Product Developer (On-Site) in Owatonna, Minnesota at Gopher Sport

Gopher Sport is looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Product Developer to help successfully launch new company-brand products and improve existing product offerings. This role manages product development projects from concept through launch, working closely with vendors and internal teams to deliver products that meet company standards for quality, functionality, profitability, and customer value. You will manage assigned product portfolios, conduct ongoing product and category reviews, and identify opportunities to turn existing product improvements into future development projects.

Who we are:
Gopher Sport is an industry-leading inventor and seller of high-quality, innovative products used by teachers, coaches and kids for physical education, athletics, fitness and recreation.

Our mission is “To help teachers and coaches show kids how to have fun and be healthier through physical activity”. Started in 1947, we are committed to giving our customers innovative, high-quality products; fast, friendly, easy, right service; and an unconditional satisfaction guarantee.

Our Values:

We create delighted fans

We are one dependable and trustworthy team

We are passionate about quality and excellence

We move fast to innovate, simplify, and improve

Description

You will be responsible for developing and launching new company-brand products while helping improve existing product offerings. Working across a variety of product categories, you will manage assigned projects through the entire product development process -from concept, research, and specification development through vendor selection, prototype evaluation, and product launch.

Success in this role requires strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to coordinate multiple priorities. You will collaborate with vendors and cross-functional teams to ensure products meet quality, appearance, functionality, profitability, inventory, and timeline objectives. You will also review existing product categories to identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.

This is a full time, in-person position in Owatonna, MN.

What will you be doing?

1. Manage assigned product development projects from concept through launch using Gopher Sport's established product development process.

2. Ensure products meet or exceed company standards for differentiation, performance, appearance, functionality, quality, and profitability.

3. Develop Product Requirements Documents (PRDs) using market research, customer insights, usability considerations, and financial analysis.

4. Identify, evaluate, negotiate with, onboard, and manage supplier partners throughout the product development lifecycle.

5. Coordinate the development, testing, evaluation, documentation, and approval of prototypes, samples, and production-ready products.

6. Manage all activities required to transition approved products into production, ready for first shipment, ensuring product quality and launch readiness.

7. Investigate product quality concerns and collaborate with vendors and internal teams to implement corrective actions.

8. Lead the development of product collateral, including product descriptions, user manuals, assembly instructions, and other customer-facing materials.

9. Review product categories and assortments to identify market gaps, product improvement opportunities, and future development projects.

10. Lead product improvement initiatives by translating customer, market, and business insights into product enhancements and new development opportunities.

11. Maintain accurate product specifications, project documentation, and supporting records throughout the product lifecycle.

Collaborate cross-functionally and support the ongoing growth and performance of assigned product projects.

1. 4 year Bachelor’s degree in Business, Project Management, Supply Chain, Marketing or related field

2. Strong project management and organizational skills with attention to detail

3. Basic knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and product costing

4. Ability to drive timelines and hold stakeholders accountable

5. Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability

6. Ability to balance multiple priorities and adapt quickly

7. Proficient with all Microsoft Office applications

Why join our Team?
You'll get satisfaction knowing you're helping millions of kids around the world have fun and become more active and healthy. Plus, you'll get a competitive compensation and benefit package, including traditional and HSA Health Insurance options, Vision, 3 weeks of Paid Time Off accrued the first year, 3 weeks of remote work flexible hours, 8 company paid holidays, profit sharing, 401K, a Lifestyle Spending Account, tuition reimbursement, product discounts, an onsite fitness center and so much more!

Salary Range is $66,000 to $83,000

To apply:

1. A short, clear Cover Letter that explains WHY you are interested in this specific position and?gives examples of your prior successes performing the responsibilities listed above.

2. Your Resume