Bare Home is hiring: Product Development Manager in Forest Lake

Product Development Manager

Bare Home | Forest Lake, Minnesota, United States

About Us:

JP Ecommerce has been named one of the top ten, fastest growing businesses in Minnesota by Inc. 5000 for the past four years in a row. We provide customers with high-quality bedding through our brand Bare Home. As a leading textile ecommerce company, we source premium products from key regions including China, India, Pakistan, and Turkey. Our commitment to excellence has earned us a reputation as an industry leader in sustainable and ethical textile sourcing.

What sets us apart is our entrepreneurial, collaborative environment where team members can quickly see their ideas transform into action. At Bare Home, you'll experience the satisfaction of ownership over projects, working alongside friendly, dedicated colleagues in a fast-paced setting where no two days are the same.

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Product Development Manager to lead our textile product portfolio from concept to launch while optimizing our existing product lines. This role is perfect for a seasoned textile professional with 8-10 years of experience who understands the nuances of soft goods development across international markets and can navigate the complexities of working with suppliers around the world. You'll be responsible for driving our bedding and mattress categories, improving mature product performance, leading cost optimization initiatives, and managing a talented team of PD specialists and technical designers.

As a key leader in our organization, you'll work cross-functionally with Quality Control, Marketing, Creative, Supply Chain and Sourcing teams to identify growth opportunities, lead all aspects of color from selection to approvals, and ensure our products meet the highest standards of quality and compliance. This role requires someone who thrives in a dynamic environment where adaptability is essential—geopolitical factors, supply chain shifts, and market changes mean you'll need to make quick, informed decisions while keeping projects on track. You'll collaborate closely with our contracted QC and sourcing teams based in Pakistan, India, and China who serve as our eyes and ears on the ground at supplier facilities.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Product Leadership:

• Develop and execute comprehensive product development strategies for textile categories including bedding, mattresses, and related soft goods through the entire lifecycle of the product
• Lead new product initiatives using competitive analysis, by conducting in depth research to identify product opportunities
• Present business cases to CEO and senior leadership
• Manage and optimize mature product lines, making data-driven decisions on color, quality improvements, and cost reductions
• Drive process and document improvements for internal and external partners

Product Development & Technical Expertise:

• Oversee all stages of the product development process, from concept through production
• Direct technical development and approve final product specifications, samples, and color
• Apply deep knowledge strengths and capabilities of various countries in materials, manufacturing, and communication
• Guide cost engineering initiatives to optimize product profitability while maintaining quality standards
• Work remotely with our contracted QC teams overseas to ensure quality control standards are met at the source
• Manage, create, and refine packaging for shipping optimization
• Stay current on textile technologies, manufacturing capabilities, and compliance requirements

Vendor, Sourcing & Compliance Collaboration:

• Partner with Sourcing team to vet new vendors, evaluate existing supplier performance and negotiate pricing
• Leverage relationships with our contracted QC and sourcing teams in Pakistan, India, and China to ensure quality at the source
• Guide suppliers for best practices
• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships that support business growth
• Work with compliance and quality to determine required testing and certifications for products & suppliers
• Navigate supply chain challenges with agility, adapting to geopolitical factors and market shifts

Team Management & Cross-Functional Leadership:

• Manage and develop a team of 2 - a PD specialist and a technical designer
• Lead performance reviews, goal setting, and professional development for direct reports
• Collaborate seamlessly with Quality Control, Marketing, Creative, Supply Chain and Sourcing teams
• Foster a culture of learning, collaboration, problem solving, and continuous improvement
• Coordinate with international teams across multiple time zones

Process & Operations:

• Establish and maintain efficient product development processes and workflows
• Manage department resources, budgets, and timelines
• Utilize project management systems to track product development progress and documentation
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across all PD activities
• Monitor and report on key performance metrics including on-time delivery, budget adherence, and product success rates

Qualifications & Requirements:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Product Development, Design, Fashion Merchandising, or related field
• 8-10 years of product development experience in textiles, soft goods, or bedding industry
• 3-5 years of management experience leading product development teams
• Proven track record of successful product launches and portfolio management
• International sourcing experience with deep knowledge of manufacturing in China, India, Pakistan, and Turkey

Technical & Industry Expertise:

• Expert knowledge of textile manufacturing processes, quality standards, and material specifications
• Understanding of soft goods construction, from fabric selection through finished product
• Excellent color vision and acumen in various applications for packaging and textiles
• Experience in creating and specifying packaging
• Knowledge of country-specific manufacturing capabilities and quality considerations
• Strong understanding of Oeko-Tex certification, testing, packaging, and labeling requirements
• Experience with cost analysis, margin optimization, and value engineering
• Proficiency with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems
• Advanced skills in MS Office Suite, Adobe, and project management software

Strategic & Analytical Skills:

• Strong financial acumen with ability to manage budgets and drive profitability
• Data-driven decision maker who balances creativity with business objectives
• Excellent project management skills with ability to manage multiple launches simultaneously
• Strategic thinker who can identify market opportunities and translate them into actionable plans
• Risk management experience navigating supply chain challenges and geopolitical factors

Personal Qualities:

• Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to wear multiple hats and adapt quickly to change
• Strong leadership abilities with talent for mentoring and developing team members
• Excellent communication and executive presentation skills
• Decisive and resilient in fast-paced, ever-changing environment
• Collaborative team player who builds strong cross-functional relationships
• Self-motivated with high standards for quality and attention to detail
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity when working with international partners

Compensation & Benefits:

Competitive Salary: $80,000 - $100,000 (based on experience and qualifications)

• Career advancement opportunities in rapidly growing company
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Short-term Disability and Life Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off and Holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to make significant impact on product strategy and company growth
• Collaborative, entrepreneurial culture where your ideas matter

What Makes You Perfect for This Role:

You're a textile industry veteran who gets energized by the challenge of bringing new products to market while continuously improving existing lines using data to drive decisions. You have a keen eye for quality and understand the intricacies of working in different countries and materials, problem solve using data, experience, team input to spot potential issues before they become problems. You're equally comfortable analyzing cost sheets, presenting to executives, and mentoring your team. You thrive in dynamic environments where geopolitical shifts and supply chain complexities require quick thinking and decisive action. You excel at coordinating with international teams remotely and building strong relationships across time zones. You're looking for a place where your expertise will be valued, where you can lead with autonomy, and where you'll see the direct impact of your work on the company's growth and success.

Application Process:

To be considered for this exciting opportunity, please submit:

• Resume highlighting your textile product development experience and leadership accomplishments
• Brief cover letter explaining your experience with international textile sourcing and why you're interested in joining Bare Home

Submit your application to: Wyeargan@barehome.com or Mfreeman@barehome.com

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At Bare Home, we strive to create a culture where all people come first. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce. Therefore, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Bare Home is an equal-opportunity employer, and by doing so, we aim to sustain and promote an inclusive culture that supports future growth for all.