About the position
Boot Barn is where community comes first. We thrive on togetherness, collaboration, and belonging. We build each other up, listen intently, and implement out-of-the-box ideas. We celebrate new innovations, congratulate one another's achievements, and most importantly support each other. At Boot Barn, we work together to make a positive impact on the world around us, and by working collectively with encouragement, we consider ourselves 'Partners.' With the values of the West guiding us, Boot Barn celebrates heritage, welcomes all, and values each unique Partner within our Boot Barn community. Our vision is to offer everyone a piece of the American spirit - one handshake at a time. The Product Development Manager is responsible for leading the execution of global product development strategies for assigned categories, driving each product from concept through final production handoff. This role ensures all styles meet Boot Barn's Exclusive Brands standards for design intent, quality, cost, and market relevance. The manager is accountable for product lifecycle management, vendor execution, margin achievement, and development timelines. Functioning as a strategic partner and cross-functional leader, this role collaborates closely with Design, Merchandising, Sourcing, Planning, and Technical Design teams to deliver commercially viable products that meet seasonal and financial goals. The Product Development Manager will lead material and trim innovation, oversee PLM data accuracy, and manage vendor relations to ensure timely and high-quality product execution. This position requires strategic thinking, strong technical product knowledge, and a proven ability to manage multiple product categories in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. This role requires international travel for up to 14 days at a time in multiple countries of origin up to 35% of the year.
Responsibilities
- Own end-to-end product development processes for assigned categories from concept to production handoff, ensuring adherence to calendar deadlines and margin targets.
- Oversee the accuracy and maintenance of technical specifications and Bills of Materials (BOMs) in Centric PLM; ensure alignment with current design and sourcing requirements.
- Lead preseason raw material development, driving fabric innovation, trim package execution, and lab dip/print/wash approvals aligned with design direction and costing goals.
- Manage seasonal style setup and carryover updates in PLM, including style status, colorways, and development tracking across key product categories.
- Own communication with international and domestic vendor partners, including sample requests, development changes, and risk escalation to ensure timely and accurate sample delivery.
- Collaborate with Sourcing and Finance to engineer products to margin targets through smart material selection, construction changes, and cost-saving recommendations.
- Partner with Merchandising, Design, and Technical Design to support fit sessions, communicate style comments, and align development progress with seasonal strategies.
- Monitor key development milestones; proactively identify risks to product readiness and drive solutions to ensure delivery timelines are met.
- Oversee formal handoff of final line packages to Technical Design and Production teams post-Line Freeze, ensuring all development work is complete and approved.
- Ensure Centric PLM and work-in-progress reports are current, accurate, and aligned with key product development stages and approvals.
- Demonstrates high level of quality work, attendance and appearance.
- Demonstrates high degree of professionalism in communication, attitude and teamwork with customers, peers and management.
- Adhere to all local, federal and state laws in addition to Company policies, procedures, and practices.
- Performs any other duties that may be assigned by management.
Requirements
- Strong communication, customer service, time management and organizational skills.
- At least 5 years of experience working in a private brand environment.
- Extensive experience working with Asian, Indian, Central American and Mexican suppliers and factories specializing in manufacturing apparel.
- Ability to work independently and be an adept problem solver.
- Ability to work cohesively with teammates and partners.
- Effective communication on Video Conference, email, phone and in person.
- Fluency in Chinese or Mandarin a plus.
Benefits
- Competitive salary.
- Merchandise discount: 50% off of Exclusive Brands and 40% off of third-party brands.
- Paid Time Off plan for year-round Boot Barn Partners.
- Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance.
- 401(k) plan with generous company matching.
- Flexible schedules and work/life balance.
- Opportunities for growth at every level - we are opening 50+ new stores each year.
