Product Development Manager

At Local Crafts, we're the creative force behind some of the most beloved names in crafting: Connecting Threads, Superior Threads, Knit Picks, Crochet.com, Madeline Tosh, Jimmy Beans Wool, and Berroco. From our own workshops to trusted partners around the globe, we design and curate products makers reach for every day: the fabrics, threads, yarns, and tools that turn ideas into finished pieces.

The Product Development Manager leads the development of yarn collections at Local Crafts from concept through retail launch. The role’s primary priorities are managing collection timelines and delivering accurate, accessible knitting and crochet patterns, including original design, grading, charting and technical editing. Strong yarn and fiber knowledge and quality control skills support these priorities. Sitting within the Product Development and Design team, this role is the connective tissue between spinning mills, designers, e-commerce, marketing and retail to deliver collections that meet brand standards and maker needs. If you love yarn as much as you enjoy having a well-run project, we’d love to talk to you!

Key Responsibilities

• Collection and launch management: Own the development calendar from concept through retail launch. Manage multiple collections, define milestones and dependencies, track approvals and resolve risks early to keep launches on schedule and aligned with the brief.
• Pattern design and technical development: Design and write original knitting patterns, including size grading and charting. Perform technical editing to verify stitch counts, sizing, construction and instructions, and coordinate reviews so patterns are accurate, accessible and ready for publication.
• Yarn and fiber development: Research and evaluate fiber types, blends and yarn construction. Work with spinning mills to develop and assess samples, using knowledge of spinning, production and yarn performance to recommend options that meet collection requirements.
• Yarn and pattern quality control: Manage quality reviews for finished yarn batches and published patterns. Document results against brand standards, coordinate corrections and confirm required reviews and approvals are complete before release.
• Vendor sourcing and negotiation: Serve as the primary contact for domestic and international mills and fiber suppliers. Negotiate costs, minimum order quantities and lead times, maintain supplier relationships and resolve production or delivery issues.
• Cross-functional launch communication: Coordinate designers, e-commerce, marketing and retail around launch plans. Communicate status, risks and decisions clearly, and ensure product and pattern assets are delivered on time and to brief.[JB1]
• Knitting, crochet and maker knowledge: Apply intermediate or higher hand-knitting and crochet skills to evaluate yarn usability, troubleshoot maker concerns and support clear instructions and creative education.
• Tools, documentation and sourcing support: Maintain current project records, specifications and approvals in team tools. Collect and assess supplier sustainability documentation with appropriate support and communicate gaps or questions for review.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Textiles, Knitwear Design or a related field, or equivalent work experience. 
• Three or more years of project management experience in a product development, creative or craft/textile environment, with demonstrated ability to manage collection timelines and competing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to design and write original knitting patterns, including grading, charting and technical editing. Working knowledge of crochet pattern development is also relevant.
• Hands-on knowledge of yarn and fiber types, yarn construction, spinning and production processes, with the ability to evaluate samples and yarn performance.
• Ability to review yarn and patterns for quality, accuracy and accessibility and coordinate corrections before release.
• Strong supplier communication and negotiation skills, including experience managing domestic and international supplier relationships.
• Proven ability to coordinate designers, vendors and marketing stakeholders and work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
• Intermediate or higher proficiency in both hand knitting and crochet, with an understanding of the maker community and its needs.
• Proficiency with project management and collaboration tools such as Asana, Slack or Basecamp, and relevant design tools such as Adobe or similar platforms.
• Ability to maintain accurate project documentation, specifications and approval records.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience working within a multi-brand or retail e-commerce environment.
• Familiarity with sustainable sourcing practices in the fiber or textile industry.
• Machine-knitting skills or broader fiber arts experience, such as weaving or spinning.

Location & Working Model

This HYBRID role is based out of our Grand Prairie, TX location. Candidates must be able to work on-site on a regular, weekly schedule.