*This is a hybrid role based out of our HQ in Carlsbad, CA. In-office expectation is 4 days a week*
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Lead Product Developer for Men’s is responsible for the overall commercialization of assigned product categories from concept through production. They collaborate with the Product Development Manager, Tech Design, Design, Merchandising and Production teams to execute product initiatives utilizing creative thinking, problem solving, and confident decision-making skills. The Lead Product Developer coordinates the fabric/trim/supplier sourcing, data management, construction, fit, quality, and costing which results in the commercial execution of products in their assigned categories. They manage and report on the development of their category(s) as it relates to the calendar, product quality, margin, and delivery for all sales channels. The Lead Product Developer performs at an independent, self-directed level. They provide leadership, mentorship and appropriate oversight to their team of direct reports.
They utilize their broad knowledge of their product categories and the overall product creation process to drive continuous improvement in our ways of working. The Lead Product Developer promotes harmony, innovation and collaboration.
HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Lead the commercialization of assigned product categories, managing the full product lifecycle from concept through production across all sales channels.
Drive cross‑functional alignment by partnering with Design, Merchandising, Tech Design, Materials, Production, Quality, Sales, and Marketing to deliver product on time, on margin, and at the highest quality.
Own development calendars and time‑and‑action plans, proactively communicating deadlines and risks to internal teams, vendors, and suppliers.
Execute sourcing, costing, and margin strategy by negotiating factory costs, evaluating vendor options, and achieving seasonal margin targets in partnership with Merchandising.
Lead and develop 2–3 Product Developers, each responsible for their own styles and categories.
Ensure data integrity across PLM/ERP systems, overseeing accuracy of BOMs, costs, colors, materials, and technical documentation.
Anticipate and resolve product challenges related to fabrics, construction, fit, testing, functionality, and quality—balancing performance and aesthetic needs.
Track and report seasonal progress using WIPs and PLM tools to ensure visibility and accountability across the development process.
Evaluate product submittals, test reports, and quality findings to determine necessary revisions and approvals prior to production.
Collaborate with Quality Assurance and Merchandising to assess return rates, improve carryover products, and strengthen overall product integrity.
Build and maintain strong vendor relationships, providing ongoing assessments related to quality, capacity, delivery, compliance, and cost.
Support special make‑up (SMU) and artwork/print development processes, ensuring timely approvals and brand alignment.
Travel domestically and internationally to support vendor execution, sourcing strategy, and factory relationships as needed.
Provide mentorship, guidance, and oversight while empowering team members to operate independently and confidently.
Establish and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) that improve clarity, efficiency, and consistency across the product development function.
Model calm decision‑making, collaboration, accountability, and adaptability in a fast‑paced, multi‑season environment.
YOU ARE
A confident, self‑directed leader with strong ownership and decision‑making skills.
Detail‑oriented with the ability to manage complex workloads, overlapping seasons, and tight deadlines.
Proactive and solutions‑oriented, able to troubleshoot challenges before they impact delivery or quality.
A strong communicator who builds trust and partnership across cross‑functional teams and external vendors.
Comfortable managing conflict thoughtfully and navigating change with professionalism and openness.
Collaborative, innovative, and committed to continuous improvement in how work gets done.
YOU HAVE
Bachelor’s degree in Apparel, Textile Product Development, Merchandising, Design, or a related field (preferred).
6+ years of progressive experience in Apparel Product Development.
Prior people leadership or supervisory experience (preferred).
Deep technical knowledge of apparel construction, fabrics (knits and wovens), trims, and performance properties.
Category experience across Men’s, Women’s, and/or Accessories, including Outerwear, Mid‑Layer, Performance, Activewear, Swim, Lifestyle, Sweaters, Dresses, or Accessories.
Strong understanding of global supply chains, compliance, and transparency.
Proven success in costing, margin management, and factory negotiations.
Hands‑on experience traveling to domestic and international vendors.
Proficiency with PLM systems, ERP tools, Adobe Illustrator, Excel, Word, and SharePoint.
Ability to travel up to 15%.
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This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company.
Columbia Sportswear Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Columbia Sportswear is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf. If you need reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please notify your recruiter.Hiring Range: $126,120 - $185,130*Pay decisions are determined by multiple factors, including what the market is paying, a candidate’s capabilities and skills, years of experience ,and internal equityAt Columbia Sportswear Company, we’re proud to offer regular full-time employees a benefits package that includes a variety of services and products to help make your life and work more rewarding. Our benefit programs contribute to overall employee well-being by aligning those programs with the fundamental elements of well-being: physical, social/emotional, financial, career and community. Benefits that can protect your family’s financial future and help you save money through our 401k plan plus a generous company match. Columbia offers medical, dental, vision, life Insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, and an assortment of voluntary benefit offerings (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and legal services). In addition, Columbia offers EAP + which is free and confidential 24/7/365 counseling services. We have extensive wellness benefits, employee discounts and a generous time off program available.If you need an accommodation/adjustment to successfully complete and submit your application, please reach out to AskHR@columbia.com with the Subject: Applicant Assistance Requested.