Product Development Manager, Timbuk2

Company: Exemplis

Department: Product Engineering

Location:

Cypress, CA, US, 90630

Work Designation: Hybrid

Salary Range: $132,242.00 - $204,975.00

Position Summary:

Timbuk2 is seeking a Manager, Product Development to lead the design execution and end-to-end development of bag and luggage collections. This role translates consumer insights, lifestyle trends, and material innovation into functional, durable, and manufacturable products that reflect Timbuk2’s brand DNA.

The role blends creative direction with operational execution, owning new product introduction (NPI) from concept through production while partnering closely with freelance designers, supply chain, and cross-functional stakeholders. This is a hybrid role requiring onsite work three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday).

Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

Product Design and Development

Lead design and development execution across seasonal and long-range product roadmaps.
Translate customer insights, travel/commuter trends, and material innovation into clear design briefs and technical packages.
Ensure all designs align with Timbuk2’s brand DNA, performance standards, and durability expectations.
Contribute to scalable design and development processes that improve speed to market.

New Product Introduction (NPI)

Own the NPI process from concept through production readiness.
Manage timelines, prototyping, sampling, and technical refinement to ensure on-time launches.
Maintain accurate specifications, BOMs, and technical documentation within PLM/PDM systems.
Partner with supply chain and manufacturing to ensure quality, cost, and production feasibility.

Team & Freelance Talent Management

Partner with freelance designers to expand capacity and support seasonal needs.
Provide clear direction, briefs, timelines, and feedback to internal and external contributors.
Ensure design output aligns with brand standards, quality, and functional expectations.
Manage external relationships and foster a collaborative, high-performing environment.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with Product Management, Supply Chain, Marketing, Ecomm, and Retail to ensure alignment to brand and business objectives.
Participate in Pre-Production Meetings (PPMs) and Product Verification Reviews (PVRs).
Present concepts, prototypes, and updates clearly to stakeholders.
Incorporate feedback to continuously improve product performance and consumer experience.

Qualifications, Skills and Education:

Required

7+ years of product design and/or development experience within bags, luggage, outdoor gear, accessories, or similar consumer products.
Demonstrated ownership of product launches from concept through production.
Experience managing or mentoring designers/developers (direct or freelance).
Proficiency in design tools (SolidWorks and/or Adobe Creative Suite).
Solid understanding of materials, construction methods, and manufacturing processes.

Experience using PLM/PDM systems, BOM management, and technical documentation.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent programs and meet launch timelines.

Preferred

Experience with advanced 3D/AI Design tools (e.g., Vizcom, Blender).
Experience with sustainable materials and responsible design practices.

Exposure to global supplier collaboration and production environments.
Experience in D2C or consumer lifestyle brands.

Perks and Benefits:

We hope that you’re excited by the possibilities that come along with working at Exemplis! With us, TEAM comes first. We bring integrity, passion, and excellence to work each day. Being part of our team means living our core values and thriving in an environment of constant innovation and positive change.

In addition to our unique culture, we also offer these fun perks and benefits.

Competitive Salary: Our compensation philosophy is to be externally competitive, internally fair, and not win or lose on compensation. Salary ranges are developed with the support of national benchmarks and industry best practices that adjusts to your cost of labor, years of relevant experience, skill set, and education.
Hybrid Work Schedule: We believe in supporting a healthy work–life balance and offer a flexible hybrid schedule, with remote work on Mondays and Fridays and onsite collaboration on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Health Insurance: We offer a variety of health insurance options (medical, dental, vision, etc.) for all of our team members. Eligible the first month following your start date.
401(k): We match 100% up to 3% and then 50% of the next 2% deferred.
Time Off: Taking time off to recharge is a must whether it is for your personal health or vacation; paid time off starts accruing day 1!
Observed Holidays: 10 company observed holidays: New Years, Martin Luther King, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day.
Employee Discounts: We offer discounts to our employee across all of our product lines.
Hit our Numbers Lunch: When we hit our monthly milestones, we all celebrate!
Tuition Scholarships: Partnership with UMASS Global for 10%-20% off tuition for you and/or your family.

About Us:

It all started in a small warehouse in California with just three employees, a fax machine and a bell that rang out every time a chair came down the conveyor belt. 30 years later, Exemplis continues to lead, innovate and disrupt an array of industries through its growing family of brands — including SitOnIt Seating, Timbuk2, X-Chair, Maverick, Mavix, Edloe Finch, and Albany Park.
From sustainable manufacturing to outreach programs and more, we strive to make a positive impact on everyone we serve. We make sure our people (and their communities) are at the core of our organization. To make a difference, we must be a champion of diversity, inclusion, service and social justice — above all else.
Are you ready to be a part of something special? We have headquarters, offices and retail stores across the U.S. (plus a variety of flexible work opportunities). Learn more and apply today.
Exemplis is an Equal Opportunity Employer and our company adheres to the equal employment opportunity guidelines set forth by federal, state, and local laws. Read our full statement on our careers page.