Manager, Product Development (Apparel)

Product Development Manager (Apparel)

Lead and manage a team of product developers responsible for the creation and commercialization of assigned product lines. This role oversees the end-to-end product development lifecycle, ensuring timelines, cost targets, quality standards, and product integrity are consistently met. You will serve as a key advocate for product excellence, partnering closely with cross-functional teams and external suppliers to deliver high-quality, market-ready products.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with Marketing and Design to deliver against seasonal and long-term business objectives

• Proactively communicate with development, design, sourcing, and operational teams to ensure smooth product execution

• Research new materials, technologies, and construction methods; share insights with Design and Marketing

• Oversee and manage product costing to achieve optimal margins without compromising quality

• Communicate seasonal initiatives, process updates, and long-term category vision to internal and external partners

• Own buy-ready performance through close collaboration with Design, Materials, Pattern, Logistics, and Sourcing teams

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing product development team through goal-setting, delegation, and performance management

• Manage development of assigned styles in alignment with leadership direction

• Ensure accurate and timely communication of product information to all stakeholders, including suppliers

• Align target pricing and design through predictive costing; review, validate, and approve costing throughout the development process

• Manage supplier handoff, feedback loops, and approvals to optimize quality, cost, and aesthetics

• Ensure accurate data entry across product data systems at key milestone points

• Review and approve prototypes, fit, size specifications, colors, trims, and materials

• Ensure all products meet established quality, safety, and testing standards; escalate exceptions as needed

• Review and approve final samples and documentation prior to buy-ready milestones

• Identify and implement innovation in garment construction, fit, materials, and trims in collaboration with cross-functional and supply chain partners

Key Relationships

• Marketing

• Design

• Sourcing & Merchandising

• Materials, Costing & Pattern Teams

• Operations & Supply Chain

• Tier 1 / Tier 2 Suppliers

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; effective group facilitation

• Ability to plan, prepare, and deliver presentations

• Proven people-management and team-development skills

• Strong problem-solving ability and comfort navigating ambiguity and change

• Deep knowledge of garment construction, manufacturing processes, and materials

• Advanced understanding of product testing, quality standards, and costing

• Ability to review garment fit and provide actionable feedback to suppliers

• Strong technical proficiency with MS Office and Product Data Management systems

• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Clothing Technology, Manufacturing, or related field

• 3–5+ years of progressive experience in the garment or textile industry

• Prior experience leading or managing a team