Product Line Manager

Who we are

For nearly three decades, 686 Apparel has been developing, testing, and engineering technical fabrications and laminations in apparel. Everything we do is based around innovation, people, and purpose with the goal to build the best performance products with our active-minded community. We create products. We create a community. We create experiences.

Our key building blocks:

• Independence
• Innovation
• Inclusion
• Community
• Sustainability

We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Product Line Manager to support the Product and Sales department objectives related to product assortment, development calendar, seasonal line plans, and leveraging historical data to inform future opportunities.

The Product Line Manager is expected to utilize competitor/market knowledge and resources within the company to provide the needed expertise to manage product life cycles, and to guide the product lineups as the liaison between design, production, operations, and sales. Activities associated with this position include operations, execution of sales initiatives, merchandise planning, development and production coordination.

This is an on-site position, 4 days per week at our headquarters in Gardena, CA, 1 day per week remote.

Job Duties

Strategy & Planning:

• Define the vision, strategy, and assortment plan for specific product lines based on market research and consumer insights.
• Work closely with Product Development and adhere to the design/development calendar and ensure projects are delivered on time.
• Create long and short-term plans, including setting targets for milestones and adhering to deadlines.
• Build seasonal strategic line plan.
• Analyze historical sales data, product performance, and market trends to identify opportunities and risks.
• Conduct ongoing competitor research and market analysis to strengthen the brand’s position and recommend product and brand improvements.
• Product Briefing:

• Creates detailed, inspirational, and technical product briefs for design and development teams. Able to translate market insights trends into actionable product concepts.
• Collaborates daily with Design, Merchandising, Sourcing, and Marketing to ensure alignment on product vision.
• Develops the seasonal strategy, defining the product direction, fabrications, and key items that tell a compelling, cohesive story.
• Ensure all product information, documentation, and project updates are accurately maintained and communicated across teams.

Brand alignment:

• Works closely with Product Development & Production on the predetermined product calendar to drive timely approvals & deliver product on time.
• Coordinate cross-functional collaboration between design, sourcing, production, marketing, and sales teams to ensure consistency and protect brand integrity.
• Partner with the planning team to analyze inventory levels, reduce risk, and proactively plan future business opportunities.
• Manage comprehensive product development milestones to ensure on time delivery and quality go-to-market execution.
• Manage the line list for all products to ensure data is correct for go to market (i.e. colors, retail prices, fabric / trims, etc.)
• Work closely with Planning team providing direction to Supply Chain for inventory management and purchase orders.
• Collaborate with Sales manager to develop sales programs and initiatives/promotions to deliver targeted sales and profit goals.
• Supports sales and marketing teams by creating product stories, and presenting collections to stakeholders.

• BA or BFA in Project Management preferred and a minimum of 5 years’ experience in the Apparel Industry, Action Sports, preferably within the Snow/Ski Categories.
• Experience in product line management, merchandising, or project management.
• Passion for the user/athlete experience, translating consumer needs into functional apparel.
• Basic CAD programs like Adobe Illustrator, In Design and Photoshop a must.
• Proficient with Office program skills like Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Full Circle experience is a plus.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Excel or similar reporting systems.
• Ability to manage multiple projects both creative and administrative, simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data and translate insights into actionable plans.
• Exceptional organizational and project management abilities with strong attention to detail.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Must be able to travel for work
• Ability to adapt to changing Time & Speed-to-Market calendars and evolving business needs while maintaining project priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrate leadership while managing both individual and team projects with a positive, collaborative, and team-player approach.
• Job will require hours that exceed 8 hours per day and/or 40 hours per week and lift at least 50 pounds boxes.