Director, Women's Product Development

Vuori is re-defining what athletic apparel looks like: built to move and sweat in but designed with a casual aesthetic to transition into everyday life. We draw inspiration from an active coastal California lifestyle; an integration of fitness, creative expression, and life. We aim to inspire others to take on all aspects of their lives with clarity, enthusiasm, and purpose…while having a lot of fun along the way. Working at Vuori, our goal is to create something special together. Our foundation and success are made possible thanks to incredible people, thriving culture, and an inspirational community. 

Vuori is seeking a seasoned Director, Product Development, who has exposure and experience in the complete product creation lifecycle; from materials/trims to garment construction, patterning, as well as, product assembly in a wide range of product types. The Director Product Development has a high level of understanding of raw materials, sewing techniques, product creation processes and the ability to scale with integrity in each of these processes. Director, Product Development has demonstrated quality leadership, talent development and can nurture strong attention to detail and clear, concise communication. The Director,Product Development is able to train and communicate construction, patterning and development techniques to internal and external vendor partners in order to consistently achieve fit standards and quality consistency. 

Director, Product Development can lead critical evaluation of prototypes against the intended design, specifications and line plan to achieve the final approved bulk product. With a sharp application of timelines and the ability to identify and employ efficiency tactics, the Director, Product Development can produce a range of products in accordance with the commercialization timeline and margin expectations of the season. Through a strong understanding of pattern, garment construction, and factory knowledge, the Director, Product Development leads the team to apply tech designs and fabric selections to create silhouettes that match the needs of the brand and the industry demands.  

What you'll get to do:

• Develop a quality-focused, cost effective and flexible Development strategy that supports the unique business requirements of Vuori’s global markets, as well as the core business plans.   
• Communicate the Product Pipeline vision, purpose and process to the sourcing offices, vendors, and mills to ensure strategy is supported by all stakeholders.  
• Lead the product development team to deliver costing plans, sourcing strategies, fit processes in order to meet the Merchandising, Design and Financial plans each season.  
• Actively manage factory relationships including workflow, costing, and timelines 
• Manage the product development processes for inline and speed to market product while being considerate of materials, fit and construction elements  
• Plan and track the development schedule of all products to ensure timely completion of development proto-types and salesman samples according to the product calendar & corporate timeline.
• Execute fit intent (silhouette) considerate of fit statement, design detail, end use, trend and intent of the product through clear analysis, documentation, communication and adherence to fit and brand identity standards. 
• Create, maintain and publish all digital and physical records associated with styles including but not limited to measurements, bill of materials, technical sketches, comments and revisions, competitive shops and associated samples. 
• Partner with factories to develop new construction techniques, processes and samples needed to create innovative and technically sound products 
• Manage development team to address broad scale and scope of seasonal development needs. Evaluate strengths to meet the technical demands of the product.
• Troubleshoot construction challenges through partnership with technical design and production teams, detail sketches and thorough review of all products. 
• Facilitate, through development team, hand off of production ready skus to production team by delivering completed specification for each product and all product records with complete and accurate Name, Number, Location, Tech Pack, Color BOM and Measurement details with consideration to special attention for quality. 
• Educate cross-functional teams on features and benefits of the seasonal product range during key milestone meetings throughout the development process to support product marketing.
• Implement and maintain PLM system as the primary platform for all product creation processes such as spec templates, tech sketches, creating & maintaining BOMs, updating color BOMs, publish revisions. 
• Retain top talent, develop skills, and build knowledge within the organization to increase bench strength and future succession capability.  Where necessary, effectively recruit and onboard top talent (across functions,) aligned with organizational needs.  
• Actively manage and measure organizational performance through quantitative and qualitative assessment, including monthly/quarterly department performance metrics.   
• Adhere to annual Product Development budget and contribution to topline revenue, margin and EBITDA goals. 

Who you are:

• Bachelor's degree or higher or combination of relevant education, experience and training.
• 10+ years professional experience in product development experience is required and/or product management experience with an understanding of managing product from concept through completion. 
• Knowledge of how apparel industry businesses, strategies and the competition operate in the marketplace.  Ability to use this knowledge to inform and influence strategies.  
• Knowledge of Production trade regulations, testing protocol, product integrity, production cycle timeline, fabric and garment construction.  
• Well versed in apparel industry and fabric manufacturing economics and operations management (i.e., lead-times, transit times, garment and fabric construction and apparel manufacturing operations). 
• Ability to influence across multiple functions/areas/geographies.  
• Effective problem solving and negotiation skills.  
• Ability to develop & implement strategies according to plans, monitor progress, and make the necessary adjustments to achieve objectives.  
• Maintain a goal perspective; be culturally sensitive and aware (adjust personal style to different cultures).  
• Negotiate skillfully and resolve conflict in tough situations; win concessions without damaging relationships.  
• Create and maintain a positive environment that promotes high performance standards and attainment of goals.  
• Previous people management and leadership experience.  
• Ability to travel internationally. 
• International and Domestic travel as needed up to 10% of the year. 

Our investment in you:

At Vuori, we’re proud to offer the following to our employees: 

• Health Insurance 
• Savings and Retirement Plan  
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Generous Vuori Discount & Industry Perks 
• Paid Time Off  
• Wellness & Fitness benefits  

The salary range for this role is $165,000 per year - $175,000 per year.  

This role is bonus eligible.

Vuori is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.  

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.