Product Development Manager

Bare Home | Forest Lake, Minnesota, United States

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Product Development Manager to add to our textile product portfolio from concept to launch while optimizing our existing product lines. This role is perfect for a seasoned textile professional with 8-10 years of experience who understands the nuances of soft goods development across international markets and can navigate the complexities of working with suppliers around the world.

You’ll be responsible for driving our bedding and mattress categories, improving mature product performance, leading cost optimization initiatives, and managing a talented team of PD specialists and technical designers. As a key leader in our organization, you’ll work cross‑functionally with Quality Control, Marketing, Creative, Supply Chain, and Sourcing teams to identify growth opportunities, lead all aspects of color from selection to approvals, and ensure our products meet the highest standards of quality and compliance.

This role requires someone who thrives in a dynamic environment where adaptability is essential—geopolitical factors, supply chain shifts, and market changes mean you’ll need to make quick, informed decisions while keeping projects on track. You’ll collaborate closely with our contracted QC and sourcing teams based in Pakistan, India, and China who serve as our eyes and ears on the ground at supplier facilities.

• Develop and execute comprehensive product development strategies for textile categories including bedding, mattresses, and related soft goods through the entire lifecycle of the product.
• Lead new product initiatives using competitive analysis and in‑depth research to identify product opportunities.
• Present business cases to CEO and senior leadership.
• Manage and optimize mature product lines, making data‑driven decisions on color, quality improvements, and cost reductions.
• Drive process and document improvements for internal and external partners.
• Oversee all stages of the product development process, from concept through production.
• Direct technical development and approve final product specifications, samples, and color.
• Apply deep knowledge of materials, manufacturing, and communication strengths and capabilities of various countries.
• Guide cost engineering initiatives to optimize product profitability while maintaining quality standards.
• Work remotely with our contracted QC teams overseas to ensure quality control standards are met at the source.
• Manage, create, and refine packaging for shipping optimization.
• Stay current on textile technologies, manufacturing capabilities, and compliance requirements.
• Partner with Sourcing team to vet new vendors, evaluate existing supplier performance and negotiate pricing.
• Leverage relationships with our contracted QC and sourcing teams in Pakistan, India, and China to ensure quality at the source.
• Guide suppliers for best practices.
• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships that support business growth.
• Work with compliance and quality to determine required testing and certifications for products and suppliers.
• Navigate supply chain challenges with agility, adapting to geopolitical factors and market shifts.
• Manage and develop a team of 2 PD specialist and a technical designer.
• Lead performance reviews, goal setting, and professional development for direct reports.
• Collaborate seamlessly with Quality Control, Marketing, Creative, Supply Chain and Sourcing teams.
• Foster a culture of learning, collaboration, problem solving, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with international teams across multiple time zones.
• Establish and maintain efficient product development processes and workflows.
• Manage department resources, budgets, and timelines.
• Utilize project management systems to track product development progress and documentation.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across all PD activities.
• Monitor and report on key performance metrics including on‑time delivery, budget adherence, and product success rates.

• Bachelor’s degree in Product Development, Design, Fashion Merchandising, or related field.
• Must have…