Product Development Manager, Apparel

Rural King Supply•Mattoon, IL

22h

About The Position

Rural King is America’s Farm and Home Store, providing essentials to the communities we serve. With a wide array of necessities ranging from food and feed to farm and home products, Rural King serves over 150 locations across 17 states and is constantly expanding. Our annual sales exceed $2.5 Billion, and our heart beats in Mattoon, IL, home to our corporate office, distribution center, and flagship store. One thing our customers appreciate is our unique shopping experience, complete with complimentary popcorn and coffee. It's just one way we show our appreciation for their support. At Rural King, we value our associates and strive to create a positive, rewarding workplace. We offer growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and a people-first environment where dedicated individuals come together to serve rural communities passionately. Join us, and you'll find not just a job but a chance to grow professionally, contribute meaningfully, and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Apparel, Textiles, Supply Chain, or related field
10+ years of experience in apparel product development and sourcing
5+ years leading teams, preferably in retail or private label environments
Strong background in workwear, basics, or value-oriented apparel categories
Deep experience with global sourcing and factory management
Ability to maintain a seated or standing position for extended durations.
Capability to lift 15 pounds periodically.
Ability to navigate and access all facilities.
Skill to effectively communicate verbally with others, both in-person and via electronic devices.
Close vision for computer-related activities.

Responsibilities

Lead development of Rural King's private label apparel (e.g., workwear, outerwear, denim, basics, seasonal)
Translate merchant line plans into commercially viable, cost-effective product assortments
Ensure all products align with the positioning, customer expectations, and brand of the proprietary brand under which they are offered
Maintain clear differentiation between brands, ensuring each product consistently reflects its intended quality tier, price point, and use case
Benchmark all private label products against national brands to ensure equal or better performance, quality, and perceived value at a lower price
Oversee tech packs, fittings, wear testing, and commercialization
Standardize fits and blocks to improve consistency and efficiency across categories
Own product costing and margin delivery across all categories
Drive a “good/better/best” product architecture aligned to price-sensitive customers
Ensure all private label products deliver a compelling value proposition versus national brands, balancing cost, quality, and retail price
Identify opportunities to reduce cost through fabric, construction, packaging, and vendor negotiations
Build cost transparency across the supply chain
Develop a diversified sourcing strategy to mitigate risk and ensure product integrity.
Balance cost, speed, and risk to support both core replenishment and seasonal business
Strengthen relationships with key factories and mills; negotiate pricing, MOQs, and capacity
Identify near-shore opportunities to improve speed and flexibility
Build processes to support fast turns on core items and chase opportunities
Partner with Planning and Merchandising to align sourcing strategies with inventory flow and demand
Improve development and production timelines without compromising quality
Establish and enforce quality standards aligned to Rural King’s “hardworking” customer expectations (Testing, Inspection, audits)
Implement wear testing and product validation processes for workwear performance
Ensure vendor compliance with safety, regulatory, and ethical sourcing standards
Reduce returns and defects through proactive quality management
Evaluate, onboard, and manage factory base with a focus on long-term partnerships
Drive vendor accountability on cost, quality, and delivery
Conduct regular business reviews with key suppliers
Lead and develop product development and sourcing teams
Build a practical, execution-focused culture with strong accountability
Align team structure to support growth in private label penetration

Benefits

401(k) plan that provides a 100% match on the first 3% of your contributions and 50% of the next 2%
Healthcare plans to support your needs
Virtual doctor visits
Access to Centers of Excellence with Barnes Jewish Hospital and Mayo Clinic’s Complex Care Program
15% Associate Discount
Dave Ramsey’s SmartDollar Program
Associate Assistance Program
RK Cares Associate Hardship Program
24/7 Chaplaincy Services
Company paid YMCA Family Membership