Product Development Manager

Simplifyber is seeking a highly organized and proactive Product Development Manager to lead the execution of product

development projects from concept through production.

This role will coordinate both direct-to-consumer (DTC) products and business-to-business (B2B) development

programs, ensuring that designs, materials, components, vendors, and production requirements come together smoothly

and on schedule.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-moving environment, enjoys solving problems, and has experience coordinating

complex product development projects involving multiple suppliers, materials, and stakeholders.

This is a full-time, in-person position based in Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina.

COMPANY INFORMATION

Simplifyber is an advanced materials and manufacturing company redefining how products are made. Our patented

process transforms natural fibers into finished products and components in a single forming process, reducing waste,

simplifying supply chains, and enabling new possibilities for design and manufacturing.

We work across industries including consumer products, footwear, accessories, automotive, and interiors, helping

brands bring innovative products to market using next-generation materials and new manufacturing methods.

LOCATION

Morrisville, North Carolina. This is not a remote position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Product Development & Program Leadership

• Lead multiple product development programs simultaneously across DTC and B2B initiatives.
• Build and maintain detailed project timelines and development schedules.
• Track project milestones, deliverables, and critical deadlines.
• Coordinate communication between design, engineering, materials, manufacturing, and external partners.
• Identify development risks and proactively drive solutions.

Sourcing & Vendor Coordination

• Source components, trims, packaging, hardware, and supplementary materials required for development

and production.

• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers and manufacturing partners.
• Coordinate vendor communications to ensure suppliers have accurate specifications, timelines, and expectations.
• Place and track orders for components and materials.
• Monitor supplier performance and resolve sourcing or delivery issues.
• Visit suppliers and manufacturing partners as needed.

PRODUCT COMMERCIALIZATION

• Create and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Develop and maintain product specifications and technical documentation.
• Prepare tech packs and sampling packages for vendors and manufacturing partners.
• Coordinate sample development, review, and revisions.
• Ensure all development information is complete and accurately transferred to production teams.
• Support packaging, labeling, compliance, and launch readiness activities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with design teams to ensure development requirements are clearly understood and delivered on

schedule.

• Partner with manufacturing teams to ensure products are optimized for production.
• Support customer-facing B2B projects by coordinating development activities with external partners.
• Help establish scalable development processes as the company grows.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 5+ years of experience in product development, product commercialization, sourcing, or program leadership.
• Experience bringing physical products from concept through production.
• Strong project planning, organizational, and execution skills.
• Experience working directly with suppliers, manufacturers, and external partners.
• Proven ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and follow-through skills.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and product documentation.

Preferred

• Experience in footwear, accessories, consumer electronics, furniture, automotive interiors, or related industries.
• Experience developing products involving multiple components, suppliers, and manufacturing partners.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes, production planning, and commercialization activities.
• Experience creating tech packs, specification sheets, and development documentation.
• Experience operating in startup or high-growth environments.
• Interest in sustainable materials and manufacturing innovation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, OR TO APPLY…

Send an email with your CV/resume to jobs@simplifyber.com and be sure to write “Product Development Manager” in

the subject line.