Product Development Manager

Product Development Manager

The Product Development Manager oversees the end-to-end product development process for assigned categories, from concept through production handoff, ensuring products are developed on schedule, meet quality standards, and remain aligned with design intent. This role manages 1–2 direct reports and serves as a key liaison between Design, Technical Design, Sourcing, Sales, suppliers, and domestic and international manufacturing partners to ensure efficient, right-first-time product and sample execution.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day product lifecycle for assigned categories, from fabric sourcing and style development through final bulk production handoff.
• Lead and support a team of 1–2 Product Development professionals, providing direction, prioritization, coaching, and oversight of daily development activities.
• Partner with Design to execute seasonal product and program objectives, ensuring products are developed, reviewed, and approved accurately and efficiently.
• Oversee domestic and overseas sample development, coordinating materials, vendors, sample rooms, factories, and other resources to meet development timelines and quality standards.
• Lead local sample development by sourcing fabrics and coordinating with printers, dye houses, trim suppliers, and the in-house sewing room to ensure timely and accurate sample production.
• Source and procure fabrics, trims, washes, embellishments, prints, and other raw materials required for product and sample development.
• Partner with Technical Design to ensure specifications and patterns are received on time and accurately reflect product requirements.
• Maintain seasonal sample trackers, WIP reports, and development calendars, providing Design, Sales, and cross-functional partners with accurate, real-time status updates.
• Communicate regularly with overseas factories and sample rooms to monitor development progress, resolve issues, and ensure samples are delivered according to established timelines.
• Manage color and material development by reviewing and communicating feedback on lab dips, strike-offs, print approvals, and other supplier submissions.
• Track and review sample submissions, coordinating revisions and corrections with factories and sample rooms to ensure alignment with design intent, quality standards, and key milestone dates.
• Coordinate internal sample reviews and presentations and prepare approved samples for shipment to customers for line review, adoption, and final consideration.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with domestic and international suppliers, factories, service providers, and overseas offices to support efficient product development and timely problem resolution.
• Proactively identify and address development risks, sourcing challenges, and production issues while maintaining seasonal calendars and business objectives.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Product Development, Apparel Manufacturing, Textile Science, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• 5+ years of Product Development experience within the apparel industry.
• Experience developing products for children's apparel, private label, or licensed brands.
• Experience working with both domestic sample rooms and overseas manufacturing partners.
• Previous experience managing or mentoring direct reports is preferred.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of product development from concept through production handoff.
• In-depth knowledge of apparel construction, garment manufacturing, fabrics, trims, washes, embellishments, and print techniques.
• Experience sourcing fabrics, trims, and sample materials from domestic and international suppliers.
• Experience working directly with overseas factories and global vendors.
• Understanding of garment costing and sourcing strategies.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-channel environment.
• Detail-oriented, adaptable, and able to work independently while effectively shifting priorities as needed.
• Proactive approach to product categories with strong initiative and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships across departments, vendors, suppliers, and international offices.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate professionally across global teams.
• Proficiency with PLM systems, Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.