COMPANY OVERVIEW
Riddell is a premier designer and developer of football helmets, protective sports equipment, head impact monitoring technologies, apparel and related accessories. Known for its leadership in helmet technology and innovation, Riddell manufactures football helmets, shoulder pads, and offers comprehensive reconditioning services for existing equipment. The company also sells collectible versions of many of its products with NFL or College team logos.

Riddell's origins date back to 1922, when John T. Riddell invented the removable football cleat. The company was officially founded in 1929 to bring this groundbreaking innovation to market. In 1939, Riddell introduced the first plastic football helmet, setting the stage for a series of industry innovations including the chinstrap, plastic suspension helmet, and face guard. Throughout its history, Riddell has maintained a strong commitment to innovation—developing numerous products aimed at improving player safety, boosting performance, and advancing the game. Today, the company remains dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of athletes and the broader football community, with a clear focus on shaping the future of the sport.

Riddell’s passionate team is dedicated to giving back to the football community while advancing the sport through game-changing innovations in helmet technology and protective equipment that enhance on-field performance. With a company vision rooted in boldly championing the future of football, Riddell backs their initiatives with innovation, community, leadership, and a belief in football.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Associate Product Manager – Apparel supports the strategy, development, and execution of Riddell’s apparel product line across on-field, training, fan gear, and team stores.

This role helps manage the full product lifecycle — from trend research and design briefs to vendor coordination, sampling, pricing, forecasting, and go-to-market readiness.

Working cross-functionally with Product, Merchandising, Marketing, and Digital Commerce, the APM ensures Riddell’s apparel assortment delivers performance, brand consistency, and strong commercial results.

PROFESSIONAL AND CULTURAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Action oriented and willing to roll up their sleeves to get things done without losing sight of strategic goals.
• Driven and competitive spirit while bringing people along and building excitement for the future.
• Operates with a builder mentality and is excited about creating something from scratch that will have direct impact on Riddell’s future growth.
• A collaborative, cross-functional leader who breaks down silos to create the best possible outcome.
• Outstanding project management skills.
• Customer focused and can design processes and operations with the end user experience in mind.
• Metrics driven and analytical. Makes decisions using data and processes.
• Passionate about sports, especially at the youth level.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (other duties as assigned)

Product Development Support

• Assist in building seasonal apparel line plans across performance, fan, and lifestyle categories.
• Conduct market research, competitor analysis, and trend reviews to inform product briefs.
• Support creation of tech packs, design specifications, and sample requests for vendors and designers.
• Track sample status, fit sessions, revisions, and approvals; maintain organized development files.
• Ensure apparel aligns with Riddell’s brand guidelines, sport heritage, and quality expectations.
  
  

Vendor & Production Coordination

• Communicate daily with suppliers, decorators, and manufacturers on timelines, samples, costing, and revisions.
• Assist with costing, negotiating minimums, and validating all trims, materials, and embellishments.
• Monitor quality concerns and coordinate testing, feedback, and resolution with QA teams.
  
  

Assortment Planning & Merchandising

• Help merchandise apparel collections across DTC, team stores, and wholesale partners.
• Partner with Site Merchandising and eCommerce Sales teams to optimize online apparel presentation (imagery, content, categories).
• Track product performance by category, style, and channel; recommend adjustments to assortment or inventory.
• Support SKU management, line architecture, and lifecycle planning (launch, carry-over, end-of-life).
  
  

Go-to-Market Readiness

• Prepare and manage all GTM materials including product sheets, sales decks, and marketing briefs.
• Ensure pricing, product info, and assets (images, descriptions) are accurate and delivered to eCommerce and Marketing teams.
• Coordinate product launch timelines with Digital Commerce, Marketing, and Operations.
• Support campaign planning around key sports moments — preseason, in-season drops, holiday, playoffs.
  
  

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with:
  • Product Design – to align on specs and revisions.
  • Marketing – on storytelling, imagery, and seasonal campaigns.
  • Digital Commerce – for launches, sales performance, and customer insights.
  • Inventory/Planning – for forecasting, replenishment, and purchasing.
  • Operations/Decorators – ensuring embroidery and customization meets timelines.
• Partner with CX to address apparel-specific customer feedback and quality insights.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty and responsibility listed above. The job requirements and physical demands listed below are representative of the required knowledge, skill, and/or ability to perform the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Authorized to work in the U.S.
• Bachelor’s degree in Product Management, Merchandising, Fashion/Apparel, Business, or related field.
• 1–3 years of experience in apparel product development, merchandising, or related roles.
• High attention to detail, organization, and ability to manage multiple deliverables at once.
• Strong communication skills; comfortable working with vendors and cross-functional teams.
• Interest in sports apparel, athlete performance gear, and fan culture.

SKILLS

• A strong knowledge and passion for football
• Able to work independently and as a part of our team
• Proven ability to consistently meet tight deadlines while executing multiple projects at one time
• Excellent communication, presentation, interpersonal, and collaboration skills
• Self-starter who can take direction and contribute ideas
• Willingness to contribute outside of core responsibilities to support team/business objectives