Director, Softgoods Development

The Director, Softgoods Development at YETI will lead the softgoods product development team and drive the commercialization of high-quality products across soft coolers, bags, and apparel. This role requires extensive knowledge of emerging and sustainable materials, construction, and manufacturing considerations. The Director will partner with cross-functional teams to ensure product cycle deadlines are met and product standards are upheld within program budgets. The position is onsite.

• Partner with Product Management to drive the overall softgoods strategy and product roadmap
• Drive the R&D of new material development and technologies
• Lead, inspire, and develop, a global softgoods development team
• Partner closely with Quality, Production, Sourcing, and other cross-functional teams to ensure product cycle deadlines are met and product standards are upheld within program budgets
• Leverage expertise to guide costing, timelines, feasibility, and materials for the commercialization of soft coolers, bags and apparel
• Ensure materials adhere to established test standards, development calendars, quality, cost and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) requirements
• Work with YETI quality teams, product safety and compliance, procurement, and material suppliers to support continued adherence to the requirements in our material specifications
• Partner closely with our Color Design Director to implement new color strategies across soft coolers
• Maintain strong partnerships with material suppliers to drive design direction, material performance, timing of production, and quality standards
• Build and maintain material and component library for all softgoods and accessories that align with design needs
• Partner with production on handover ensuring specs and detailed product details are correct, problem solving.

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field
• At least 12 years of experience in softgoods product development within the consumer goods industry
• Premium brand experience preferred
• At least 8 years of experience scaling, leading and developing teams
• Exceptional collaboration skills across various functions within highly dynamic and global environments
• Product centric leader with a strong sense of curiosity and problem solving
• Experience building relationships and working with global manufacturers and suppliers
• Possesses strong project management skills, ability to think pro-actively