ABOUT THE COMPANY: Gathr Outdoors , a portfolio company of Centre Partners, is a diversified global company who designs and manufactures outdoor products and sporting goods. Each of Gathr’s core business platforms are recognized leaders in their respective markets and are trusted partners to some of the world’s most recognizable brands and retailers.
Gathr’s business segments include OUTDOOR (GCI Outdoor, ORCA Coolers, Klymit, Rightline Gear, Cascadia Vehicle Tents, & WaterPORT) and RECREATION (PrideSports, Golf Scorecards, Pride Manufacturing & MacNeill Engineering). Each segment is tasked with providing industry-leading product development, engineering, design and customer service/support to its worldwide customer base.
At Gathr Outdoors, we believe experiences are always more powerful when spent together outside. We are Better Together, Passionate by Nature, Blazing New Trails & Rugged for a Reason! Come join us...Everyone is welcome at our camp!
ABOUT THE POSITION : We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Director of Product Development to lead our innovation and product strategy efforts. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in consumer goods, a passion for creating innovative products, and a track record of successfully bringing products from concept to market. This role will be responsible for leading a team of product developers, managing the product development process, and driving the development of new products that meet consumer needs and drive business growth.
Responsibilities
Team Leadership and Mentorship:
Manage, develop, and mentor a high-performing team of product developers.
Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the product development team.
Product Development Oversight
Oversee the team's activities and project initiatives related to new product development and improvements across six brands.
Lead the end-to-end product development process from concept to customer, including ideation, prototyping, testing, and commercialization.
Owns and maintain comprehensive documentation of product development processes, including design specifications, technical requirements, and product artwork files.
Collaboration And Innovation
Collaborate with cross-functional teams in the US and China manufacturing partners to develop prototypes, samples, conduct testing, and ensure product functionality, quality, and consumer appeal.
Work closely and coordinate with the Director of Product Development in Asia to communicate, generate and transform innovative ideas into viable product concepts.
Supplier And Manufacturer Coordination
Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturers to ensure product designs are feasible for production, cost-effective, and meet quality standards.
Coordinate with US sales, product development, and China supply planning teams to meet all requirements for custom products.
Develop and manage project BOM and Cost breakdown sheets to ensure manufacturability.
Technical Evaluation And Compliance
Evaluate the technical aspects of product designs, collaborating with designers and engineers to address potential challenges and ensure manufacturability.
Ensure adherence to industry regulations, standards, and certifications to maintain legal compliance.
Oversee rigorous testing and validation processes to ensure product quality and functionality.
Project Management
Develop and manage detailed project timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure on-time and within-budget delivery of products.
Identify and mitigate risks and challenges throughout the product development lifecycle.
Desired Attributes
Strategic focus with the ability to plan and act with a long-term view, focusing on sustainability and scaling the business.
Highly skilled in delivering impactful and actionable feedback and leveraging opportunities to connect people development to business growth.
Adaptability and resilience in managing multiple priorities and receiving and giving feedback.
A creative and innovative mindset with the ability to develop unique product concepts and solutions.
Qualifications/Requirements
10+ years of experience in product development, with a proven track record in leading successful product launches.
Proven performance history with domestic and offshore vendors and manufacturers.
Strong understanding of the design, development, and merchandising process from inception through to production.
Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Highly organized with strong project management skills and attention to detail.
Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Excel, and Microsoft Office.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners.
Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire cross-functional teams.
A deep understanding of the outdoor enthusiast’s mindset and lifestyle.
Strategic thinker with the ability to identify market opportunities and develop innovative product solutions.
Passion for consumer goods and a desire to create products that enhance the lives of consumers.
Skills/Personal Qualifications
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt quickly to change, demonstrates learning agility with desire to grow and develop.
Leverages creative thinking, problem solves and generates successful solutions through strategic agility.
Ability to build credible, effective relationships with stakeholders and diverse teams.
Team player with a growth, development and challenge accepted mindset.
Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
Analytical with reporting fundamentals and quality decision making skills.
Excellent customer focus with professional presence.
Self-directed, motivated and the ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks and projects.
Proficient in using technology, Microsoft 365 strongly preferred.
Education And Certifications
Bachelor's degree in Product Development, Apparel/Textile Design, Technology, Merchandising, Engineering, or a related field.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Must be able to communicate effectively with team members and external partners through multiple forms of technology with telephone and computer. Must be able to receive and convey information.
The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, meeting rooms, copier/printer etc. as well as have the ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
Work Environment
Works in a typical office environment and at times may have up to 30% travel for business both domestically and internationally.
Gathr Outdoors is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request (you can email People@GathrOutdoors.com ). The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Product Management and Marketing
Industries
Manufacturing
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