Product Development Manager

Job Description

About Free Fly:

Free Fly Apparel is a Charleston, SC-based performance clothing company specializing in unique bamboo material blends. Before launching in 2011, we spent over two years of research and development to come up with the softest performance fabrics imaginable. Our design philosophy is anchored in fun and adventure while superior design and craftsmanship remains our focus. Whether you're on the water, exploring the mountains or hitting the gym, we're confident this will quickly become your favorite shirt. Free Fly's products are sold throughout 400+ specialty stores (domestic and international) and they are also available through our website at

Free Fly's Product Development Manager leads product development throughout production of category life cycle as well as manages the product development team. Under the direction of Product leadership, this role collaborates with Apparel Design, Material Development, and Product Managers to establish KPI’s across product creation and ensure products meet or exceed criteria for performance, cost, fit standards, manufacturability, and quality.

Job Tasks and Responsibilities

Lead and develop the growing Development Team

Manage the Product Development process to ensure all critical development dates on calendar and follow developer WIP

Responsible for driving toward Buy Ready including awareness, reporting and support of gates and exceptions including but not limited to; cost/margin, fit, color, prints, testing and fabric/trim approvals

Oversee, manage, and refine the seasonal development process to achieve commercial feasibility of designs through collaboration with Technical Design, Apparel Design, and Product Managers

Support Product Managers and Sourcing teams to calculate target costing from initial line plans to direct FOB and gross margin targets

Provide feedback and guidance to Product Team on relevant product issues such as production technology or changes that impact cost or quality and provide workable solutions to any issues

Lead communication, develop and maintain vendor relationships and regional development strategies

Work with Sourcing/Ops teams to ensure global product development and sourcing objectives are clearly articulated, implemented, and achieved

Lead the development team to ensure the PLP, Pre-line and bulk SMS are on time and that samples are first quality

Lead all development specific meetings – proto reviews and be the voice of development in weekly cross functional meetings, line reviews and any other respective meetings for their categories

Other related duties as requiredMinimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Apparel Design/Development, or Manufacturing

8 to 10 years’ experience in Product Development and Production

Experience managing a team

Experience in regional sourcing, either domestic or international

Comprehensive understanding of garment construction, production processes, materials and trims, and general logistic aspects of the industry

Experience with PLM systemsRequired Competencies

Strong product management and communication skills

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

Strong pre-costing analysis and cost negotiation skills

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Ability to develop relationships with key Business Partners and cross functional teams

Ability to perform in a fast-paced, goals-oriented, and time-sensitive environment

Strong computer skills

Strong interpersonal skills, ability to communicate and manage well at al levels of the organization

High level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results-orientation

Excellent organizational skills and multi-tasking ability

A “no task is too small” attitude and a positive, spirited outlookFree Fly is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace for all employees.

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Full-time