Product Development Manager

THIS JOB IS ON-SITE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR HYBRID OR REMOTE BASED IN CHARLESTON SOUTH CAROLINA

About Marolina Outdoor

Were a team built for life outdoorsdriven by a passion for the water the woods and the people who live for both. Through our brands Huk and Nomad we design high-performance fishing and hunting apparel that works as hard as the environments theyre made for. From early casts to last light in the field everything we create is rooted in purpose innovation and a deep respect for the outdoors.

Role Overview

The Product Development Manager leads the end-to-end product development function from concept through production readiness. This role is accountable for building and executing the development strategy that delivers on brand vision cost and margin targets quality standards and go-to-market timelines. The Manager partners closely with Design Technical Design Sourcing Sales and Operations and manages vendor relationships development calendars and internal processes to ensure scalable repeatable and on-time product execution.

This role owns the product development process develops and coaches the Product Development team and continuously improves systems tools and workflows to support business growth.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development Strategy & Leadership

• Own and evolve the overall product development strategy to support business goals brand positioning cost targets and regional production strategy.
• Translate business and brand objectives into clear development priorities calendars and workflows.
• Lead mentor and develop the Product Development team; establish clear roles responsibilities and performance expectations.
• Serve as the primary cross-functional partner to Design Technical Design Sourcing Sales and Operations.
• Identify opportunities to improve speed-to-market quality cost and scalability of development processes.

Fabric & Trim Development

• Oversee fabric and trim development from concept through production approval.
• Set sourcing direction to meet aesthetic cost quality and sustainability goals.
• Ensure fabric and trim standards are established documented and maintained in PLM.
• Guide vendor strategy and evaluate new material and innovation opportunities.

Development Calendar & Go-To-Market (GTM)

• Own the product development calendar and time-and-action process to ensure on-time delivery of all GTM milestones.
• Establish development timelines deliverables and accountability across teams and vendors.
• Proactively identify risks to timing cost or quality and lead mitigation plans.

Prototype & Sample Development

• Oversee all proto fit PP and SMS sample development across categories and vendors.
• Ensure Design and Tech Pack inputs are complete and factory-ready before development begins.
• Review and approve development direction substitutions and key changes that impact cost margin or timing.
• Ensure consistent quality and execution across the vendor base.

Costing & Margin Management

• Own the development costing strategy in partnership with Finance and Sourcing.
• Ensure all prototypes and developments align with target cost and margin frameworks.
• Guide cost engineering and alternative development strategies when targets are not met.
• Provide clear visibility into costing risks and margin impacts throughout development.

Lab Dips Strike-Offs & Color Development

• Oversee lab dip handloom and strike-off approvals to ensure alignment with brand standards and timelines.
• Establish review and approval standards and ensure adherence across the team.

Fit & Quality Oversight

• Provide leadership in fit and quality standards in partnership with Technical Design.
• Participate in and guide fit review processes; approve key decisions that impact product integrity cost or delivery.
• Ensure testing protocols (fabric and garment) are followed and issues are resolved prior to production readiness.

PLM Systems & Process Ownership

• Own PLM standards data integrity and development workflows.
• Ensure accurate complete and timely information flow between internal teams and vendors.
• Lead continuous improvement of tools trackers and systems to support scale and visibility.

Vendor Strategy & Development

• Define and manage the development vendor strategy in partnership with Sourcing.
• Onboard and train new vendors into development systems expectations and performance standards.
• Build strong collaborative vendor relationships that support innovation speed and quality.

• 5-10 years of experience in Product Development within outdoor apparel fishing and hunting apparel footwear and/or accessories
• Proven experience leading teams and managing cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of fabrics trims garment construction costing and production processes.
• Demonstrated ability to balance brand vision quality cost and speed-to-market.
• Highly organized process-driven and comfortable building structure in growing organizations.
• Excellent communication influence and decision-making skills.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen related to costing margin and business impact.
• Advanced proficiency in PLM systems and Microsoft Office / Google Workspace tools.

• Health Care Plan (Medical Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k IRA) Company matches up to 6%
• Life Insurance (Basic Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation Sick & Public Holidays)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development

Marolina Outdoor is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race color religion sex (including pregnancy sexual orientation or gender identity) national origin age disability veteran status or any other legally protected status.

Nothing in this job description alters the at-will nature of employment.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be modified as business needs change.

If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application process please contact

Required Experience:

Manager