Product Development Manager in Ronkonkoma, New York at ROTHCO

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER – MILITARY, TACTICAL, WORK & OUTDOOR PRODUCTS

Company: Rothco, Inc.
Department: Product Development
Reports To: Director of Product Development
Location: Ronkonkoma, New York
Employment Type: Full-Time

POSITION SUMMARY

Rothco, Inc., a leading wholesale distributor of military, tactical, outdoor, and related products, is seeking an experienced Product Manager to lead the development, management, and growth of assigned product categories, with a primary focus on military and tactical apparel, footwear, equipment, and accessories.

The Product Manager will be responsible for managing products throughout their entire lifecycle—from identifying market opportunities and developing new products to sourcing, pricing, launch, sales support, inventory performance, and eventual product discontinuation.

This position requires a strong understanding of the military/tactical/apparel marketplaces, consumer and industry trends, wholesale distribution, product development, and competitive positioning. The successful candidate will work closely with Sales, Purchasing, Quality Control, and Marketing to ensure Rothco's product assortment remains competitive, profitable, innovative, and aligned with customer demand.

The ideal candidate is motivated and willing to do the jobs necessary to reach end goals and must have the ability to prioritize their work and handle multiple tasks daily.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Product Strategy & Category Management

• Analyze market trends, customer demand, competitive products & pricing, and industry developments to identify opportunities for new and existing products.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the military, tactical, outdoor, workwear, law enforcement, security, and related markets.
• Identify product gaps and opportunities within Rothco's existing assortment.
• Recommend new product categories, product extensions, styles, colors, materials, sizes, and features based on market demand and analytic review of existing products and categories.
• Establish product priorities based on sales potential, profitability, competitive positioning, customer requirements, and company strategy.
• Conduct regular product line reviews and make recommendations regarding product additions, modifications, price changes, or discontinuations.

New Product Development

• Manage the development of new products from concept through launch.
• Develop detailed product specifications, including materials, construction, features, dimensions, colors, sizes, packaging, labeling, and performance requirements.
• Work with overseas vendors/manufacturers to develop samples and prototypes.
• Review samples with PD and Sales/select customers/end users to provide detailed feedback to ensure products meet specifications and quality expectations.
• Coordinate sample approvals, revisions, testing, production readiness, and launch timelines.
• Maintain accurate product development documentation and ensure product specifications are communicated effectively to internal teams and vendors.
• Monitor development schedules and proactively address delays or issues that could affect product launches.

Apparel & Footwear

• Develop and manage apparel and footwear products appropriate for military, tactical, outdoor, workwear, and related markets.
• Maintain knowledge of fabrics, textiles, materials, construction methods, footwear components, sizing, fit, durability, and performance characteristics.
• Evaluate new materials, technologies, treatments, construction techniques, and product features.
• Review garment and footwear samples for fit, construction, functionality, comfort, durability, and overall market suitability.
• Partner with vendors and internal teams to resolve fit, construction, quality, and production issues.

Vendor & Sourcing Management

• Work closely with the Purchasing department to identify qualified manufacturers and suppliers.
• Participate in vendor meetings, product reviews, and sourcing discussions.
• Evaluate vendor capabilities, pricing, lead times, quality, minimum order quantities, and production capacity.
• Negotiate or support negotiations regarding product costs, minimum quantities, development costs, and other commercial considerations.
• Monitor vendor performance and escalate recurring quality, delivery, or specification issues.
• Develop strong working relationships with domestic and international manufacturing partners.

Pricing & Profitability

• Establish or recommend product pricing based on cost, competitive pricing, market positioning, customer expectations, and company margin requirements.
• Analyze product margins and identify opportunities to improve profitability.
• Review cost changes and recommend appropriate pricing adjustments.
• Monitor product performance against sales and margin objectives.
• Identify underperforming products and develop corrective strategies.

