Jobs
Vice President Product Development
Location: Connecticut
Salary: 275-325k
Job#: 9166
Recruiter: Todd Wayne
Description:
Vice President, Product Development
Men’s & Women’s Performance Apparel
Location: Stamford, CT (Onsite – 5 Days/Week)
Reports To: Chief Product Officer
Employment Type: Full-Time
The Opportunity
This is a rare opportunity to lead product development at a high-growth, premium performance lifestyle brand operating at the intersection of innovation, athletic performance, and modern lifestyle dressing.
With strong momentum across DTC, wholesale, and owned retail, national distribution through Nordstrom, Dillard’s, Equinox, and Pro Golf Shops, and a projected 40% growth in 2026, the brand is entering its next chapter of scale. We are seeking a best-in-class product development leader to help architect the future of Men’s and Women’s performance apparel.
This role is built for a VP who thrives in Tier-1 performance environments—someone who understands how to translate brand vision and athlete-grade performance into commercial, scalable product without sacrificing quality, fit, or margin.
Why This Role Is Different
- Real influence: Direct partnership with the Chief Product Officer and executive leadership
- End-to-end ownership: From early concept through commercialization and production
- Performance-first mindset: Materials, construction, fit, and function are non-negotiable
- Scale with purpose: Build the infrastructure, systems, and teams needed for growth
- Innovation platform: Opportunity to develop proprietary materials, finishes, and performance technologies
This is not a maintenance role. This is a build, elevate, and differentiate role.
Role Overview
The Vice President of Product Development will lead the global product development and materials organization across Men’s and Women’s performance categories including athleisure, activewear, loungewear, golf, tennis, and modern casual suiting.
This leader will set the standard for product excellence, operational rigor, and cross-functional alignment, ensuring every style delivers on performance promise, brand DNA, and financial objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Product Leadership
- Define and execute a Tier-1 product development strategy aligned with brand vision, performance standards, and long-term growth
- Build development frameworks that balance innovation, speed, quality, cost, and scalability
- Leverage consumer insights, marketplace intelligence, and emerging technologies to inform product roadmaps
End-to-End Development Excellence
- Own the full development lifecycle: concept → proto → fit → costing → adoption → commercialization → production handoff
- Lead high-impact milestone meetings including proto reviews, fit sessions, and readiness checkpoints
- Ensure uncompromising standards for fit, function, durability, and aesthetic execution
Materials, Innovation & Performance
- Own global fabric and materials strategy, including sourcing, testing, validation, and compliance
- Drive innovation through exclusive mills, proprietary materials, and performance finishes
- Champion sustainability initiatives that align performance, responsibility, and traceability
Margin, Speed & Operational Discipline
- Lead development costing to achieve IMU, AUC, and margin targets
- Increase speed-to-market through smarter calendars, adoption discipline, and reduced sample iterations
- Partner with Technology to modernize development capabilities (PLM, 3D prototyping, AI-driven sampling, digital material libraries)
Cross-Functional & Executive Partnership
- Collaborate closely with Design, Merchandising, Supply Chain, Production, Planning, Quality, and Marketing
- Act as a trusted partner to executive leadership, influencing strategy and investment decisions
- Ensure clarity, accountability, and alignment across global development partners
Team & Culture Leadership
- Build, mentor, and inspire elite product development, materials, and technical teams
- Establish a culture of high standards, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement
Ideal Background
- 15+ years of leadership experience in product development or materials within Tier-1 performance, active, or premium lifestyle brands
- Deep expertise in performance fabrics, construction, fit, and functional innovation
- Proven success leading global teams and complex overseas supplier ecosystems
- Strong commercial mindset with the ability to balance product excellence and profitability
- Track record of modernizing development organizations using PLM, 3D, and digital tools
- Executive presence with the ability to influence at the highest levels
What You’ll Get
- Competitive executive compensation and bonus plan
- Comprehensive healthcare benefits
- 10 company holidays + discretionary time off
- Meaningful advancement and long-term growth opportunity
- Generous apparel discount and semi-annual gift card allotment
- Relocation if needed
Bottom Line
If you are a Tier-1 performance product leader who wants true ownership, influence, and the chance to build something exceptional, this role offers the platform, resources, and momentum to do just that.