About the position
The Product Development Manager is responsible for leading the execution of global product development strategies for assigned categories, driving each product from concept through final production handoff. This role ensures all styles meet Boot Barn's Exclusive Brands standards for design intent, quality, cost, and market relevance. The manager is accountable for product lifecycle management, vendor execution, margin achievement, and development timelines. Functioning as a strategic partner and cross-functional leader, this role collaborates closely with Design, Merchandising, Sourcing, Planning, and Technical Design teams to deliver commercially viable products that meet seasonal and financial goals. The Product Development Manager will lead material and trim innovation, oversee PLM data accuracy, and manage vendor relations to ensure timely and high-quality product execution. This position requires strategic thinking, strong technical product knowledge, and a proven ability to manage multiple product categories in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. This role requires international travel for up to 14 days at a time in multiple countries of origin up to 35% of the year.
Responsibilities
- Own end-to-end product development processes for assigned categories from concept to production handoff, ensuring adherence to calendar deadlines and margin targets.
- Oversee the accuracy and maintenance of technical specifications and Bills of Materials (BOMs) in Centric PLM; ensure alignment with current design and sourcing requirements.
- Lead preseason raw material development, driving fabric innovation, trim package execution, and lab dip/print/wash approvals aligned with design direction and costing goals.
- Manage seasonal style setup and carryover updates in PLM, including style status, colorways, and development tracking across key product categories.
- Own communication with international and domestic vendor partners, including sample requests, development changes, and risk escalation to ensure timely and accurate sample delivery.
- Collaborate with Sourcing and Finance to engineer products to margin targets through smart material selection, construction changes, and cost-saving recommendations.
- Partner with Merchandising, Design, and Technical Design to support fit sessions, communicate style comments, and align development progress with seasonal strategies.
- Monitor key development milestones; proactively identify risks to product readiness and drive solutions to ensure delivery timelines are met.
- Oversee formal handoff of final line packages to Technical Design and Production teams post-Line Freeze, ensuring all development work is complete and approved.
- Ensure Centric PLM and work-in-progress reports are current, accurate, and aligned with key product development stages and approvals.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in business, Product Development, Textiles, or related field.
- 10+ years of experience with large-scale, high-volume global apparel product development with demonstrated success in managing complexity or related years of experience.
- In-depth knowledge of garment construction, textile development, and product costing-experience with complex categories like denim, outerwear, or performance products is highly preferred.
- Proven ability to manage full product lifecycle from Concept to Buy placement with a focus on cost engineering.
- Excellent communications skills with a track record of achieving metrics without compromising product quality or timelines.
- Proficient with PLM, Microsoft Office Suite; Advanced Excel, and experience with ERP software a plus.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on cost engineering and process efficiency.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced, deadline driven environment.
- Ability to travel a minimum of 35% to visit vendors, mills and development facilities when requested.
- Excellent communication, customer service, time management and organizational skills.
- Excellent leadership skills.
- Ability to manage and develop talent.
Benefits
- Competitive salary.
- Merchandise discount: 50% off of Exclusive Brands and 40% off of third-party brands.
- Paid Time Off plan for year-round Boot Barn Partners.
- Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance.
- 401(k) plan with generous company matching.
- Flexible schedules and work/life balance.
- Opportunities for growth at every level - we are opening 50+ new stores each year.
