Head of Product Development & Innovation
Location: Tinley Park, IL
Reports to: CEO
About Jax Athletics:
Jax Athletics is an emerging force in baseball and softball gear, built for those who play with passion and demand performance. We’re a small family company and we’re building a brand that speaks directly to players who want gear that combines innovation, durability, and style. As we grow, we're doubling down on building a connected, energized community—both online and in real life.
The Role:
We’re looking for a Head of Product Development & Innovation to own the full product lifecycle — from concept to consumer. This person is both a builder and a visionary: they live for brainstorming the next big product story but know how to get it sourced, produced, and delivered flawlessly. You’ll sit at the intersection of design, manufacturing, and marketing, ensuring every product drop, colorway, and launch reflects our standard of innovation, performance, and style. You’ll manage all aspects of gear development — sourcing, sampling, production and flow — while collaborating tightly with our CEO, Community Manager, and Marketing team to bring our vision to life.
What You’ll Do:
- Manage the entire product line lifecycle, from ideation to delivery.
- Oversee new product and colorway launches, ensuring on-time execution and premium quality across every SKU.
- Run the full product creation and development process, coordinating with internal teams and external manufacturers.
- Develop and maintain the product calendar, managing “dates and gates” for design, production, pricing, and release.
- Partner with the CEO and Marketing to build go-to-market strategies for launches and collaborations.
- Place and manage purchase orders, monitor inventory flow, and forecast product demand.
- Collaborate closely with our manufacturing partners to maintain tight communication, consistency, and innovation.
- Work with the marketing and community teams to align product storytelling, campaigns, and athlete integration.
- Analyze sales data, feedback, and market trends to guide future product development and line evolution.
- Represent Jax Athletics at industry events and travel as needed to source materials, meet partners, and understand player insights.
- Present upcoming lines and launches to internal teams and partners — with energy, clarity, and conviction.
What We’re Looking For:
- 3+ years in product development, creative direction, or sourcing (apparel, sporting goods, or lifestyle brands preferred).
- Proven eye for design, detail, and brand storytelling.
- Strong understanding of materials, manufacturing, and timelines.
- Excellent communication skills with designers, factories, and cross-functional teams.
- Entrepreneurial mindset—you’re excited to build, test, and iterate, not just follow a rule book
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, small team environment (this isn’t a corporate job with 5 layers of management)
- A love for sports, especially baseball/softball—but a love for brand-building is non-negotiable
- Willing to roll up your sleeves and get things done—no task is “beneath you”
- Highly organized and able to manage multiple relationships and workflows simultaneously
- U.S.-based and able to travel for events approximately 3–8 times per year
Why This Role?
This is a rare opportunity to own the creative direction and product evolution of a fast-growing, premium sports brand. As Jax continues to scale, you’ll have the chance to:
- Lead the entire creative and development process — from idea to final product in a player’s hands.
- Shape the visual identity of our gear through bold, innovative design decisions.
- Work directly with our CEO, marketing team, and manufacturers to bring new ideas to life.
- Influence the next wave of product launches, from colorways to new categories and collaborations.
- See your ideas move from concept sketches to real, tangible product drops that players wear on the field.
- Join a nimble, ambitious team where creativity and execution go hand-in-hand — no bureaucracy, just impact.
If you want a hands-on, creative role where your ideas become the heartbeat of a premium performance brand, this is your chance to make your mark.
