Product Development Manager

True Classic is hiring a Product Development Manager to lead the product creation process from concept through production. In this role, you will drive on-time delivery, maintain margin targets, uphold brand standards, and refine processes to deliver high-quality products that balance design vision, execution, and cost through strong cross-functional alignment.

All of True Classic's roles are global and omni-channel, leading designated areas of accountability across all product categories, countries, and different sales & marketing channels. This means you will have the opportunity to impact our operations worldwide, ensuring a cohesive strategy that aligns with our overall business objectives and drives success across various markets and platforms. 

Areas of Accountability

Product Creation & Technical Leadership

• Translate design concepts into executable product by defining construction, materials, trims, and finishing details with precision; partner with sourcing to make informed decisions that balance aesthetics, performance, cost, and manufacturability
• Own sample execution across vendors—driving accuracy, quality, and consistency—while proactively identifying alternatives that protect margin and product integrity
• Partner early with Sourcing and Production to assess feasibility and resolve challenges before they escalate; own all approvals and keep development trackers and WIPs current
• Stay connected to market trends, competitive landscape, and vendor capabilities to continuously strengthen product outcomes and supplier relationships

Development Operations & Process

• Run the seasonal development calendar—tracking milestones, surfacing risks, and ensuring clean, accurate reporting across costs, sample status, and vendor performance
• Define and monitor KPIs including on-time delivery, BOM accuracy, approval speed, and margin targets; drive adherence to testing standards to validate performance and reduce production risk
• Partner closely with Sourcing on costing strategy and negotiation readiness; continuously improve processes to simplify workflows and increase cross-functional alignment

Cross Functional Collaboration

• Design: Translate creative vision into technically executable product, providing early feasibility input and maintaining alignment throughout the development process
• Sourcing: Collaborate on vendor selection, costing strategy, and negotiation readiness to protect margin and ensure manufacturability
• Tech Design: Partner on construction and specification accuracy to drive sample quality and consistency across vendors
• Planning & Merchandising: Align on seasonal timelines, delivery windows, and product priorities to support go-to-market execution
• Vendor Partners: Build and maintain strong factory-level relationships that enable innovation, proactive problem-solving, and high-quality execution at scale

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in apparel product development or product creation
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple seasons and timelines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Strong understanding of costing and cost engineering, with confidence navigating vendor negotiations
• Deep knowledge of materials, construction, trims, and manufacturing processes, with a proven ability to resolve technical challenges
• Clear communicator with strong presentation skills and comfort using data to guide decisions

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience translating design vision into real, scalable product across multiple categories
• Proven track record of leading and growing vendor relationships at the factory level
• Experience building or improving cross-functional development processes and operational workflows
• Ability to represent Product Development in senior leadership conversations with confidence and supporting data
• Curiosity around AI tools and a willingness to experiment with emerging technologies to drive speed and innovation

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation

• Competitive salary + bonus

Time Off

• Unlimited PTO and sick time

Health & Wellness

• Company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
• $100/month Wellness stipend
• Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Work & Growth Support

• $100/month Personal Workspace stipend 

Perks

• $1,000/year True Classic merchandise allowance
• 401(k) plan with 3% company match

True Classic is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate and support differences in race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, and abilities. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact Human Resources.

About True Classic

At True Classic, our purpose is simple: empower everyone to look good and feel good.

Founded in 2019, we’re a fast-growing apparel brand obsessed with fit, quality, and impact. But we’re building more than great products—we’re building a high-performance team where smart, driven people do meaningful work, move fast, and see the direct results of what they create.

Everything we do is guided by the True Classic Operating System (TCOS)—the principles that shape how we work, make decisions, and win together:

• Move the Needle – Our #1 value and the ultimate filter for decision-making. We focus on delivering tangible, measurable results that drive real business impact.
• Paint the Picture – We set clear vision and help others see what great looks like.
• Seek the Truth – We use data, customer insight, and curiosity to guide decisions.
• Get 1% Better – We continuously improve how we work through strong systems and small wins.
• Build Leverage – We maximize impact with the right mix of people, tools, automation, and AI.
• Crush the Challenge – We surface problems early and take ownership to solve them.
• Go Fast – We take initiative, move with urgency, and bias toward action.
• Be Creative – We challenge the norm and find better ways to win.
• Lead with Empathy – We care deeply about our customers and each other.

If you thrive in fast-paced environments, take ownership of your work, and want to build something that actually moves the needle—join us and help shape what’s next at True Classic!