Timbuk2

Job Description
Job Title:  Director of Product Design and Development
Location:  San Francisco, CA
Department:  Product Development
Reports to:  CEO
Date:  January 20, 2009
Exempt, FT

Job Summary
The Director of Product Design and Development is responsible for long range, annual, and seasonal strategies for all Timbuk2 product design and development to meet our company revenue and profitability goals. This responsibility also includes development of innovative and compelling products for all Timbuk2 sales channels including Timbuk2 Wholesale, Direct (e-commerce and retail), Corporate, Custom, and International product needs.

You will be accountable for directing and developing the people and processes needed to design, develop, and deliver Timbuk2 products against the company calendar and go to market plans.

You will strategically seek out product opportunities using analysis of trends, consumer insight, and market data to execute products that meet current and future goals. You will directly manage all product innovation, design, and development staff as well as work closely with the Marketing, Sales and Operations teams to execute a comprehensive go to market plan for Timbuk2. You must be a true team player who is comfortable in a grassroots, roll up your sleeves kind of environment.

Essential Functions:
•    Set and manage employee and departmental time line and goals.
•    Manage the Timbuk2 product team to exceed company SKU, revenue, and gross margin targets.
•    Manage the development schedule to ensure timely completion against the PD & Company calendar.
•    Understand and research market trends to inform new styles, colors, and brand consistency across all relevant industry and/or consumer markets.
•    Lead key product review meetings with Designers, Developers and Chief Officers of the company.
•    Responsible for ensuring a cohesive look in all new products across assortment in all categories (Sports Lifestyle, Travel, Bike, Campus, Electronics, and Women’s)
•    Responsible for the delivering durable, innovative, and technically superior products each season.
•    Partner with Sales to help drive the seasonal sell in through sales meetings, presentations, and key account meetings.
•    Partner with Marketing and Direct Departments to ensure that a clear and compelling product message is delivered to the consumer.
•    Work with executive team to develop long range company, department, product and market plans.
•    Develop and manage department budget that meets company needs and goals.

Core Competencies:
•    Management Strength – Build, inspire, and manage team to exceed department and individual goals
•    Design Sense – Experience and eye for style and color.  Ability to understand design concepts and develop products that represent objectives and market needs.
•    Team Player – Ability to work with cross-functional teams to deliver single company goal.
•    Market Savvy – Understands both core and developing markets where Timbuk2 plays (Outdoor, Bike, Travel, Lifestyle, and Electronics Accessories)
•    Operations and Sourcing – Understands complexities of global sourcing and operations processes
•    Brand and Product Marketing – Understands product, in store, and brand marketing needs that meet brand promise and help to drive sell through and grow consumer awareness
•    Globally aware – Understands global brand and product differentiation
•    Personality – Self-directed, action-oriented, mature, confident, decisive, and creative problem solver always willing to think outside the box.

Job Requirements and Qualifications
•    BS/BA in Fashion Merchandising or related field of study or equivalent experience.
•    8+ years in Merchandising, Line Management, and/or development in a Fashion, Outdoor, Action Sports or Travel company
•    Highly collaborative nature and willingness to work across multiple channels with Sales, Ops, Marketing, Ecomm and Service.
•    Proven ability to deliver on brand, market responsive products on-time and on budget.
•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
•    Ability to present and describe lines, past, present and future to staff, dealers, and the board as necessary.
•    Travel is necessary; must be able to travel for multiple days and secure proper documentation needed in order to travel abroad.

To apply send an email with your resume and a few words about why you want to work here to jobs@timbuk2.com .  Please include the words DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT in the subject line of your email.  No seriously, we’re not kidding.  Those unable to follow directions will be beaten with a wet noodle.

About Timbuk2
Timbuk2 Designs, Inc. designs, manufacture and markets bags and accessories for the outdoor, bicycle, computer, fashion and travel goods market segments.