Product Development Manager (Soft Goods)

About the role

The Product Development Manager, Soft Goods will lead the executional development of all plush and textile-based products across Lumistella’s core and inbound licensed lines. This role ensures that each item meets the brand’s high creative standards while achieving cost, safety, and production feasibility targets.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of plush characters, fashion accessories, and soft goods SKUs from design handoff through pre-production sample approval.
• Provide fabric and plush construction guidance for hybrid products, such as dolls with roto-molded heads and plush/felt bodies.
• Owes the technical translation of design intent into manufacturable, child-safe, and cost-conscious plush and fashion items—serving as the primary steward of tactile and structural quality.
• Translate designs into detailed specifications, including materials, trims, die-cut patterns, construction methods, and finishing techniques.
• Partner closely with factories on problem-solving as it relates to die cuts, patterns, seam allowances, and cutting processes to ensure finished good construction is flawless.
• Acts as the primary decision-maker for plush construction feasibility.
• Partner with the Product Engineer as needed to finalize product specifications, ensuring dimensional accuracy and construction feasibility.
• Maintain accurate version control of specifications throughout sampling cycles.
• Provide samples to the Packaging Structural Designer to validate product/packaging fit; packaging spec ownership is the responsibility of the Packaging Designer.
• Provide samples to the Packaging Graphics team as needed for photography; ensure final art files are provided to the factory on time during Pre-Production phase.
• Oversee sampling rounds, evaluate construction quality, softness, scale, and appearance, and manage adjustments in coordination with vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Provide clear, actionable feedback to factories on sample revisions, materials, and construction adjustments.
• Ensure products meet market expectations for the brands’ emotional and tactile experiences as premium goods meant to be cherished by consumers year after year.
• Partner with Sourcing, Costing, and factories to align on material sourcing, cost targets, BOM accuracy, and feasibility resolution.
• Work with Compliance & QC to ensure plush and textile products meet all required safety and regulatory standards.
• Validate all products meet performance and functional requirements as defined in conjunction with the Director of Product Development.
• Work closely with Program Management to maintain schedule adherence and escalate risks for projects that are in danger, offering solutions to mitigate the risks and minimize impact to ship dates.

Requirements

• 5+ years in plush, apparel, or soft goods engineering / product development.
• Experience managing development cycles across seasonal and licensed product lines.
• Experience working with licensed IP partners on product submissions and approvals.
• Strong understanding of cut-and-sew, 3D character plush, and cost optimization.
• Pattern-making knowledge, cut and sew construction and 3D volume development.
• Understanding of textile performance characteristics.
• Knowledge of trims, embellishments, embroidery techniques.
• Strong knowledge of cost estimating and designing to specified cost restraints for soft goods.
• Digital tool experience preferred (PLM, Adobe Illustrator, CAD familiarity).
• Experience working directly with overseas vendors and factories (China, Vietnam, or similar manufacturing hubs).
• Familiarity with CPSIA and plush safety standards (domestic & international).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Product Development, Fashion Technology, Industrial Design, or a related field.

Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.

Benefits

At Lumistella, we offer a competitive compensation package, comprehensive benefits, and a dynamic work environment where creativity and innovation thrive. We believe in fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect, and we are committed to providing opportunities for professional growth and development.

Pay

Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Full-time position with flexible hours to accommodate the needs of the role and the business.

Contact Us

To apply, please visit our website at www.Lumistella.com and submit your resume and cover letter. For more information about our company, please visit our website at www.Lumistella.com.