Product Launch & Sales Support

• Coordinate with Marketing and Sales to develop product launch plans and bring new products to market.
• Prepare product information, features, specifications, competitive advantages, and selling points for Sales and Marketing teams.
• Conduct product presentations and training for Sales managers to ensure new product success.
• Assist Sales in responding to customer product inquiries and identifying product solutions for key accounts.
• Participate in customer meetings, trade shows, industry events, and product related discussions as needed.
• Gather customer and Sales feedback and incorporate relevant information into future product development.

Product Lifecycle Management

• Manage/support products throughout the complete product lifecycle.
• Monitor sales performance, inventory levels, margins, customer feedback, returns, quality issues, and market demand.
• Identify products approaching decline or obsolescence.
• Recommend product improvements, repositioning, promotions, price changes, or discontinuation.
• Maintain accurate and current product information within company systems.

Market & Competitive Intelligence

• Conduct ongoing competitive research and monitor developments within the marketplaces we serve.
• Track competitors' products, pricing, features, materials, technologies, and product launches.
• Monitor industry trends and identify opportunities.
• Attend trade shows and industry events to research products, suppliers, technologies, and market trends.
• Maintain awareness of customer preferences and changes in the wholesale and retail marketplace.
• Provide department(s) with regular updates regarding significant market developments and product opportunities.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Serve as the internal subject matter expert for product related matters.
• Work collaboratively with Sales, Marketing, Purchasing, Quality Control, Inventory, Operations, Finance, and Management.
• Lead cross-functional product development projects and maintain accountability for project timelines.
• Communicate product priorities, development status, risks, and opportunities.
• Ensure all departments have the information necessary to successfully launch and support products.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Associate/Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Product Management, Merchandising, Supply Chain, Fashion/Apparel, Design, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 1-2 years of progressive product management, product development, merchandising, or category management experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing products from concepts through launch and lifecycle.
• Strong understanding of wholesale distribution and/or consumer products.
• Experience with apparel, footwear, tactical equipment, military products, outdoor products, workwear, or a closely related product category.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong understanding of product costing, pricing, margins, inventory, and profitability.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work effectively with domestic and international vendors.

Preferred Experience:

• Retired Law Enforcement/Military Personnel
• Experience in the military/tactical, law enforcement, security, outdoor, hunting, shooting sports, workwear, or uniform industry.
• Experience with footwear development.
• Experience with technical apparel and performance fabrics.
• Experience working with overseas manufacturers.
• Experience attending industry trade shows.
• Experience with ERP, product lifecycle management (PLM), inventory management, or product information management systems.
• Existing relationships with relevant manufacturers, suppliers, or industry partners.
• Experience working within a wholesale distribution environment.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Product & Market Expertise

• Understands military and tactical products and their applications.
• Recognizes market opportunities and emerging trends.
• Understands customer needs and competitive dynamics.

Commercial Acumen

• Understands revenue, margin, cost, pricing, inventory, and profitability.
• Makes product decisions based on measurable business considerations.

Product Development

• Convert market opportunities into commercially viable products.
• Understand specifications, materials, construction, quality, and manufacturing.

Leadership

• Lead projects and influence cross-functional teams without relying solely on formal authority.
• Take ownership of projects from concept through completion.

Analytical Thinking

• Use sales, margin, inventory, competitive, and market data to support product decisions.
• Identify trends and translate data into actionable recommendations.

Communication

• Clearly communicate product requirements, timelines, issues, and opportunities.
• Comfortable presenting products and recommendations to Sales, Management, vendors, and customers.

Execution

• Manage multiple deadlines and projects effectively.
• Demonstrate strong follow-through and accountability.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is based in Rothco's corporate/warehouse operation in Ronkonkoma, New York and may require periodic travel for:

• Vendor meetings
• Manufacturing visits
• Customer meetings
• Trade shows
• Industry events
• Product research

The position may require occasional visits to warehouse operations to review products, inventory, packaging, product samples, and operational requirements.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The position may require the ability to:

• Sit and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Walk through warehouse and operational areas.
• Review product samples and inventory.
• Occasionally lift or handle product samples or packages.
• Travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Follow all applicable company safety requirements when entering warehouse or operational areas.