Vice Pres. Product Development, Performance, Athleisure Activewear, Apparel

Jessilyn Personnel Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive executive compensation

Generous apparel discount

Discretionary time off

Job summary

A leading performance apparel brand seeks an experienced Vice President of Product Development to lead and innovate in product development for men's and women's performance apparel. This influential role requires 15+ years in leadership and a deep understanding of performance fabrics. You will directly collaborate with executive leadership to drive product excellence and operational efficiency. The position is based in Stamford, CT, and offers competitive compensation, a substantial holiday package, and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of leadership experience in product development.
• Deep expertise in performance fabrics and functional innovation.
• Strong commercial mindset balancing product excellence and profitability.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute a Tier-1 product development strategy.
• Build development frameworks balancing innovation, speed, and quality.
• Collaborate closely with executive leadership and global partners.

Skills

Leadership

Product Development Expertise

Strategic Vision

Team Building

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Tools

PLM

3D Prototyping

Job 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

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
• Lead high‑impact milestone meetings including proto reviews, fit sessions, and readiness checkpoints
• Ensure uncompromising standards for fit, function, durability, and aesthetic execution
• 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
• 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
• 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.”

Please email me your resume and salary expectations at [e-mail]

I look at my emails more then LinkedIn

Thank you

Todd Wayne CEO

Talent. Tailored. Since 1988

Phone: 212‑947‑3400 / Fax: 646‑292‑5104