Product Developer - Wide Open

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.

Wide Open Mission: To make the best everyday socks for wide legs and feet.

Job Summary: Cabot Hosiery Mills is seeking a Product Developer dedicated to the Wide Open brand.

This role supports the Product Development Manager and Design team in the design development process from concept through manufacturing, driving creative product solutions that meet the specific needs of the Wide Open consumer and our cross-functional partners.

The Product Developer - Wide Open will manage the full sampling timeline from prototype to production hand-off for all Wide Open products, while serving as a key connector between the brand team and the broader development organization.

Key Responsibilities:


* Partner with the Product Development Manager to develop Wide Open products from design concept through manufacturing for B2B and D2C channels.


* Work with the Wide Open Brand Manager and VP of Product and Innovation to develop and review brand/product to inform future planning and investment decisions.


* Partner with the Wide Open Brand Manager and Consumer Insights Manager to gather consumer insights and recommend actions; present findings to the Wide Open management team.


* Partner with Designers to finalize artwork and technical specs for prototype packages in alignment with the seasonal calendar.


* Partner with Marketing, Sales, E-Commerce, Planning, Procurement, and all relevant external partners to develop and manage timelines for all Wide Open projects.


* Coordinate special process requirements for all Wide Open projects from initial design through shipment.


* Provide guidance to the Wide Open management team on viable design concepts that meet both consumer and brand goals.


* Partner with the Product Line Manager to manage external-facing product information, including SKU data and features for all Wide Open finished goods.


* Collaborate with Product Developers to create and evaluate Knit Blocks with the Knit Technician each season.


* Collaborate with the Programming & Sampling team to drive creative and innovative product solutions aligned with the design scope.


* Conduct and lead fit sessions using a live model to assess fit, proportion, knit, style, and quality; identify and address fit issues.


* Manage tech packs, fit approvals, Sales Kits, Pre-Pro, and TOP approval processes accurately and on schedule; provide progress tracking via internal shared reports.


* Provide support to Customer Service as requested.


* Maintain clear communication with interna...