Huckberry is building a world-class Product Development team to take our House Brands to the next level. We are on a mission to create high-quality, differentiated products to serve our customer base. This includes apparel, footwear, home goods, accessories, gear, and more.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and innovative Apparel Product Development Manager with deep expertise in technical fabrics and a strong understanding of the men’s apparel market. This pivotal role will serve as the right-hand to the Director of Product Development and Production while owning specific development categories from concept to commercialization.

The role also involves managing and mentoring a team of senior and junior developers, building strong vendor relationships, and proactively managing up to ensure clear communication, alignment, and seamless decision-making with leadership. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, technically skilled, and passionate about creating high-quality, functional apparel that aligns with our brand vision.

This role is based out of our headquarters in Austin, TX; relocation support will be provided to a remote hire.

Responsibilities:

Team Management

• Inspire, and lead a high-performing team of senior and junior developers, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability to achieve product development excellence and deliver exceptional results

• Delegate projects and oversee progress to ensure timelines, quality, and cost targets are met

• Conduct regular performance evaluations and support individual career development plans

• Proactively communicate updates, challenges, and key decisions to the Director of Product Development and Production

• Anticipate leadership needs by providing solutions, strategic insights, and recommendations to ensure smooth execution of development and production plans

• Assess and identify new departmental needs as the business evolves, and strategically create and define roles that align with organizational goals, ensuring the team is equipped to meet current and future challenges effectively

Vendor Relationships and Management

• Establish and maintain strong partnerships with vendors, mills, and factories to ensure seamless development and production processes

• Negotiate costs, lead times, and production schedules to optimize efficiency while maintaining quality standards

• Regularly evaluate vendor performance, providing feedback and making recommendations for improvements or changes as necessary

• Collaborate with vendors to troubleshoot and resolve any development or production challenges

• Travel domestically and internationally, as needed, to build relationships, monitor development and ensure product standards are met

Product Development

• Manage the end-to-end product development process for assigned categories, ensuring timelines, quality, and cost targets are met

• Partner with design and production teams to translate concepts into commercially viable, high-quality products

• Leverage technical fabric expertise to recommend innovative materials and finishes that align with performance, durability, and aesthetic goals

• Manage 3rd party testing/inspections and implement CAP’s (corrective action plans) to solve issues during development

• Ensure that all product information is accurate in PLM system at all times during life cycle of the product and share updates of TP’s to the vendors

• Attend fittings and share visual comments to vendors

Technical Fabric Knowledge

• Collaborate with mills and suppliers to source and develop technical fabrics, ensuring compliance with performance, sustainability, and cost requirements

• Conduct fabric testing and evaluations, ensuring materials meet brand and industry standards

• Stay informed on fabric trends and innovations, particularly in the men’s market, to drive product differentiation

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as a strategic partner to the Director of Product Development and Production, providing critical insights and recommendations on product strategy and execution

• Liaise with design, merchandising, tech design and production teams to align development efforts with the broader business strategy

• Communicate effectively with suppliers and vendors to ensure adherence to development and production standards

Category Ownership

• Take full ownership of specific categories, from initial development to final handoff to production

• Analyze market trends and competitive benchmarks to identify opportunities for growth and innovation within your assigned categories

Requirements

• 8-12+ years experience in Apparel Product Development

• Experience with developing technical product categories

• Obsess over product and quality

• A high sense of ownership is required for this role

• Strong technical knowledge of fabric construction, finishes, testing, and performance properties.

• Proven experience managing and mentoring a team of product developers

• Expertise in building and managing vendor relationships, including negotiating contracts and monitoring performance.

• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, PLM systems, and Microsoft Excel.

• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

• A collaborative mindset and strong communication skills to work effectively across departments and with external partners.

• Experience working with domestic and international vendors, mills, and factories.

• Domestic and international travel will be required

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision benefits

• 401(k) and employer match

• WFH flexibility

• Sabbatical Leave

• Summer Fridays

• Mental health resources

• Paid Parental Leave

• Paid Time Off & Paid Sick Leave

• Volunteer Time Off

• Generous employee discount

Company Description

Huckberry is a leading men's lifestyle retailer and magazine. Over a million guys trust us as their go-to resource for the best gear, adventure inspiration, and a lot more. We were recently named one of IAB's most disruptive consumer brands, and we've collaborated with everyone from Matthew McConaughey and Kelly Slater to brands like Lululemon and Coors. We look forward to meeting you!

Want to get to know us better? Check out our:

• Journal: http://huckberry.com/blog

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Huckberry

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/huckberry

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Huckberry

Huckberry encourages candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply. We are always eager to further diversify our company, and we are committed to providing an inclusive environment of mutual respect where all can flourish. All of our employment decisions are based solely on merit and business need.

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