Head of Product Development

The Job

Shape the future of Product Excellence at STICHD.

At STICHD, we are much more than a product company. As a trusted licensing partner to some of the world's most iconic global brands, we have spent decades building long-term relationships based on expertise, reliability, innovation and execution excellence.

With annual volumes in the millions across legwear, underwear, swimwear and fanwear, we transform brand vision into commercially successful products that consumers love. Our ability to combine creativity, technical expertise, manufacturing excellence and speed-to-market is what sets us apart. We are looking for an experienced and inspiring Head of Product Development to lead our Development organisation and play a key role in shaping the future of our product creation capabilities. This is a leadership role for someone who thrives in complexity, brings people together across functions, and is passionate about building high-performing teams, robust processes and scalable product solutions.

Your Mission

As Head of Product Development, you will lead and develop a diverse team of product development professionals while driving the strategic direction of our development organisation.

You will create the bridge between commercial ambition, product vision and manufacturing reality. Together with Product Management, Design, Sourcing, Quality and Operations, you will ensure that innovative products are delivered at scale, on time, at the right quality and cost, and in line with our sustainability ambitions.

You will be responsible for continuously evolving how we develop products, strengthening our product culture and preparing the organisation for future growth.

Lead and Develop High-Performing Teams

• Inspire, coach and develop a team of product development professionals;
• Build organisational capability through talent development, succession planning and hiring;
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement and empowerment;
• Create clarity, alignment and energy within a dynamic and fast-changing environment.

Drive Product Development Strategy

• Define and execute a multi-year product development strategy aligned with business and brand objectives;
• Build scalable product development processes that support future growth and operational excellence;
• Drive innovation across products, materials, manufacturing processes and development technologies;
• Translate consumer, market and brand needs into actionable development roadmaps.

Deliver Operational Excellence

• Lead the continuous improvement of development processes, systems and tools;
• Drive speed-to-market, quality excellence and cost optimisation initiatives;
• Partner closely with Sourcing to ensure a future-proof supplier landscape and manufacturing capability;
• Leverage value engineering and commercial insights to improve profitability while maintaining product integrity.

Lead Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Product Management, Design, Sourcing, Quality, Operations, Sustainability and Sales;
• Align competing priorities and balance short-term business needs with long-term strategic goals;
• Influence stakeholders across all levels of the organisation and external supplier networks;
• Drive change programmes that improve organisational effectiveness and product execution.

Champion Innovation, Sustainability and Future Readiness

• Monitor emerging industry, consumer and manufacturing trends;
• Identify opportunities to improve product, process and business performance;
• Lead sustainability initiatives within the product development function;
• Help shape the future product culture of STICHD.

Your Talent

You are an authentic leader who inspires trust and brings out the best in people.

You combine strategic thinking with hands-on execution and know how to navigate ambiguity while maintaining momentum. You are resilient, adaptable and comfortable leading teams through organisational change.

You have

• 10+ years of experience in a relevant experience in product development role within sport, fashion, lifestyle or a connected consumer goods environment;
• Strong experience in working with international brands and complex global supply chains;
• Deep understanding of product development and manufacturing within apparel, accessories, sportswear or lifestyle categories;
• Strong knowledge of global supply chains and sourcing landscapes;
• Experience translating commercial requirements into scalable product solutions;
• Ability to drive large-scale product execution across multiple seasons, categories and brands;
• Strong financial and commercial acumen;
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.

You are someone who

• Takes ownership and acts with an entrepreneurial mindset;
• Leads change with positivity and resilience;
• Remains calm and effective under pressure;
• Balances multiple priorities without losing sight of the bigger picture;
• Creates clarity where others see complexity;
• Challenges the status quo and continuously looks for better ways of working;
• Leads with humility, integrity and accountability.

• This role is based in Den Bosch, the Netherlands. Working remotely from other countries is not possible.
• To apply for this role, you must already have the legal right to work in the Netherlands. We will not apply for work or residence permits.

We Offer

• Our salaries are based on 38 hours per week, but fulltime work is 40 hours per week. Instead, you choose between a lot of holidays; 40 per year ór choose for a 40-hour salary per month with still 28 holidays. You can switch every six months;
• Annual bonus scheme;
• New hires (introduction) days;
• Great offer of e-learnings and a training offer for personal development;
• Enough free fruit for you daily vitamins;
• Provided lunch at a low cost;
• Choose between lease-bike, NS Business Card or travel by car for € 0,25 per km (>10km).
• 8% holiday allowance, employee insurances and a good pension scheme;
• Employee discount on the PUMA, Levi’s, Fuelforfans and BMW Lifestyle websites;
• Hybrid working. On fulltime basis, 3 days in the office and 2 days at home (incl. allowance for home working);
• Flexible working hours, modern workspace and a good working atmosphere;
• International working environment with colleagues of more than 50 different nationalities;
• Wellbeing activities (f.e. yoga, pilates and bootcamp) and an in-house gym;
• Community involvement (STICHD impact tool);
• STICHD drinks 5/6x per year in the city center of Den Bosch;
• Work hard, play hard. Our STICHD-events are legendary.

About Us

We like to think of ourselves as a family of experts.

Ok, we know what you’re thinking: at over 700 members, that’s a pretty big family. But what we really mean is that, whatever our skills or our story, whatever the task or the time pressure, we’re in it together. Pushing each other, backing each other and believing in each other, always.

We’re one STICHD. And that matters, because this one company does a lot.

We partner with some of the world’s most iconic brands to create products that people love. From socks and underwear to swim and fanwear. From PUMA and Levi’s to Formula 1 and Manchester City. From design and logistics to retail and events. From our HQ in the Netherlands to sales offices and logistics centres all over the world. Like we said: a lot.

Why join us?

Because at STICHD, you get the best of both worlds. The buzz and exposure of working on a global scale with the world’s biggest brands. The freedom and flexibility to find your own passion and follow your own path. But most of all, because we care. We really care. About our brands and products. About each package and every fan’s experience. About one another.

We have some amazing people at STICHD. People with different backgrounds and skillsets, perspectives and personalities. Global leaders in their field who always stay curious, grounded and never stop learning.

Does this sound like it could be you? Click ‘apply’ and show us what you’ve got!

AQCUISITION AS A RESULT OF VACANIES IS NOT APPRECIATED

STICHD provides equal opportunities for all job applicants, regardless of race, colour, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or disability. Equality for all is one of the core principles at STICHD and PUMA, and we do not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination.

At STICHD and PUMA, every application is reviewed by real people who are committed to fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity - no matter your background, identity, or experience. To ensure our process stays true to these values, no automated systems or AI tools are used to make hiring decisions. Every decision is made by real people -with real judgment and accountability. We may use functions supported by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to carry out isolated organizational steps, such as scheduling interviews. These functions have no influence on decisions in the application process. We believe in creating spaces where everyone is welcome, celebrated, and empowered to contribute authentically.