Product Development Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Description : Who we are :

Gopher Sport is an industry-leading inventor and seller of high-quality, innovative products used by teachers, coaches and kids for physical education, athletics, fitness and recreation.

Our mission is “To help teachers and coaches show kids how to have fun and be healthier through physical activity”. Started in 1947, we are committed to giving our customers innovative, high-quality products; fast, friendly, easy, right service; and an unconditional satisfaction guarantee.

Our Values :

We create delighted fans

We are dependable and trustworthy

We are passionate about quality and excellence

We move fast to innovate and improve

The Product Development Manager plays a critical role in expanding and enhancing Gopher Sport’s portfolio of proprietary products. This position is focused on creating a unique, high-quality, and hard-to-replicate assortment that delivers exceptional value to our customers and a competitive advantage to our business.

The Product Development Manager is responsible for bringing new product ideas to life—leading innovation, ensuring product quality, and driving financial success across our private-label lines. This role oversees the end-to-end development process and is charged with increasing output, improving departmental capabilities, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.

This is a full time, in-person position in Owatonna, MN.

What will you be doing?

In this role, the Product Development Manager will lead the creation and enhancement of proprietary products—from concept to commercialization. Working closely with Product Marketing, they will identify new product opportunities and define the requirements for performance, appearance, design, functionality and quality. They will be responsible for meeting sales, margin, and inventory performance targets while ensuring all products meet or exceed our standards for quality, innovation, and functionality. This role also includes ongoing review and improvement of existing products to maintain market position, as well as identifying and onboarding new suppliers to expand sourcing capabilities. Success in this role will be measured by new product launches, proprietary product financial performance, and the overall expansion and impact of the company’s private-label portfolio.

Requirements :

1. 4 year College degree, preferably in business, design, or engineering.

2. 7+ years experience in product development, merchandising, design, or engineering. Previous leadership experience and a track record of innovation.

3. A passion for the products we sell and a relentless drive to make them better.

Why join our Team?

You'll get satisfaction knowing you're helping millions of kids around the world have fun and become more active and healthy. Plus, you'll get a competitive compensation and benefit package, including traditional and HSA Health Insurance options, Vision, 3 weeks of Paid Time Off accrued the first year, 3 weeks of remote work flexible hours, 8 company paid holidays, profit sharing, 401K, a Lifestyle Spending Account, tuition reimbursement, product discounts, an onsite fitness center and so much more!

To apply :

1. A short, clear Cover Letter that explains WHY you are interested in this specific position and?gives examples of your prior successes performing the responsibilities listed above.

2. Your Resume