Product Development Manager, Soft Goods

Acts as the primary decision-maker for plush construction feasibility.

Partner with the Product Engineer as needed to finalize product specifications, ensuring dimensional accuracy and construction feasibility.

Maintain accurate version control of specifications throughout sampling cycles.

Provide samples to the Packaging Structural Designer to validate product/packaging fit; packaging spec ownership is the responsibility of the Packaging Designer.

Provide samples to the Packaging Graphics team as needed for photography; ensure final art files are provided to the factory on time during Pre-Production phase.

Oversee sampling rounds, evaluate construction quality, softness, scale, and appearance, and manage adjustments in coordination with vendors and internal stakeholders.

Provide clear, actionable feedback to factories on sample revisions, materials, and construction adjustments.

Ensure products meet market expectations for the brands’ emotional and tactile experiences as premium goods meant to be cherished by consumers year after year.

Partner with Sourcing, Costing, and factories to align on material sourcing, cost targets, BOM accuracy, and feasibility resolution.

Work with Compliance & QC to ensure plush and textile products meet all required safety and regulatory standards.

Validate all products meet performance and functional requirements as defined in conjunction with the Director of Product Development.

Work closely with Program Management to maintain schedule adherence and escalate risks for projects that are in danger, offering solutions to mitigate the risks and minimize impact to ship dates.

If you want to be one of us...

The ideal candidate will bring:

5+ years in plush, apparel, or soft goods engineering / product development

Experience managing development cycles across seasonal and licensed product lines

Experience working with licensed IP partners on product submissions and approvals

Strong understanding of cut-and-sew , 3D character plush, and cost optimization Pattern-making knowledge, cut and sew construction and 3D volume development Understanding of textile performance characteristics Knowledge of trims, embellishments, embroidery techniques Strong knowledge of cost estimating and designing to specified cost restraints for soft goods

Pattern-making knowledge, cut and sew construction and 3D volume development

Understanding of textile performance characteristics

Knowledge of trims, embellishments, embroidery techniques

Strong knowledge of cost estimating and designing to specified cost restraints for soft goods

Digital tool experience preferred (PLM, Adobe Illustrator, CAD familiarity)

Experience working directly with overseas vendors and factories (China, Vietnam, or similar manufacturing hubs)

Familiarity with CPSIA and plush safety standards (domestic & international)

Protects company assets through the proper management of asset files and adherence to company policy with regard to information security and management.

Education requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Product Development , Fashion Technology , Industrial Design , or a related field

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities or requirements. A full and complete copy of the Job Description is available upon request.

Want to Know More?

To learn more about our company, check out our web site at: www.Lumistella.com .

The Lumistella Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.