Columbia Sportswear, Inc.:
Product Development Manager, Outerwear Job in Burlington, VT

OUTGROWN YOUR OWN BACKYARD? COME PLAY IN OURS.
At Columbia, were as passionate about the outdoors as you are. And while our gear is available worldwide, were proud to be based in the Pacific Northwest, where natural wonders are our playground.

Every product we make and every task we undertake is inspired by the famous words of our founder Gert Boyle: Its perfect. Now make it better. As pioneers of relentless improvement, we are constantly evolving.

We believe the outdoors is ours to protect and strive to keep our planet healthy. We believe in empowering people to experience the outdoors to the fullest.

And we believe in you.

ABOUT THE POSITION
Columbia Global Manufacturing brings product ideas to reality in order to connect active people with their passions. We cover everything from raw materials development, product development, fit engineering, quality, sourcing and then the Liaison Offices that manage the product manufacturing.

As the Product Development Manager for Outerwear, you will provide leadership and strategic direction to the category commercialization team that includes product development, fit engineering and costing accountability. You will supervise functional leads that assist with managing successful execution of the seasonal product development cycle and procedures that help achieve the company goals and objectives. In this role, you will also collaborate with LO Merchandising Managers, Senior Global Sourcing Managers, Senior Costing Manager, Senior Material and Quality Mangers to be single voice of the manufacturing group to the Global Merchandising Managers/Directors, Design Managers/Directors and other CSC business partners.

HOW YOULL MAKE A DIFFERENCE Support integration of the 1-3 year strategic plan and communicate the department needs to cross-functional teams to ensure alignment. Proactively supports the organizations key initiatives and planned growth within the commercialization area.
Accountable for key seasonal commercialization metrics and calendar adherence within the category for product development, fit engineering, and costing. Develops policies to make improvement in non-performing areas while guiding the team through the commercialization process. Leverages functional Leads for their subject matter expertise.
Accountable for the end to end commercialization process allowing for flawless execution of sales samples, and bulk production that delight the consumer expectations regarding performance, quality and value.
Accountable for the style cost, margin and profitability within the assigned seasonal category, along with the corresponding operational/systems requirements.
Accountable for the style fit within the assigned seasonal category allowing the garment to perform for the products intended end-use.
Accountable for non-conforming quality issue resolution by developing and implementing newly set processes and standards throughout the greater supply chain.
Understands global apparel trends and product category direction to guide organizational structure and determine new commercialization opportunities.
Leads continuous implementation of process improvement initiatives and efficiencies across the commercialization team (HQ, LO & CDC) and our partner groups. Builds the infrastructure and tools necessary to achieve these objectives.
Ability to influence and communicate across a complex, regional-based, matrix organization. Clearly articulates and promotes goals to the Product Development team. Builds understanding and support of strategic objectives within the cross-functional teams.
Provides direction to the product category team across the commercialization team (HQ, LO & CDC) to drive profitability and growth, including department resource direction and divisional budget allocation related to T&E.
Maintains ongoing succession planning to support organizational growth.
Prioritize talent development through tailored, individual learning plans and opportunities to expand business acumen and skillset. Provide growth opportunities and support career visions.
Create conditions for motivation. Lead by example. Review wins and losses with equal passion and discipline.
Effectively lead a team that could exist up to 6-8 members, that may include Leads, across the product development, fit engineering and costing functions. Coach in the moment and focus on future goals and decisions. Harness team strengths. Adjust goals in any direction to ensure they are motivating.
Builds an effective cross-functional alignment by partnering with Fit Engineering and Quality Engineering teams to successfully execute service expectations of internal and external customers.
Creates a work environment that builds collaboration and knowledge, fosters open communication and creates an environment of trust and forward thinking
Attend strategic meetings, tradeshows and business-related functions.
Maintain a strong understanding of the vendors capabilities by partnering with Sourcing, Costing and Materials Research partners.

YOU ARE Able to supervisor the direction of a large team consisting of individual contributors, subject matter experts and category leads/managers with minimum oversight
Able to drive negotiated deadlines with cross-functional partners through thorough knowledge of downstream dependencies
An organized individual with the ability to work under pressure, meet strict timelines and manage multiple tasks simultaneously

YOU HAVE A Bachelor's degree specializing in related field and 12+ years of experience in Product Development, Sourcing, Production, Merchandising or Design for apparel, accessories or equipment
4+ years of people management experience
Comprehensive knowledge of the apparel industry and commercialization process including upstream/downstream departmental dependencies. Outerwear experience is preferred
Advanced written and verbal influencing skills to deal with various levels of management and employees within the organization as well as vendors and worldwide personnel

To learn more about what our employees are doing to help in the fight against COVID-19,click here.

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Columbia Sportswear Company and our portfolio of brands, including Columbia, SOREL, Mountain Hardwear and prAna, know a thing or two about adventures. After all, we've been on one since 1938, working to perfect the art of enjoying the outdoors. Behind everything we make is an employee who's found that the greatest adventure starts with joining a company that strives to do the right thing.


This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company.


At Columbia Sportswear Company (CSC), we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. CSC believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as a global company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. All empl