USA
Product Development
100000 \- usd / year
Full time
Fully Remote
About the company
Based throughout Southern California, Retrospec is committed to a no\-barrier, inclusive entry to nature and honest conversation about the industry. Over the last 18 years, Retrospec has grown exponentially to serve consumers of all ages, ignite their passion for fresh air, and fuel their love of nature through all seasons. Everything we create is designed and tested in beautiful California to ensure it’s ready for your next journey. Choosing the road less traveled is rarely easy, but always worth it.
Product Development Manager\- Soft Goods
We are seeking a Product Development Manager to join our team and lead the continued growth of our Soft Goods category, with a focus on seasonal apparel and accessories. This includes snow products such as gloves, mittens, balaclavas, neck gaiters, socks, base layers, and ski/boot bags, as well as sun products including sun hats, sun shirts/hoodies, rash guards, and swim shirts. This role is responsible for managing an assigned group of soft goods products, driving new product development, and supporting long\-term category strategy through market research, innovation, and performance analysis. This role is also responsible for building and maintaining strong, long\-term relationships with manufacturers and supplier partners is essential to success in this position, ensuring product quality, reliable production, and continued category expansion.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Serve as the primary product designer for the soft goods, and accessories design from concept through production.
- Review and approve factory drawings, CAD files, technical specifications, and prototypes to ensure design and performance standards are met.
- Lead prototyping, testing, revisions, and final product sign\-off to ensure functionality, durability, and customer experience.
- Own and manage the overall soft goods category strategy, including long\-term assortment planning and seasonal growth initiatives.
- Research consumer needs, market insights, and sales trends to recommend product expansion opportunities to upper management.
- Conduct competitor research and monitor industry trends to ensure the category remains competitive and aligned with market demand
- Lead product development planning, including new product launches, line refreshes, and product lifecycle management
- Build and maintain strong long\-term relationships with manufacturers and vendor partners to support innovation, quality, and reliability
- Ensure products meet performance, safety, and quality standards.
- Collaborate with Demand Forecasting and Inventory Planning teams to maintain product availability and support efficient inventory planning
- Partner with Operations and Logistics teams to support inbound planning and ensure seasonal readiness for soft goods category products
- Analyze product performance through sales data, customer feedback, returns, and warranty claims to drive continuous product improvements
- Collaborate with Customer Service to support customer education, improve product experience, and identify product enhancement opportunities
- Work with Marketing, Creative, and eCommerce teams to develop product storytelling and ensure accurate product representation across all channels
- Review and approve packaging designs, working closely with the graphic design team to ensure all graphics, product information, and branding elements are accurate and production\-ready.
- Collaborate on pricing, promotional, and positioning strategies based on competitor benchmarking and market research
- Identify and expand accessory and add\-on opportunities to strengthen category performance and increase revenue
- Willingness to travel occasionally, including domestic and international trips as needed.
- Industry experience is required, preferably within the soft goods category
- Strong knowledge of the category landscape, including competitors, distribution channels, marketing strategies, and sales operations/processes
- Product design / Industrial design
- Fluency in Adobe Creative Suite, CAD software
- Experience creating tech packs and owner’s manuals
- Highly analytical with strong critical thinking and problem\-solving skills
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate cross\-functionally
- Bachelor’s Degree required (or equivalent relevant experience)
- Competitive pay
- Options for Medical, Dental, and Vision
- 401K Matching
- Paid Vacation
- Sick Time leave
- Company Discounts
- Company culture fosters a fun work environment
- Strong emphasis on a Work\-life balance
- Opportunities for career advancement
- Bonus Potential
- Company social events such as dinners, holiday parties, and more!
Basic Qualifications:
Benefits and Perks
The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation