Vice President of Product & Innovation - Waterbury, VT

The Company:

Founded in 1978, Cabot Hosiery Mills is an American manufacturer of premium socks with uncompromised comfort, durability, and fit.

With a family of brands including Darn Tough Vermont, Wide Open, and Cabot & Sons, our mission is to make the world’s best socks, in Vermont, USA, and back them with our Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee. We are family owned, three generations strong, and have yet to produce our best sock.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a visionary and analytical Vice President of Product and Innovation to lead our Line Planning, Design, Development, and Innovation teams.

Reporting directly to the President, this role serves as the central hub connecting Marketing, Product, and Sales—ensuring our product engine runs cohesively and strategically.

As the key driver of our product strategy, this leader will partner closely with Brand, Marketing, Sales, Finance, and Manufacturing Operations to bring innovative, consumer-driven products to life each season.

The ideal candidate has 15+ years of experience and a proven track record of building, inspiring, and scaling high-performing teams.

They possess a sharp eye for product, a deep understanding of design and development processes, and a passion for solving consumer problems through purposeful innovation.

This role will oversee the strategic product vision, developing and executing a 3–5 year roadmap that fuels growth, strengthens brand positioning, and advances our innovation agenda.

The successful candidate is a collaborative, self-driven leader who excels at communication, thrives in a dynamic environment, and can effectively partner across all levels of the organization.

Starting pay is $225,000 to $265,000 Annually, depending on experience.

Key Responsibilities:


* Partner with the President and CEO to develop long-term and seasonal priorities, business plans, and line architectures that drive strategic growth.


* As part of the Senior Leadership Team, collaborate cross-functionally with Finance, Planning, Sales, Marketing, Quality, and Operations to align strategy, accelerate execution, and deliver exceptional results.


* Develop standardized reporting and KPIs for product performance, enabling leadership to measure success, identify growth levers, and refine future strategies.


* Lead the end-to-end product development process—from concept through commercialization—ensuring alignment with company goals, product roadmap, and financial targets.


* Define and communicate the product vision and roadmap, identifying opportunities, optimizing the product pipeline, and driving innovation across all categories.


* Oversee research and development of new products, materials, and technologies that enhance comfort, durability, and fit while driving performance, sustainability, and competitive advantage.


* Own the product innovation and development calendar, ensuring efficient workflows, timely delivery, and clear accountability thro...