Sr Manager, Product Development

LAKE•Savannah, GA

About The Position

Behind every LAKE collection is a development process that is intentional and precise. As Senior Manager, Product Development, you will lead LAKE’s end-to-end development across all categories, taking direction from initial concept and guiding through SMS handoff while balancing creative intent, cost targets, and operational excellence. Reporting to the Sr Director, Product Development & Production and closely collaborating with Design, Planning, Production, and Technical Design, you will ensure each collection is developed with purpose and discipline in line with LAKE's brand values.

Requirements

8+ years of experience in fashion production across aspirational brands
An exceptional personal ownership and accountability mindset and are a strategic thinker with strong operational and leadership skills.
Expert knowledge of the end-to-end product lifecycle, from concept through production handoff.
Proven ability to manage multiple vendors across global sourcing regions (India, China, Peru, etc.)
Advanced proficiency in PLM (Centric), ERP (NetSuite), and Excel/Google Sheets
Exceptional communication and negotiation skills with the ability to influence cross-functional partners.
Highly organized, adaptable, and solution-oriented in a fast-paced environment.
The ability to drive operational discipline; ensuring processes are followed meticulously while continuously identifing areas to improve efficiency and effectiveness proactively

Responsibilities

Oversee the full seasonal development calendar—from fabric initiation through SMS approval—ensuring milestones align with creative direction, quality, and business goals.
Lead all aspects of style development, including material approvals, fit readiness, sample flow, and vendor accountability across multiple categories.
Manage and strengthen global vendor partnerships, driving innovation in fabrics, trims, and sustainable materials while maintaining margin and delivery targets.
Partner cross-functionally with Design, Tech, Planning, Production, and Finance to align on cost, quality, and aesthetic objectives.
Own the costing process from initial development through final buy, ensuring styles achieve target IMUs and identifying opportunities for savings or efficiency.
Monitor vendor performance, negotiate costs, and support capacity and business reviews to ensure scalability and alignment with company priorities.
Oversee Centric PLM data integrity, ensuring all style, material, and BOM information is accurate, current, and synchronized across systems.
Drive process improvement by documenting SOPs, refining workflows, and promoting operational consistency across teams.
Lead and mentor the Product Development team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth while reinforcing brand values and behaviors.
Represent the PD function in milestone meetings, providing clear communication on development status, risks, and solutions.