Product Development Manager, SMU
About The Position
The Product Development Manager, SMU leads the end-to-end development process for special projects (apparel and graphics) from initial concept through final sample approval and production handoff. This role is responsible for ensuring margin targets, quality standards, design intent, and calendar milestones are achieved while driving operational excellence and cross-functional alignment. The Manager oversees the seasonal development pipeline, strengthens global vendor partnerships, and provides direct leadership and mentorship to the Product Development Associate and Product Development Assistant. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-driven, and thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where precision and proactive communication are essential to success.
Requirements
- 3–5 years of product development experience.
- Experience in men’s apparel development is preferred.
- Deep understanding of garment construction, fit, costing, fabric development, and global sourcing/manufacturing.
- Proven leadership experience managing teams and driving complex, cross-functional development processes in a fast-paced, design-driven environment.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities under tight timelines.
- Analytical and problem-solving mindset with the ability to balance creative vision and commercial objectives.
- Excellent communication, relationship-building, and presentation capabilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, PLM systems, and Adobe Creative Suite.
Responsibilities
- Provide daily direction, coaching, mentorship, and performance management for the Product Development Associate and Product Development Assistant.
- Identify operational gaps and implement process improvements to enhance transparency, speed, and cross-functional alignment.
- Manage the product lifecycle from initial sketch through pre-production samples, collaborating closely with Design, Production, and cross-functional partners.
- Meet weekly with Design and Materials teams to review outstanding collections, development status, timelines, fabrics, trims, and allocation needs.
- Own launching development trials for new techniques, materials, or constructions as needed each season.
- Oversee and maintain trim, lining, denim, and yarn libraries across all factories.
- Oversee the accuracy of tech packs, BOMs, costing sheets, and all style information within PLM and internal systems.
- Manage seasonal trim development, including requesting, tracking, and reviewing TDS for accuracy, and flagging any discrepancies, as well as the Trim Development Tracking Chart.
- Maintain accurate and complete product data within PLM and internal systems.
- Build and maintain seasonal WIP once collections are confirmed, ensuring all style details are accurate and up to date.
- Manage all proto, fit, SMS, and costing rounds to ensure quality, design integrity, and margin targets are met.
- Own and enforce adherence to seasonal calendars, proactively anticipating risks and driving timely solutions.
- Ensure samples align with design intent, quality standards, and timeline requirements.
- Communicate daily with vendors and factories regarding development status, samples, pricing, MOQs, and both sampling and bulk timelines.
- Review weekly factory WIPs and update shared tracking tools accordingly.
- Support cost analysis, margin targets, and pricing discussions, leading cost negotiations with suppliers as needed without compromising design intent.
- Build, manage, and optimize relationships with global factories to support quality execution and long-term brand goals.
- Serve as a key liaison between Design, Merchandising, Production, and Technical Design throughout the development process.
- Lead cross-functional meetings to align seasonal priorities, resolve roadblocks, and make informed decisions.
- Escalate major risks to senior leadership while proposing solutions and mitigation plans.
- Support the adoption process for all collections ensuring all data is accurately reflected, and systems are up to date.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
No Education Listed
