Director, Product Development - Apparel

YETI Coolers, LLC; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 174,000 - 217,000; Full time

Job summary

YETI Coolers, LLC. seeks a Director of Product Development, Apparel to lead the future of our premium apparel line. You will own product development across categories and work with Design, Sourcing, and factories to bring high-quality, market-ready products to life.

Ideal candidates bring 12+ years in apparel development, strong leadership, and deep technical expertise in garment construction, fit, and manufacturing. This role demands strategic thinking and global supplier collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Twelve+ years of apparel product development experience preferred.
• Eight+ years of management experience preferred.
• Deep expertise in garment construction, fit, grading, patternmaking, and manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end apparel product development across brands and categories.
• Build scalable development processes, tools, and calendars across seasons.
• Manage cross-functional partnerships with Product, Design, Sourcing, Quality, and factories.
• Oversee technical docs, tech packs, BOMs, and sampling through production.
• Drive decisions on materials, trims, construction, and manufacturing methods.

Skills

Product development leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Communication skills

Financial acumen

Education

Bachelor's in Apparel Development / Fashion-related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Centric PLM

Job description

At YETI, we believe that time spent outdoors matters more than ever and our gear can make that time extraordinary. When you work here, you’ll have the opportunity to create exceptional, meaningful work and problem solve with innovative team members by your side. Together, you’ll help our customers get the high-quality gear they need to make the most of their adventures. We are BUILT FOR THE WILD™.

About The Role

We’re looking for a Director of Product Development, Apparel to help shape the future of YETI apparel. This role is designed for a highly experienced product development leader and subject matter expert who can build scalable processes and production-ready products that support the long-term success of the apparel function. You'll own product development across apparel categories, genders, and age groups, partnering closely with Product Management, Design, Sourcing, Technical Design, Quality, and manufacturing partners to bring premium apparel to market.

What You’ll Do

• Lead end-to-end product development across YETI’s branded and performance apparel categories, ensuring products meet high standards for quality, fit, durability, performance, manufacturability, and commercial viability
• Build and continuously improve scalable apparel development processes, tools, operating rhythms, and organizational capabilities to support the long-term growth of the apparel business
• Partner cross-functionally with Product Management, Design, Sourcing, PS&C, Quality, and manufacturing partners to bring seasonal product concepts to market
• Own the apparel development calendar across multiple seasons and categories, managing key milestones, decision points, risks, and commercialization readiness from concept through production approval
• Oversee technical product documentation and sample-stage execution, including tech packs, specifications, graded measurements, BOMs, PLM data, prototypes, fit samples, wear testing, salesman samples, pre-production samples, and final production approval
• Lead decisions across materials, trims, packaging, construction, garment engineering, fit standards, and manufacturing methods to deliver premium, brand-right apparel
• Develop and manage strategic relationships with global factories, mills, trim suppliers, and manufacturing partners to drive innovation, quality, speed to market, cost optimization, and long-term capability building
• Champion material, construction, manufacturing, and process innovation that improves product performance, consumer value, operational efficiency, and margin while preserving product integrity
• Proactively identify and resolve development, quality, costing, manufacturing, supply chain, compliance, and commercialization risks before production approval

What You Bring

• Preferred twelve plus years of apparel product development experience across performance, outdoor, active, lifestyle, and/or branded apparel categories
• Bachelor's degree in Apparel Development, Fashion Design, Textile Science, Product Creation, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred
• Preferred eight plus years management experience
• Deep expertise in garment construction, fit, grading, patternmaking, garment engineering, testing, and apparel manufacturing
• Extensive experience developing technical performance apparel, including outerwear, woven shirts, knit tops, fleece, and insulated products
• Strong understanding of fabrics, trims, wash techniques, embellishments, garment performance attributes, and commercialization requirements
• Proven experience managing global factory, mill, and supplier relationships
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex seasonal calendars, multiple categories, and cross-functional deliverables simultaneously
• Experience owning commercialization readiness and guiding products through all development and production approval stages
• Strong financial acumen with experience partnering on product costing, margin targets, and cost engineering initiatives
• Exceptional project management, communication, and cross-functional leadership skills
• Experience working within PLM systems and product development tools, especially Centric
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally to support product development, factory partnerships, and commercialization activities

Benefits & Perks

Benefits & Perks:

Equal Opportunity

YETI is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture is at the center of everything we do for our employees. We embrace all applicants looking to bring their authentic selves to YETI and contribute to our mission of keeping the wild WILD. Find out more about our commitment to DE&I at yeti.com/esg.html. All applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.

Pay Range

Pay Range: $174,000.00 - $217,000.00 Annual USD Employee pay will vary based on factors such as qualifications, experience, skill level, competencies and work location. We will meet minimum wage or minimum of the pay range (whichever is higher) based on city, county and state requirements.

Accommodation

YETI welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you require accommodation in order to apply for a job, please contact us at [e-mail].

Company Statement

At YETI, we design products that last for generations, get you outside, and keep you there longer. If you're looking to take on big challenges and have a passion for keeping the wild, wild – let's talk.