Product Development Manager- Camping

Retrospec; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical, Dental, and Vision

401K Matching

Paid Vacation

Sick Time leave

Company Discounts

Company culture fosters a fun work env

Work-life balance

Career advancement

Bonus Potential

Social events and more

Job summary

Retrospec, based in Southern California, is seeking a Product Development Manager to lead the camping category’s end-to-end development of tents, sleep gear, and camp furniture. You’ll own the category strategy, drive new product introductions, and oversee lifecycle management through market research and performance analysis.

You will build strong supplier relationships to ensure quality and production reliability, collaborate across Marketing, Design, and Operations, and travel as needed to

Qualifications

• Industry experience is required, preferably within the Camping category.
• Strong knowledge of the category landscape, including competitors, distribution channels, marketing strategies, and sales operations/processes.
• Product design / Industrial design.
• Fluency in Adobe Creative Suite (required) and CAD software (preferred).
• Experience creating tech packs and owner’s manuals.
• Highly analytical with strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally.
• Bachelor’s Degree required (or equivalent relevant experience).

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end product development for the camping category, from initial concept through final production, including review and approval of factory drawings, CAD files, technical specs, samples, and packaging.
• Own category strategy and assortment planning, including new product launches, line refreshes, product lifecycle management, and seasonal growth initiatives.
• Research consumer needs, market trends, and competitor activity to identify product expansion opportunities and ensure the category stays competitive.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with manufacturers and vendor partners to support innovation, consistent quality, and reliable production.
• Collaborate with Demand Forecasting, Inventory Planning, and Operations teams to maintain product availability and support seasonal readiness.
• Analyze product performance through sales data, customer feedback, returns, and warranty claims to drive continuous improvements.
• Partner with Marketing, Creative, eCommerce, and Customer Service teams to develop product storytelling, ensure accurate representation across all channels, and improve the overall customer experience.
• Review and approve packaging designs, working closely with the graphic design team to ensure all graphics, product information, and branding elements are accurate and production-ready.
• Collaborate on pricing, promotional, and positioning strategies based on competitor benchmarking and market research, and identify accessory and add-on opportunities to strengthen category revenue.
• Travel domestically and internationally as needed to support supplier relationships and product development.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

CAD software

Job description

About the company

Based throughout Southern California, Retrospec is committed to a no-barrier, inclusive entry to nature and honest conversation about the industry. Over the last 18 years, Retrospec has grown exponentially to serve consumers of all ages, ignite their passion for fresh air, and fuel their love of nature year-round. Everything we create is designed and tested in beautiful California to ensure it’s ready for your next journey. Choosing the road less traveled is rarely easy, but always worth it.

Product Development Manager- Camping

We are seeking a Product Development Manager to join our team and lead the launch and growth of our Camping category, focused on core outdoor and campsite gear, including tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads/pillows, camp furniture, cooking gear, and storage solutions. This position is responsible for managing an assigned portfolio of soft/hard goods, driving new product development, and supporting long-term category strategy through market research, innovation, and performance analysis, while ensuring all products are functional, durable, and aligned with campers' needs. Success in this role requires building and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with manufacturers and supplier partners to ensure consistent product quality, reliable production, and ongoing category expansion.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end product development for the camping category, from initial concept through final production, including review and approval of factory drawings, CAD files, technical specs, samples, and packaging.
• Own category strategy and assortment planning, including new product launches, line refreshes, product lifecycle management, and seasonal growth initiatives.
• Research consumer needs, market trends, and competitor activity to identify product expansion opportunities and ensure the category stays competitive.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with manufacturers and vendor partners to support innovation, consistent quality, and reliable production.
• Collaborate with Demand Forecasting, Inventory Planning, and Operations teams to maintain product availability and support seasonal readiness.
• Analyze product performance through sales data, customer feedback, returns, and warranty claims to drive continuous improvements.
• Partner with Marketing, Creative, eCommerce, and Customer Service teams to develop product storytelling, ensure accurate representation across all channels, and improve the overall customer experience.
• Review and approve packaging designs, working closely with the graphic design team to ensure all graphics, product information, and branding elements are accurate and production-ready.
• Collaborate on pricing, promotional, and positioning strategies based on competitor benchmarking and market research, and identify accessory and add-on opportunities to strengthen category revenue.
• Travel domestically and internationally as needed to support supplier relationships and product development.

Basic Qualifications:

• Industry experience is required, preferably within the Camping category
• Strong knowledge of the category landscape, including competitors, distribution channels, marketing strategies, and sales operations/processes
• Product design / Industrial design
• Fluency in Adobe Creative Suite (required) and CAD software (preferred)
• Experience creating tech packs and owner’s manuals
• Highly analytical with strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally
• Bachelor’s Degree required (or equivalent relevant experience)

Benefits and Perks:

• Competitive pay
• Options for Medical, Dental, and Vision
• 401K Matching
• Paid Vacation
• Sick Time leave
• Company Discounts
• Company culture fosters a fun work environment
• Strong emphasis on a Work-life balance
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Bonus Potential
• Company social events such as dinners, holiday parties, and more!

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity.