Product Development Manager - Men's Apparel

Huckberry is building a world-class Product Development team to take our House Brands to the next level. We’re on a mission to create high-quality, differentiated products that serve the needs of our adventurous customer—across apparel, footwear, gear, home, and beyond.

We’re looking for a Product Development Manager for Apparel with deep expertise in men’s apparel and a sharp eye for fabrics, function, and quality. In this role, you’ll lead the development process for key product categories from concept through commercialization, while managing cross-functional partnerships with Design, Tech Design, Production, and global vendors.

As the business grows, this role will assume people management responsibilities. We’re looking for someone who can lead both product and people, with a proactive mindset, strong technical skills, and a passion for building exceptional product.

This role is based out of our headquarters in Austin, TX; relocation support will be provided to a remote hire

Responsibilities:

Product Development

• Own the seasonal development process from initial concept through production handoff across key men’s categories
• Partner closely with Design to translate creative direction into commercially viable product that meets margin, quality, and calendar goals
• Attend fittings, manage vendor communication, and provide clear technical feedback with visual callouts and construction guidance
• Manage 3rd-party testing and inspections, and lead resolution efforts, including CAPs (Corrective Action Plans) when needed. 
• Provide expertise in cost engineering direction to Design team, strategically source developments, and negotiate with vendors to achieve best-in-class FOB costing to meet or exceed margin requirements
  

Fabric & Technical Expertise

• Leverage strong technical knowledge of men’s apparel to develop and recommend appropriate fabrics, finishes, and construction techniques that meet performance, sustainability, aesthetic, and cost goals
• Collaborate with mills and suppliers to source and develop new materials aligned with brand standards
• Review lab dips, strike-offs, and bulk approvals with a sharp eye for detail, performance, and brand alignment
• Stay up to date on men’s market trends, competitive fabrications, and innovation in the performance and casualwear space

• Collaborate with mills and suppliers to source new materials that meet performance, sustainability, and aesthetic requirements
  

Vendor Management

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with global vendors, mills, and factories
• Communicate development updates, changes, and timelines clearly and consistently
• Partner with vendors to resolve development issues proactively and ensure execution aligns with quality and brand expectations
• Travel domestically and internationally as needed to manage development, strengthen relationships, and ensure alignment
• Negotiate and manage vendor & mill MOQ's/MCQ’s to support business needs

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Tech Design, Production, Merchandising, and Sourcing to ensure smooth cross-functional execution
• Contribute to key milestone meetings with relevant updates, risks, and solutions
• Provide development insights and vendor feedback to help inform broader product and sourcing strategy
• Support the Senior Manager of Development with seasonal category strategy, vendor planning, and special projects as needed
  

Category Ownership

• Take full ownership of assigned men’s categories and drive them through development with a high level of accountability
• Analyze the market and competitive landscape to identify opportunities for newness, efficiency, and innovation
• Maintain ownership over development timelines and key tracking tools to ensure product is delivered on time and within spec
  

Team Leadership

• Manage and mentor a direct report (Product Developer) as team structure grows
• Provide clear direction, coaching, and development opportunities

• 10+ years of experience in apparel product development, with a strong focus on men’s categories
• Expert knowledge of garment construction, fabric development, fit, and technical specifications
• Experience managing development across multiple product types and working directly with overseas factories
• Strong communication skills with the ability to give clear direction and feedback to both internal teams and vendors
• Proficiency in PLM systems, Adobe Illustrator, and Google Suite
• High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment
• Experience with domestic and international vendor partners, including travel for development and production
• A passion for product, an eye for quality, and a proactive, ownership-first mindset.
• 2+ years experience managing at least 1 direct report

• Medical, Dental, Vision benefits
• 401(k) and employer match
• Annual Huckberry shopping credits
• Paid Sabbatical leave at 4 years
• Summer Fridays
• Weekly catered lunch
• Monthly happy hours
• Mental health resources
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Vacation & Paid Sick Leave
• Volunteer Time Off
• Generous employee discount
• WFH flexibility
• Annual offsites

Company Description

Huckberry is the ultimate one-stop men's shop for discovering the best gear and threads. Over a million guys trust us as their go-to resource for their closet, adventure inspiration, and a whole lot more. We were named one of IAB's most disruptive consumer brands, and we've collaborated with everyone from Matthew McConaughey and Leon Bridges to brands like Lululemon, Tacoma, and Coors. We look forward to meeting you.

Want to get to know us better? Check out our:

• Journal: http://huckberry.com/blog
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Huckberryco
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/huckberry

Huckberry encourages candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply. We are always eager to further diversify our company, and we are committed to providing an inclusive environment of mutual respect where all can flourish. All of our employment decisions are based solely on merit and business need.