Director, Product Development-Licensing

Varsity Brands•Farmers Branch, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Product Development leads the Product Development (PD) organization, balancing innovation with the commercial viability of Team Sports Apparel. This role oversees new product launches and commercialization of existing lines while ensuring operational excellence through SOPs, KPIs, and seasonal calendars. The Director partners cross-functionally across design, engineering, sourcing, manufacturing, and licensing partners to deliver cost-efficient, innovative, and athlete-ready products that meet performance and profitability goals. This role is both strategic and hands-on, driving product excellence while developing a high-performing team that supports Varsity Brands’ growth objective.

Requirements

Proficiency with PLM systems and calendar management.
Strong knowledge of garment construction, grading, trims, finishes, fabrics, fabric performance, and sublimation processes, including cost and margin implications.
Solid understanding of sourcing and manufacturing in the Western Hemisphere, with familiarity in licensing partnerships preferred.
Background in Team Sports with knowledge of athlete performance expectations and global brand dynamics.
Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams, foster accountability, drive organizational change, and develop future leaders.
Strong executive presence with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and communicate complex ideas clearly.
Skilled in navigating ambiguity, making data-informed decisions, and balancing short-term execution with long-term vision.
Excellent organizational, project management, and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and critical deadlines.
Bachelor’s degree in Fashion, Business Administration, Project Management, Engineering, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
Minimum 10+ years of product development or related experience, with at least 7+ years in a leadership role.
Team Sports or global sports brand experience strongly preferred.
Experience in managing cross-functional teams and external vendor/partner relationships.
Proficiency in Excel, Word, Outlook, Corel and Illustrator with an aptitude for learning new programs.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle critical deadlines/prioritize work and business processes and able to multi-task regularly.

Responsibilities

Champion a culture of compliance, innovation, and operational excellence across global functions.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, fostering accountability, continuous improvement, and professional growth.
Set clear performance expectations and development plans, providing regular coaching and conducting annual reviews to drive individual and team success.
Align team objectives with organizational goals, ensuring effective execution of strategies and daily operations.
Partner with senior leadership (VP and above) to provide regular updates, influence decision-making, and align product strategies.
Oversee end-to-end product lifecycle, from concept through launch and commercialization.
Ensure strong calendar management and guide the transition of prototypes into scalable, cost-efficient, high-volume production.
Develop and implement product test plans, including sublimation and fabric performance testing.
Apply deep knowledge of garment construction, grading, trims, and finishes to ensure quality and performance.
Ensure product performance standards align with athlete needs by driving innovation in garment construction, fabrics, trims, finishes, sublimation, and performance testing.
Maintain adherence to design/manufacture principles, ECO procedures, and compliance requirements.
Manage costing, margin targets, and profitability levers throughout the PD process.
Partner with sourcing and manufacturing teams, with particular knowledge of Western Hemisphere sourcing.
Provide technical support for raw material sourcing and RFPs.
Support licensing initiatives and build strong external partnerships to expand product opportunities.