Circle Y: Product Design & Innovation Lead Western Gear

Description

Position Title: Product Design & Innovation Lead – Western Gear

Location: Yoakum, TX
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Product Development
Company: Circle Y Saddles

Overview

Circle Y Saddles is seeking a Product Design & Innovation Lead—a creative and technically skilled individual who blends design thinking, craftsmanship, and product strategy. This role will play a key part in shaping the next generation of products for the ranching, roping, and riding community. We’re looking for someone with an eye for detail, a passion for western gear, and the ability to move seamlessly from concept to prototype to production.

Why Join Circle Y?

As a family-centered company rooted in the western lifestyle, Circle Y has a long-standing commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation. We believe in building products that honor our heritage while solving modern-day problems for real riders. If you’re passionate about combining form and function in meaningful ways, we invite you to be part of our team.

Key Responsibilities

Product Design & Development

• Lead ideation, design, and prototyping of saddles and tack.
• Produce and iterate physical prototypes, patterns, and specifications.
• Apply creative thinking to balance aesthetic appeal with functional performance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Product, Engineering, Manufacturing, Marketing, and Sales teams throughout the development cycle.
• Translate rider feedback and market trends into actionable design opportunities.
• Ensure feasibility, accuracy, and scalability in manufacturing processes.

Product Lifecycle Management

• Define and refine product specifications including branding, features, and functionality.
• Monitor product performance metrics such as revenue, margin, and turns.
• Participate in regular product reviews to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
• All other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Experience in product design, prototyping, or saddle/tack development.
• Background in, or strong understanding of, the western, ranching, or roping industries.
• Demonstrated ability to translate creative concepts into manufactured products.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills across multiple departments.
• Highly organized with effective project management skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Bonus: familiarity with CAD software or Adobe Creative Suite.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods (approximately 75% of the time).
• Occasional bending, stooping, and twisting (approximately 25% of the time).
• Must be able to lift and move up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Role includes both office-based and hands-on shop work, with occasional outdoor product testing.

Work Environment

This position is based in our Yoakum, TX facility. The environment is climate-controlled with regular interaction in manufacturing and warehousing areas. Occasional travel may be required to support product testing and collaborative development efforts.