Associate Product Development Manager

Boot Barn • Irvine, CA

3d • $70,500 - $72,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Product Development Manager is responsible for supporting the execution of product development strategies across assigned categories, from initial concept through final production handoff. This role plays a critical part in managing the product lifecycle, ensuring that all styles meet brand standards for quality, fit, cost, and aesthetic. Operating as a key liaison between internal teams—including Design, Merchandising, Sourcing, Planning, and Technical Design—and external vendor partners, this role ensures that seasonal product lines are developed on time, within margin goals, and aligned with the creative direction. The Associate Product Development Manager contributes to material and trim development, manages PLM data accuracy, and supports all phases of sample management and product approvals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Product Development, Textiles, or related field
• 3+ years of experience with product development
• Vast knowledge and working experience with garment construction, textile development and category-specific product development including complex categories such as Denim and Outerwear (high technology-performance experience a plus)
• Proven ability to manage full product lifecycle from Concept to Buy placement with a focus on cost engineering
• Strong communication skills with a track record of achieving metrics without compromising product quality or timelines
• PLM, Microsoft Office Suite; Proficient in Excel
• Ability to travel a minimum of 10% to visit international vendors, mills and development facilities when requested
• Problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced, deadline driven environment
• Strong communication, customer service, time management and organizational skills

Nice To Haves

• high technology-performance experience a plus

Responsibilities

• Manage accurate creation and maintenance of style records, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) within PLM (Centric), ensuring development integrity.
• Collaborate with Design and Sourcing to develop raw materials aligned with seasonal concepts, innovation targets, and cost goals.
• Build new styles and manage seasonal carryovers in Centric PLM, ensuring data accuracy throughout the development lifecycle.
• Generate and maintain seasonal colorways per style, ensuring alignment with creative and merchandising direction.
• Monitor and update style statuses including additions and drops, providing rationale and ensuring timely communication across teams.
• Create and manage BOMs with complete and up-to-date information on fabrics, trims, and construction details.
• Submit and track development sample requests with vendors; ensure timely receipt and escalate delays when necessary.
• Support cost optimization efforts by recommending fabric or trim alternatives to help meet enterprise-wide margin targets.
• Lead the development and approval of seasonal trim packages, ensuring aesthetic alignment and cost efficiency.
• Coordinate lab dip, print, and wash submissions; track approvals to ensure calendar alignment and aesthetic consistency.
• Manage and track samples across all development stages; prepare for key milestone meetings and escalate risk as needed.
• Work closely with Technical Design to support fittings and ensure sample quality aligns with brand standards.
• Document and distribute development and fit comments to vendors and internal partners for action.
• Facilitate final handoff of product lines to both Technical Design and Production teams post-Line Freeze.
• Maintain accurate development work-in-progress reports and ensure Centric PLM data is current across all style records.
• Demonstrates high level of quality work, attendance and appearance.
• Demonstrates high degree of professionalism in communication, attitude and teamwork with customers, peers and management.
• Adhere to all local, federal and state laws in addition to Company policies, procedures, and practices.
• Performs any other duties that may be assigned by management.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level