Women's Product Design Manager

Rhoback is seeking a highly skilled, organized, and detail-oriented Product Design Manager focused on womenswear to join our design team. This mid-level role reports to the Creative Director – Product and provides critical support to the design department through research, concept development, and management of the design process for our fast-growing Women’s line of apparel and accessories.

This role plays a key part in shaping the women’s product offering by translating brand vision into compelling, high-quality designs that align with customer needs and business objectives. The Product Design Manager will collaborate closely with cross-functional partners to ensure a cohesive, timely, and elevated product line.

This is an in-office position, located at our Charlottesville, VA headquarters.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Research: Study and understand market trends, and research current and vintage references for women’s apparel, particularly in the active, lifestyle and golf categories. Become an expert curator of references to create a relevant, unique, commercial product line by having a constant finger on the pulse of market direction and competitor research. Keep boards of inspiration and collaborate with Creative Director and Founders to refine a vision for the Rhoback women’s line. This should include overall industry knowledge, trend analysis, fabrics, product construction, and trim design references.
• Conceptualization: Create iterations of product concepts in CAD form (Illustrator vector drawings, and/or hand sketches), review with Creative Director and founders, revise as needed based on feedback. Partner with Sourcing/development team and men’s designer on material development and fabric selection, sharing materials with men’s line as needed.
• Color Assortment Creation: Work with Creative Director, Merchandising and Design teams to create colorways of products using seasonal palettes in alignment with release and delivery cadence strategy. Partner with print design team to apply artwork where needed.
• Tech Pack Creation: Partner with Product Development and Technical Design teams on tech pack and BOM creation within PLM system
• Apparel Assortment Management & Organization: Assist in the merchandising process, maintaining and organizing seasonal women’s assortments in CAD form, ensuring that all design elements, samples, and documentation are up-to-date and easily accessible.
• Lab Dip/Knit Down Management: Coordinate the submission and approval process for lab dips and knit downs with Product Development teams, ensuring they align with the color specifications and product requirements.
• Trims & Embroidery Submissions: Assist with the submission and approval process for trims and embroidery, ensuring they meet the design vision and production standards.
• Prototype Reviews and Fitting Feedback: Work with greater product team to give feedback on garment construction, overall execution in the prototype phase. Be the gatekeeper of the highest quality standards by giving feedback in fittings to ensure product design intent is being achieved and quality is being maintained.
• Collaboration Across Teams: Work closely with Product Development, Merchandising, Planning, Sourcing, Production, and Technical Design teams to ensure collections are executed effectively, meet production timelines, and align with business goals.

Qualifications

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in degree in design, fashion, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience: 3-5 years of experience recommended. However, all experience levels will be considered. A passion for product design and knowledge of the apparel industry is essential.
• Skills:
• Strong understanding of apparel design, garment construction, production process, and textile materials.
• Proficiency in design software (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and/or CAD software).
• Experience working in a PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) system preferred.
• Experience working in Figma preferred (XD, Miro, other whiteboarding systems also valuable)
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to oversee multiple parts of the product design process (research, conceptualization, execution, merchandising, etc)
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate across teams.
• Personal Attributes:
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Self-motivated with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Strong desire to learn and grow within the fashion and design industry.
• A passion for product, the design process, and Rhoback's brand values.
• Exceptional taste in fashion and design

Company Mission: Rhoback is a community of passionate and motivated people looking to generate positivity, bring people together, and inspire activity by creating high quality products and engaging content for those who seek inspiration, motivation, and connection with a #craveactivity mentality.