Product Developer - Softgoods

We’re Pentland Brands: a global family business behind some of the world’s most iconic active and lifestyle brands. We bring integrity, energy and ambition to our work, setting high standards and striving to deliver great outcomes without ego.

Design sport-inspired apparel built for style, movement and confidence.

At Speedo, product has to do more than look good. It has to move with the swimmer, feel comfortable in the water and support performance, confidence and freedom of movement, whether someone is training, competing, learning or simply enjoying the swim.

Key Purpose:

The Product Developer is responsible for leading the end-to-end development of softgoods products, transforming design concepts into high-quality, commercially viable products that meet customer expectations, brand standards, cost targets, and delivery timelines. This role collaborates closely with design, sourcing, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to optimize materials, construction, fit, quality, and manufacturability while driving continuous improvement throughout the product development process.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end product development process from concept through commercialization, ensuring products achieve quality, cost, performance, and timeline objectives.

• Partner cross-functionally with Design, Raw Materials, Supply Chain, Quality, and international manufacturing partners to drive seamless communication and execution throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Main product data within the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system, ensuring accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs), specifications, and development documentation.

• Manage the approval process for fabrics, trims, colors, prints, labels, and other product components to support on-time seasonal launches.

• Develop, monitor, and execute key product development milestones in alignment with the Go-to-Market (GTM) calendar, proactively managing timelines and deliverables.

• Identify development risks early, communicate potential issues to stakeholders, and implement effective solutions to minimize impact on cost, quality, and delivery.

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with domestic, nearshore, and overseas suppliers, providing ongoing development support and ensuring timely execution of product requirements.

• Evaluate technical, commercial, and operational information from multiple stakeholders to support sound decision-making and successful product execution.

• Support Supply Chain performance initiatives by contributing to KPI tracking, operational reporting, and cross-functional continuous improvement efforts.

• Manage multiple product development projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating strong organizational skills, adaptability, and meticulous attention to detail.

• Continuously identify opportunities to improve product development processes, enhance cross-functional collaboration, and increase operational efficiency.

Qualifications & Expiriences:

• 5+ years of progressive experience in apparel or softgoods product development within a fast-paced, end-to-end product development environment.

• Bachelor's degree in Product Development, Fashion Merchandising, Apparel Design, Supply Chain, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

• Demonstrated experience partnering with overseas manufacturing facilities throughout the development lifecycle; experience with domestic and/or nearshore production is a plus.

• Experience developing products within swimwear, activewear, lifestyle apparel, or related softgoods categories.

• Strong knowledge of the product development lifecycle, including raw materials, trims, garment construction, fit, costing, testing, and commercialization.

• Proven ability to manage multiple development projects simultaneously while consistently meeting deadlines in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.

• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with the ability to build productive relationships across Design, Merchandising, Sourcing, Supply Chain, Quality, and global manufacturing partners.

• Experience using Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems; experience with DeSL PLM is preferred.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced Excel skills for data analysis, reporting, and product tracking.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization.

• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to prioritize competing demands.

• Thrives in a fast‑paced, team‑first, high‑energy environment, with a positive, can‑do, customer‑focused attitude.

Why Speedo?

Speedo is one of the world’s most iconic swimwear brands, built on a heritage of innovation, performance and a lifelong love of swimming.

From elite competition to everyday fitness, leisure and learning, Speedo creates product for every type of swimmer. It is a brand trusted in the water because it understands what matters: fit, movement, comfort, durability, confidence and performance.

Joining Speedo means becoming part of a team that cares deeply about helping people feel at home in the water, whether they are chasing a personal best, building confidence, training regularly or discovering the joy of swimming for the first time.

Perks & Benefits

We offer a competitive salary, discretionary bonus, hybrid working, flexible start and finish times, generous paid time off, product discounts, sample sales, medical and healthcare support plus additional benefits designed to support you at work and beyond.
You can find full details of our benefits and perks on our US Benefits page.

Pentland Brands and Speedo are equal opportunity employers and considers all applicants for employment on the basis of their individual capabilities and qualifications, consistent with applicable law and without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military status or any other characteristic protected under federal, state or local law. In addition to complying with all applicable laws, we have a strong corporate commitment to inclusion, diversity and to ensuring that all current and future associates are compensated solely on job-related factors such as skill, ability, educational background, work quality, experience and potential. To achieve these goals, applicants are asked not to disclose salary history information.