Description Product Development Manager (Apparel Design)
Objective
Eliminate bottlenecks in the product development and design workflow by leading the design team and managing the end-to-end process between product conception, design, and supplier production-ensuring all milestones are met on time and aligned with business goals.
Position Summary
The Product Development Manager will be responsible for driving the apparel product development lifecycle from initial concept through final production. This role serves as the central connector between design, sourcing, suppliers, and internal stakeholders, ensuring creative vision is executed efficiently, accurately, and on schedule.
The ideal candidate has a strong
apparel design background, excels at
process management, and brings the ability to translate creative ideas into production-ready products without compromising quality or timelines.
Key Responsibilities
Product Development & Process Management
- Own and manage the full product development calendar, ensuring timelines are clearly defined, communicated, and met
- Establish and maintain structured workflows between design, technical design, sourcing, and supplier teams
- Identify, resolve, and proactively prevent bottlenecks in the development and approval process
- Ensure smooth handoff from concept/design phase to supplier production
Design Team Leadership
- Manage and support apparel designers, ensuring clear priorities, accountability, and alignment with timelines
- Translate creative concepts into executable development plans
- Provide guidance on design feasibility, materials, construction, and cost implications
- Facilitate efficient design reviews and approvals
Supplier & Production Coordination
- Act as the primary liaison between internal teams and suppliers during the development phase
- Track and manage sample requests, revisions, and approvals
- Ensure technical accuracy of product specs, BOMs, and production-ready files
- Flag risks related to cost, quality, or timing and recommend solutions
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with sourcing, merchandising, production, and operations to align on product strategy and feasibility
- Ensure development decisions support margin targets, quality standards, and brand vision
- Communicate status updates, risks, and timelines to leadership
Requirements Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in apparel product development, design, or a related role
- Prior hands-on experience in apparel design (fashion, activewear, or lifestyle preferred)
- Proven ability to manage designers and development timelines simultaneously
- Strong understanding of garment construction, materials, fit, and production processes
- Experience working directly with domestic and/or overseas suppliers
- Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
Innovation starts with people.
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