Product Development Manager

The Product Development Manager is responsible for the full realization of each collection from design concept to SMS on company calendar timelines for seasonal markets and production handoffs. The Development Manager must work closely with Design, Technical Design, and Production to ensure all product meets brand quality, fit, and aesthetic goals.  This role requires the ability to think creatively and resourcefully to strategize sustainable growth. 

Reports to: CEO/Creative Director
Direct Reports: PD Assistant, Technical Designer, Pattern Maker

Job Skills and Traits:

• Positive attitude with openness to explore new opportunities
• Extensive technical knowledge of garment fit, finishings, and construction
• Resourceful and takes proactive approach with strong problem-solving skills
• Strong time management skills to manage and meet deadlines
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• A true team player with strong interpersonal and managerial skills Highly organized and detail oriented
• High energy and ability to multi-task and balance high priority situations under pressure
• Strategic agility, possesses creative and innovative ways of thinking
• Flexibility to adapt to an evolving, fast-paced environment
• Highly proficient in MS Office and PLM
• Be able to develop effective working relationships with suppliers and internal departments

Responsibilities:

• Manages the full realization of the seasonal and capsule collections from design handover to bulk production on time
• Drive product development activities including the following: Product Development timeline milestone adherence, costing milestones and Design review meetings
• Creates and monitors all development T&A calendar and WIP with clear tasks and deadlines in coordination with Design, Production and Sales teams to ensure cross functional team deadlines are met
• Set up and manage development meetings, including Merch and Initial Costing meetings
• Create, monitor, and analyze Product Development budgets to meet financial goals
• Support and implements projects and initiatives aimed at improving margins
• Analyze key cost drivers and components of product make-up, providing guidance to the business
• Communicate all key Product Development dates and milestones to all vendors
• Responsible for material supplier onboarding
• Proactively manage potential issues/risks and related resolutions
• Set up and participate in all fabric meetings
• Source all new materials following design guidelines for approval
• Develop seasonal fabrics and exclusives with mills, accessories and embroidery suppliers
• Work closely with design to source options in fabrics, trim materials, and techniques that are on brand 
• Recommend design enhancements, construction and material options geared at elevating our brand within budgets
• Analyze and flag any issues with regards to material MOQ / material developments
• Approve sample allocation among factories
• Approve sample specs prior to launch
• Manage factories to ensure construction and fit adjustments are carried out
• Work with Production team to source new factories and mills for growth opportunities
• Oversee creation of seasonal line sheets, swatch books and fabric/trim library
• Work closely with Technical Designer to oversee all tech pack creation and tracking
• Manage all hand-off packages to sample rooms and factories
• Manage all communication with factories/sample makers through final and approved SMS
• Facilitate development fit meetings alongside Technical Designer
• Advise on all aspects of fit, sewing, finishing, and construction
• Oversees the consistency and integrity of development packages and prototype samples
• Support and initiates cross-category developments, communications, and initiatives
• Manage and communicates collection changes relating to Design updates, standards, and overall consistency of information
• Work with the Technical team to ensure pre-production tech packs are set up and ensuring all information is provided and correct and on time for hand off to Production
• Advise in PPS fit meetings with all cross-functional teams
• Oversee and manage Product Development team and interns to ensure each counterpart is performing to expectations and working towards clearly defined goals
• Facilitate hiring and growth of the Product Development team
• Manage and monitor new material and structure developments
• Regular interaction with CEO and Production teams with regards to new structures and materials
• Travel to factories, suppliers, and fairs, when required
• Provide technical and material information to Sales teams for all collections
• Availability to work weekends or nights around show
• Anticipate and drives issue resolution and manages up as necessary
• Travel as needed
• Any other tasks as requested

Skills and Experience Required:

• Min 5 years’ experience in a similar management role, within luxury RTW
• Extensive technical knowledge of garment fit, finishings, and construction
• Domestic and Overseas development experience required
• Highly proficient in MS Office and PLM
• Be able to develop effective working relationships with suppliers and internal departments
• Proactive with strong problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks, and ensure delivery of results within tight deadlines
• Excellence: accuracy and attention to detail, with an appreciation of color and imagery, and the ability to lead innovation
• Positive attitude and team player 
• In-office position