Director of Product Development & Sourcing

Bass Pro Shops • Springfield, MO

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Product Development & Sourcing for Apparel will lead the team on the global sourcing strategy, strategic product development and execution of innovation that reflects our brand’s commitment to outdoor adventure, conservation, and customer satisfaction. This role will oversee the full product lifecycle—from concept through on-time delivery - across multiple categories in Apparel (Men’s, Women’s and Kids). Key responsibilities include product development, development and implementation of sourcing strategy, drive vendor relationships, cost optimization, innovation and sustainability. This role also includes mentoring team members and driving best-in-class processes for efficiency, staffing and performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Product Design, Supply Chain, Business, or related field.
• 15+ years in product sourcing and development, preferably in retail or consumer goods.
• Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams and complex product portfolios.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
• Passion for outdoor lifestyle and alignment with Bass Pro’s conservation mission.
• Detailed understanding of product cost
• Proven influencing and negotiation skills
• Demonstrated leadership and decision-making skills
• Strategic mindset with the ability to anticipate future trends (related to material, manufacturing technology, and sourcing) and translate them into action
• Solid organizational skills, analytical ability, and planning ability
• Understanding and application of key financial indicators to make better business decisions
• Track record of meeting and achieving goals successfully
• Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to build partnerships and work collaboratively at all levels of an organization
• Encourages diverse thinking to promote innovation within the team
• Ability to travel 10-15% domestically and internationally
• Regularly walks, sits, stands and performs computer work
• Occasionally lift up to 50 lbs

Responsibilities

• Implement strategies aligned with Bass Pro’s brand values and business goals.
• Conduct market research and trend analysis to identify new product opportunities.
• Own execution of the end-to-end product development process and sourcing strategy, acting as the primary contact between Design, Merchandising and Technical Design.
• Drive product engineering through fabric, garment construction, vendor/mill, or country alternatives to meet margin goals and speed to market.
• Oversee the product costing process, including the negotiation and management of costs with direct reports. Strong knowledge of garment construction and deep dive into apparel costing to meet internal business IMU and AUC goals.
• Full knowledge of duty, tariffs and geopolitical boundaries to build a strong sourcing strategy with agility.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and implementing best practices for ethical sourcing and sustainability.
• Champion innovation in materials, design, and sustainability.
• Manage product calendars and ensure alignment with merchandising and marketing timelines.
• Mentor and lead team members through coaching and staff development.
• Foster a collaborative and creative culture that supports continuous improvement, process leadership and best-in-class practices.
• Partner with internal stakeholders: Merchandising, Design, Tech. Design, Supply Chain, and Marketing.
• Initiate and influence strategic ideas and decision making, that will drive the business forward. This includes interface with Cross-Functional team leadership to ensure best results.
• Demonstrate high level decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Build strong relationships with external vendors to ensure product feasibility and cost-effectiveness.
• Monitor performance metrics, KPI’s and adjust strategies to optimize success.

Benefits

• Enjoy discounts on retail merchandise, our restaurants, world-class resorts and conservation attractions!
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• Voluntary benefits
• 401k Retirement Savings
• Paid holidays
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick time
• Bass Pro Cares Fund
• And more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees