Lead Product Developer

Columbia Sportswear Company • Carlsbad, CA

1d • Hybrid

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.

Requirements

• 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%.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel, Textile Product Development, Merchandising, Design, or a related field
• Prior people leadership or supervisory experience

Responsibilities

• 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 submitts, 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.

Benefits

• 401k plan plus a generous company match
• medical, dental, vision, life Insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings account
• an assortment of voluntary benefit offerings (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and legal services)
• EAP + which is free and confidential 24/7/365 counseling services
• extensive wellness benefits
• employee discounts
• a generous time off program

What This Job Offers

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