Senior Product Development Manager

SanMar • Issaquah, WA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Product Development Manager manages product lines, develops products, and leads a team of product developers. The role leads development and production across multiple product categories and brands, guiding products from initial concept through commercialization and production. It also builds and maintains strong relationships with suppliers and the global supply base.

Working with design, merchandising, sourcing, technical design, planning, and other cross-functional teams, the manager develops product strategies and action plans for new product development, cost savings, responsible sourcing, and customer satisfaction. The role oversees product margins, supplier performance, quality, compliance, and on-time delivery. It also coaches and develops junior staff and direct reports.

The position is hybrid, based at SanMar’s Eastpointe office in Issaquah, Washington. Employees work in the office Tuesday through Thursday, with additional office days possible based on business needs. Standard working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST, and frequent domestic and international travel is required.

Requirements

• At least 8 years of experience in product development and production management, or equivalent education.
• Deep understanding of garment and textile manufacturing processes, factory evaluation techniques, and vendor compliance requirements.
• High-level understanding of forecasting, buy planning, factory loading, and capacity planning.
• Knowledge of component costing, including garment construction, raw material options, and landing factors.
• Sound understanding of international trade agreements, HTS codes, customs regulations, and product safety standards.
• Strong ability to interact effectively with global supply-chain stakeholders at all levels of management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to clearly articulate goals and objectives.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a results-driven mindset.
• Strong people skills, professionalism, conflict-resolution ability, and contribution to a positive work environment.
• Ability to travel internationally frequently.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development strategy and processes, translating design, materials, and trim concepts into manufacturable, high-quality commercial products.
• Manage product lifecycles from prototype approvals through top of production.
• Manage vendor relationships for product lines, negotiate prices, and resolve issues.
• Negotiate costs and maintain responsibility for product margins across assigned brands and categories.
• Research technologies, concepts, materials, and industry trends; attend material and industry shows and present innovative ideas to suppliers, mills, and factories.
• Travel domestically and internationally to meet suppliers and visit factories.
• Develop fabrics, trims, and styles with suppliers; oversee color development and management, including lab dips and bulk materials.
• Work with Sourcing to establish business relationships, evaluate suppliers, review vendor scorecards, and develop vendor improvement plans.
• Collaborate with Sourcing on risk mitigation for key programs and assess risks associated with developed materials, trims, and products.
• Work with Technical Design to improve the fit process, reduce prototypes, address quality concerns, and consider alternative construction for cost savings.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on seasonal product design and engineering and propose viable new products to brand partners.
• Execute seasonal development calendars to meet deadlines, costing KPIs, and quality standards.
• Manage monthly capacity and work-in-progress reports to support on-time delivery; work with Planning to balance order flows against supplier capabilities and capacities.
• Manage suppliers to ensure products meet delivery, quality, and compliance requirements.
• Ensure the global quality program is executed throughout the product development lifecycle and support social compliance and safety standards across the supply base.
• Coach and develop direct reports and the product development team through feedback and evaluations, supporting professional and department goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned and comply with all policies and standards.

Benefits

• Annual discretionary bonus of up to 10% of base salary.
• Paid time off accrued bi-weekly based on hours worked, up to 112 hours per year to start.
• Eight paid holidays and one paid family day off.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• 401(k) plan with a dollar-for-dollar match up to 4% of earnings, matched and vested each pay cycle.
• Life insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Paid maternity and paternity leave.
• Pet insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed