Product Development Manager
ROTHCOPRODUCT 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 capab…