Sr. Product Developer, Soft Goods

Job Description

In the Senior Product Developer role, the focus lies on overseeing the creation and implementation of product lines of one or more of these categories: waders, apparel, packs, bags, gloves, headwear, and accessories. Categories are determined by business needs and employee skill set. Developers in this position play a crucial role in ensuring that products are brought to market in a timely and cost‑effective manner, all while staying true to the product vision.

Collaboration with colleagues from various departments is key to achieving these goals successfully.

The Senior Product Developer position requires a multifaceted approach, involving not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of market demands and consumer preferences. By working closely with cross‑functional teams, Developers can incorporate diverse perspectives and insights into the product development process, ultimately leading to the creation of innovative and appealing apparel lines. This collaborative effort is essential for aligning the final products with the company’s values and vision, thereby meeting business objectives and making a positive impact on both customers and the environment.

This position reports to the Senior Director of Product Development and is based onsite in our Bozeman, MT office.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive product development strategy in alignment with company goals.
• Develop and manage budgets for product development projects to ensure alignment with overall business goals.
• Anticipate future budgetary needs based on project timelines, resource allocation, and market trends.
• Opportunity to lead and mentor a team of high‑performing product developers.
• Implement and manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively to meet launch deadlines.
• Create Bill of Materials (BOMs) and coordinate prototyping of assigned soft good designs across the multiple business channels.
• Lead sourcing, cost negotiation, and final approval of all trims utilized in soft good design.
• Schedule and lead daily product team meetings with cross‑functional teams, to coordinate project actions, mitigate project risks, and communicate challenges and potential solutions.
• Drive collaboration with cross‑functional teams to fulfill all calendared development deliverables, spanning from seasonal project kickoff to final pre‑production sample approval.
• Partner and lead with design and product management teams in comprehensive prototype and costing reviews, to bring design vision to life within the confines of target costing.
• Manage communication with contract designers by communicating calendar deadlines, organizing and participating in sample review meetings, and providing factory cost / construction feedback.
• Create, implement, and manage factory development process improvements that increase workflow efficiency.
• Facilitate constructive feedback from factory and overseas development teams on construction and materials through regular product reviews.
• Maintain regular email and Skype communication with factory contacts, overseas development team, and suppliers regarding project status, and calendar timing.
• Execute thorough factory cost BOM reviews and manage factory cost negotiation for assigned styles.
• Supervise overseas development team on the procurement and input of seasonal soft‑goods weights and dims for hangtag, web, and catalogue collateral.
• Manage collaboration in photo‑shoot sample process through collaboration with creative services team, sourcing team, factory contacts, and project management.
• Partner with factory and design teams to cost engineer assigned styles during factory direct development trips.

• 5+ years of experience in a soft goods product development role.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating activities across multiple departments and stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across cross‑functional teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to seamlessly shift between strategic (macro) and detail‑oriented (micro) thinking.
• Sound judgment with the ability…