Product Development and Production Manager

Stoney Clover Lane•New York, NY

About The Position

The Senior Product Development Manager is responsible for leading the end-to-end product development lifecycle, from initial concept through production and delivery. This role ensures that all products align with brand vision, quality standards, cost targets, and market timelines while collaborating cross-functionally with design, production, and commercial teams.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Fashion, Product Development, Business, or related field.
5–10 years of experience in product development within apparel or accessories.
Prior experience managing and developing teams.
Strong understanding of construction, materials, and manufacturing processes.
Expert-level project management and organizational skills.
Strong analytical and costing acumen.
Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Detail-oriented with a strong focus on quality and execution.
Fashion-forward with a keen understanding of trends and consumer needs.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Nice To Haves

Established relationships with factories and material suppliers preferred.
Experience with PLM systems (preferred).
Adobe Illustrator proficiency (a strong plus).
Netsuite system knowledge (preferred)

Responsibilities

Lead the full product development lifecycle from concept, sketch/tech pack, sampling, and final production.
Oversee all communication with factories and vendors regarding daily execution, ensuring clarity and consistency.
Manage sample development, including reviewing, approving, and coordinating all corrections and adjustments in a timely manner.
Own and track development calendars, ensuring all milestones and production deadlines are met.
Approve production-ready samples and ensure alignment with design intent, fit, and quality expectations.
Partner closely with Design to translate creative concepts into commercially viable products while maintaining design integrity.
Collaborate with Production, Sales, and Marketing teams to align on go-to-market strategies and delivery timelines.
Act as the key liaison between internal teams and external manufacturers to ensure seamless execution.
Work with Production teams to analyze costing, pricing structures, and margin targets.
Negotiate pricing for raw materials and finished goods with vendors and suppliers.
Monitor cost changes throughout development and propose solutions to meet financial goals without compromising quality.
Liaise with manufacturers and suppliers on material sourcing, allocation, and development.
Leverage strong knowledge of fabrics, trims, and construction techniques to guide product decisions.
Maintain relationships with global mills, trim vendors, and sourcing partners.
Identify and source new materials aligned with seasonal trends, sustainability goals, and innovation.
Create and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) with complete supplier and costing information.
Ensure accuracy of tech packs, specifications, and product details prior to production.
Document all stages of sampling, including maintaining an organized sample library and production approvals.
Partner with Technical Design teams on fit sessions, grading, and garment construction improvements.
Oversee product testing, quality control, and compliance with brand and regulatory standards.
Ensure all products meet required performance, safety, and durability benchmarks.
Troubleshoot development and production issues proactively to minimize delays and defects.
Conduct ongoing market research to identify trends, consumer preferences, and competitive landscape.
Translate insights into product recommendations that drive innovation and commercial success.
Stay current on industry developments, including sustainability, sourcing shifts, and new technologies.
Build and maintain strong relationships with factories, mills, and suppliers.
Evaluate vendor performance based on quality, cost, speed, and reliability.
Travel domestically and internationally (as needed) to oversee development and strengthen partnerships.
Manage and mentor product development team members, fostering growth and accountability.
Delegate projects effectively while maintaining oversight of team deliverables.
Establish best practices, workflows, and process improvements across the development function.
Support line planning and SKU rationalization in partnership with Planning and Production
Monitor and improve development KPIs such as calendar adherence, sample efficiency, and cost accuracy.
Lead post-mortem reviews after each season to identify opportunities for improvement.
Ensure alignment with global compliance standards (social, environmental, and ethical sourcing).
Manage risk by anticipating supply chain disruptions and developing contingency plans.