You've made it to the show. Picture this: You're standing at the podium, baton in hand. In front of you? A well-tuned orchestra, every section in sync... most of the time. Here at Life is Good, our product development ensemble features a founder-led jazz section that loves to riff, improvise, and add new notes you when you least expect it.

As our Director of Product Development, you're the conductor who makes the music happen, the tempo steady, and the whole band playing in time-so we can deliver delightful apparel to our customers on time. You'll collaborate with designers, manage developers, and keep artists and dreamers on calendar. You bring the gift of blending structure and creativity-so our products hit all the right tones and still leave room for those unexpected flourishes that make people smile. Here, the score is written in pencil, and every voice matters. If you can lead with confidence, listen like a pro, and still dance when the music changes-then we can't wait to jam with you.

If you are energized and inspired by this kind of music, we want to know more about you.

IMPORTANT DETAILS

This application requires a significant commitment to answering specific questions. You may want to compose your answers outside of this app and paste them once you're satisfied with your composition, spelling, grammar, and tone. We can't consider incomplete applications. so you'll get an immediate disqualification if you don't anwer the questions. Our market-based compensation strategy determines base pay for our jobs. You can use any of the publicly available tools to predict what you might earn here. All permanent roles are eligible for an annual bonus based on company performance, to which you will make a significant contribution. This role is based in Boston. You'll work on-site Wednesdays and Thursdays each week. Everyone who applies will get a response from a human. Although we love and use AI regularly, you're about to put a lot of heart and skill into this application and deserve a human response. You'll get one. EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS Your career includes 8-10 years of leadership in the apparel and accessory retail/wholesale product development and sourcing/supply chain You bring first-hand familiarity with quality construction for men, women, and kids apparel You know and can teach others the manufacturing and costing processes required for their jobs You have effectively and accurately conducted analyses that deliver valuable insights Your experience has made you skillful at identifying products that will get results and strengthen the brand's look and feel Your past results indicate you are effective at gaining credibility and partnering collaboratively with business leaders of all levels Pay Transparency: We post our jobs on a collection of sites. Not all of them portray accurate information about our compensation ranges. For years, we've used a market-based approach to determine starting pay for all roles at Life is Good. We encourage you to explore reputable salary calculators like Salary.com or PayScale and, using accurate data for the apparel industry, this job (from the job description), our company size (under 300 people), location (Boston), and the required experience for this role (10 years or less), you will see the pay range for this role.

Requirements

YOUR OBJECTIVE

You are the strategic leader who, through consumer insight, market research, and analytics, will drive the creation of on-brand product lines for all Life is Good selling channels. Your work and direction will ensure Life is Good optimizes our revenue and profitability. You'll love the collaboration with your Superpowered colleagues in eCommerce, Wholesale, and Retail. You and your teammates in Design and Product Graphics will create a clear and unified assortment our customers love

YOUR JOB Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Review analyses of critical success factors, individual product costs, margins, and timeline to determine the progress toward stated company goals. and objectives leveraging market knowledge, consumer insights, trend assessment, financial risk, and reward Lead the briefing process for product graphics Collaborate with business unit leaders on assortment size and sales planning for all product categories by distribution channel Oversee the selection of materials, components, and construction options to meet quality and costing targets while working collaboratively with design, graphics and technical design Create and manage seasonal company milestone calendar and vendor calendar. Work with cross-functional business leaders to incorporate timing challenges from all disciplines, such as finance, eCommerce, retail, operations Develop effective strategic relationships and communication with our supply chain partners (agents, factories, material and trim suppliers, etc.) to ensure effective collaboration in meeting company objectives Lead market trends analysis by product category Ensure correct, global manufacturing support for the seasonal designs as well as key, ongoing programs through working closely with VP Merchandising and Director of Sourcing on vendor selection and matrix management Ensure quick resolution of product-related issues with the appropriate team Coordinate product changes due to legal copyright concerns, and create clarity between counsel and graphics team Manage change tracking log for product and design departments Ensure Centric system is accurate and used as intended Present season plans and product selections to the sales team and senior management Contribute to the smooth flow of information and efficient operation for the team Develop strategic, long-term solutions that enhance company and team performance Ensure that all established product timelines and deliverables are met or exceeded through effective management Your Personal Attributes: You believe passionately in our mission and the Life is Good Superpowers You are skilled and comfortable working independently and as part of a team of dynamic, opinionated, outpspoken, creative professionals You are known for your ability to give and receive feedback directly, constructively and in real time You are a natural leader with an open, compassionate, and non-hierarchical management style You communicate clearly, simply, and effectively You create an atmosphere in which people work together effectively to produce superior results YOU'LL KNOW YOU'RE SUCCESSFUL WHEN You meet your annual goals You are a cultural leader at Life is Good Your team and other teams look to you as an example of positive business and brand leadership

Benefits

We are located in the innovative and thriving Fort Point neighborhood. Our community is full of green space, outstanding food, and entertainment options. We offer comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts, Transit or Parking Reimbursement Accounts, Life, AD&D, Short, and Long-Term Disability, 401(k) with a match, Paid Time Off, 10 paid holidays, Good Vibes Time (we pay you to volunteer for the non-profit cause of your choice) and Family Time. And we have dogs that like to play.

You'll contribute to helping kids heal from trauma as we serve our social mission, The Playmaker Project.

Life is Good is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender orientation, or expression, marital status or veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic under applicable federal or state law.