Director of Product Development

Job Summary
We are seeking an energetic and visionary Director of Product Development to lead our product teams across apparel and hardlines categories — including window treatments, bags, and imaging accessories. In this pivotal role, you will oversee the entire product lifecycle, from concept and design through sourcing, development, and commercialization, ensuring alignment with business objectives, market trends, and consumer demand. Your leadership will foster a dynamic, creative environment where innovative, high-quality products are built to sharpen our competitive edge. This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of our product portfolio while managing cross-functional teams and collaborating with senior leadership to deliver impactful, on-time, and on-cost results.

Responsibilities

Product Strategy & Lifecycle Management

• Lead end-to-end development of new products and line extensions across apparel (knits, wovens, fleece, outerwear) and hardlines (blinds/shades, bags, cameras and accessories)
• Define and manage seasonal product roadmaps, balancing innovation, cost targets, and speed-to-market requirements
• Partner with merchandising, design, and marketing to translate consumer insights and market trends into compelling product concepts
• Oversee product architecture decisions including materials, construction, colorways, and feature sets to drive differentiation

Sourcing & Supply Chain Collaboration

• Partner with sourcing teams to identify, qualify, and develop supplier relationships for both soft goods and hardline manufacturing
• Ensure materials compliance (fiber content, restricted substances, safety standards) and maintain approved material libraries
• Drive cost engineering strategies including material substitutions, construction efficiencies, and factory negotiations to achieve target FOB costs
• Manage development calendars and milestone reviews to ensure on-time sample submissions, counter samples, and bulk production readiness

Quality, Compliance & Technical Standards

• Establish and enforce quality standards, testing protocols, and performance benchmarks across product categories
• Ensure all products meet applicable regulatory and compliance requirements including CPSC, REACH, OEKO-TEX, Prop 65, and relevant ASTM/ANSI standards
• Lead fit, wear, and product performance testing programs; resolve technical issues escalated from QA and production teams

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing product development team across multiple categories
• Collaborate with retail buyers, e-commerce teams, and brand partners to align product development with channel and customer requirements
• Present product strategies, line reviews, and development updates to senior leadership and key stakeholders
• Manage departmental budgets for development samples, testing, tooling, and travel

Qualifications

• Required
• 15 years of progressive product development experience in apparel, accessories, or consumer hardlines; director-level or senior management experience preferred
• Proven track record of bringing products from concept to commercial launch across at least two of the following categories: apparel (knits, wovens, or outerwear), bags/accessories, or imaging/electronics accessories
• Deep understanding of garment construction, textile specifications (fiber content, fabric weight, weave/knit structures), and hardline materials (plastics, metals, hardware)
• Strong knowledge of overseas manufacturing, particularly in Asia (China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Cambodia); experience managing vendor relationships and conducting factory visits
• Familiarity with import and trade compliance fundamentals including HTS classification, duty structures, and country-of-origin requirements
• Experience managing product development calendars and milestone-based workflows
• Proficiency with PLM systems and tools such as Adobe Illustrator, line plan management software, and costing tools
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills

Preferred

• Experience working with both private label and national brand product development programs
• Background in value engineering and cost negotiation at the material and construction level
• Knowledge of sustainability initiatives including recycled materials, bluesign, and responsible sourcing certifications
• Exposure to licensing and brand collaboration frameworks

Pay: $120,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Salary : $120,000 - $140,000