, Finance, and Inventory to align product strategy with forecasts and business objectives.

• Manage and oversee the product launch calendar, ensuring it aligns with seasonal strategies and key commercial events.

• Partner with Operations, Production, and Inventory to guarantee product delivery on time and within the appropriate selling window.

• Proactively manage timelines and dependencies, identifying and mitigating risks early on.

• Ensure product readiness across development, QA, merchandising, and marketing prior to launch.

• Foster cross-functional alignment to support successful, timely product launches.

• Collaborate closely with Production to ensure a seamless transition from development to bulk production.

• Ensure Production teams receive complete and precise product information.

• Work with Sourcing and Finance to balance cost, quality, and performance effectively.

• Review QA inspection and testing reports in collaboration with QA before shipment.

• Proactively identify and resolve potential risks related to fit, fabric, construction, cost, and timelines.

⛳️ Requirements

• Over 6 years of experience in product development and/or merchandising within lounge, home, lifestyle, or related comfort-focused categories.

• Strong technical knowledge in performance fabrics, garment construction, and fitting.

• Preferred experience in both knit (athleisure) and woven/insulated outerwear.

• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design, Product Development, Textiles, or a related field.

• Advanced skills in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

• Strong proficiency in Excel (including lookups and pivot tables).

• Experience with PLM systems and project management tools like Asana or Notion.

• Highly organized with exceptional project management abilities.

• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively across functions.

• Capability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

🏝️ Benefits

• Generous paid time off.

• Company-covered health insurance.

• 5% 401k match.

• Discounts on all Comfrt products.