Product Developer (On-Site)

Gopher Sport•Owatonna, MN

2d•$63,300 - $88,300•Onsite

About The Position

Gopher Sport is looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Product Developer to help successfully launch new company-brand products and improve existing product offerings. This role manages product development projects from concept through launch, working closely with vendors and internal teams to deliver products that meet company standards for quality, functionality, profitability, and customer value. You will manage assigned product projects, communicate and document progress. Gopher Sport is an industry-leading inventor and seller of high-quality, innovative products used by teachers, coaches and kids for physical education, athletics, fitness and recreation. Our mission is “To help teachers and coaches show kids how to have fun and be healthier through physical activity”. Started in 1947, we are committed to giving our customers innovative, high-quality products; fast, friendly, easy, right service; and an unconditional satisfaction guarantee. Our Values: We create delighted fans, We are one dependable and trustworthy team, We are passionate about quality and excellence, We move fast to innovate, simplify, and improve. You will be responsible for developing and launching new company-brand products while helping improve product offerings. Working across a variety of product categories, you will manage assigned projects through the entire product development process -from concept, research, and specification development through vendor selection, prototype evaluation, and product launch. Success in this role requires strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to coordinate multiple priorities. You will collaborate with vendors and cross-functional teams to ensure products meet quality, appearance, functionality, profitability, inventory, and timeline objectives.

Requirements

4 year Bachelor’s degree in Business, Project Management, Supply Chain, Marketing or related field
Strong project management and organizational skills with attention to detail
Basic knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and product costing
Ability to drive timelines and hold stakeholders accountable
Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability
Ability to balance multiple priorities and adapt quickly
Proficient with all Microsoft Office applications

Responsibilities

Manage assigned product development projects from concept through launch using Gopher Sport's established product development process.
Ensure products meet or exceed company standards for differentiation, performance, appearance, functionality, quality, and profitability.
Develop Product Requirements Documents (PRDs) using market research, customer insights, usability considerations, and financial analysis.
Identify, evaluate, negotiate with, onboard, and manage supplier partners throughout the product development lifecycle.
Coordinate the development, testing, evaluation, documentation, and approval of prototypes, samples, and production-ready products.
Manage all activities required to transition approved products into production, ready for first shipment, ensuring product quality and launch readiness.
Investigate product quality concerns and collaborate with vendors and internal teams to implement corrective actions.
Lead the development of product collateral, including product descriptions, user manuals, assembly instructions, and other customer-facing materials.
Review product categories and assortments to identify market gaps, product improvement opportunities, and future development projects.
Lead product improvement initiatives by translating customer, market, and business insights into product enhancements and new development opportunities.
Maintain accurate product specifications, project documentation, and supporting records throughout the product lifecycle.
Collaborate cross-functionally and support the ongoing growth and performance of assigned product projects.