Product Developer - Wide Open

The Company:

Founded in 1978, Cabot Hosiery Mills is an American manufacturer of premium socks with uncompromised comfort, durability, and fit. With a family of brands including Darn Tough Vermont, Wide Open, and Cabot & Sons, our mission is to make the world’s best socks, in Vermont, USA, and back them with our Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee. We are family owned, three generations strong, and have yet to produce our best sock.

Wide Open Mission:  To make the best everyday socks for wide legs and feet.

Job Summary: Cabot Hosiery Mills is seeking a Product Developer dedicated to the Wide Open brand. This role supports the Product Development Manager and Design team in the design development process from concept through manufacturing, driving creative product solutions that meet the specific needs of the Wide Open consumer and our cross-functional partners. The Product Developer — Wide Open will manage the full sampling timeline from prototype to production hand-off for all Wide Open products, while serving as a key connector between the brand team and the broader development organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with the Product Development Manager to develop Wide Open products from design concept through manufacturing for B2B and D2C channels.
• Work with the Wide Open Brand Manager and VP of Product and Innovation to develop and review brand/product to inform future planning and investment decisions.
• Partner with the Wide Open Brand Manager and Consumer Insights Manager to gather consumer insights and recommend actions; present findings to the Wide Open management team.
• Partner with Designers to finalize artwork and technical specs for prototype packages in alignment with the seasonal calendar.
• Partner with Marketing, Sales, E-Commerce, Planning, Procurement, and all relevant external partners to develop and manage timelines for all Wide Open projects.
• Coordinate special process requirements for all Wide Open projects from initial design through shipment.
• Provide guidance to the Wide Open management team on viable design concepts that meet both consumer and brand goals.
• Partner with the Product Line Manager to manage external-facing product information, including SKU data and features for all Wide Open finished goods.
• Collaborate with Product Developers to create and evaluate Knit Blocks with the Knit Technician each season.
• Collaborate with the Programming & Sampling team to drive creative and innovative product solutions aligned with the design scope.
• Conduct and lead fit sessions using a live model to assess fit, proportion, knit, style, and quality; identify and address fit issues.
• Manage tech packs, fit approvals, Sales Kits, Pre-Pro, and TOP approval processes accurately and on schedule; provide progress tracking via internal shared reports.
• Provide support to Customer Service as requested.
• Maintain clear communication with internal and external partners to ensure superior product execution.
• Track and organize incoming prototypes and materials.
• Travel domestically and internationally for development and to collaborate with existing and new vendors as needed.
• Perform other duties as requested.

Qualifications:

• In-depth knowledge of knit construction and pattern making/grading; strong knowledge of factory production processes and circular/flatbed knit machinery.
• Ability to think in 3D; works independently while maintaining strong collaboration with others.
• Self-motivated creative problem solver; persistent and solutions-oriented.
• ·Experience managing complex and cross-functional projects.
• Comfortable working hands-on with samples — measuring, taping, and marking up.
• Solid command of Adobe Creative Suite, PLM, and Microsoft Office.
• Strong team player with an entrepreneurial spirit who thrives in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills; able to adjust communication style for different audiences.
• Experience working with cross-functional partners to gather information and set expectations effectively.
• Ability to provide critical feedback on product function.
• Outdoor participation in hiking, running, skiing, and/or snowboarding is a plus.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design, Patternmaking/Apparel Manufacturing, Textiles/Knitwear Design, Industrial Design, or Mechanical Engineering.
• Alternative: Bachelor's degree in any discipline combined with extensive experience in soft goods product development.
• Minimum of 5 years of development experience in apparel or soft goods/accessories.
• Understanding of sock or hosiery manufacturing enterprises.

Working Conditions:

• Manufacturing environment – exposure to machinery, noise and other adverse conditions for periods of time depending on the role
• Ability to lift at least 25 pounds
• Flexible nature to manage competing and changing priorities
• Travel locally to all of the organization’s sites and locations
• Occasional travel on as needed basis
• Regular onsite presence is required to support cross-functional collaboration, employee engagement, and operational effectiveness.

This job description should not be interpreted to be a complete list of all the duties, qualifications and responsibilities performed by the jobholder.  To maintain organizational flexibility, the organization has the discretion to add, drop or change at any time the duties, responsibilities and expectations of this position. This job description does not constitute an offer of employment, continuous employment or an employment contract. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.