Senior Product Development Manager

SanMar • Issaquah, WA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Product Development Manager manages product lines and leads product development and production across multiple product categories and brands. This role guides development from initial concept through commercialization and production, while building strong relationships with suppliers and the global supply base. In partnership with design, merchandising, sourcing, technical design, planning, and other teams, the manager develops product strategies focused on new product development, cost savings, responsible sourcing, and customer satisfaction. The position also oversees production management to support on-time delivery of quality products and leads the training and development of junior product development staff.

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

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.
• Understanding of international trade agreements, HTS codes, customs regulations, and product safety standards.
• Strong ability to interact effectively with the global supply chain 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 the ability to contribute to a positive work environment.
• Ability to travel internationally frequently.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development strategy and processes, taking design, material, and trim concepts through manufacturable, high-quality commercialization.
• Manage product lifecycles from prototype approvals through top of production.
• Manage vendor relationships, negotiate prices, resolve issues, and maintain responsibility for product margins for assigned brands and categories.
• Research emerging technologies, concepts, materials, and style 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, and oversee color development and management, including lab dips and bulk materials.
• Collaborate 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 evaluate risks associated with materials, trims, and products.
• Work with Technical Design to support an efficient fit process, minimize 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; coordinate with Planning to balance order flows with supplier capabilities and capacities.
• Manage suppliers to ensure on-time delivery and compliance with SanMar 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 consistent feedback and evaluations, supporting individual 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.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• 401(k) plan with dollar-for-dollar matching 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