Product Development Manager
New York, NY
We are hiring a Product Development Manager to oversee the end to end product development process for assigned categories in the apparel industry, from concept through production handoff. This role manages 1 to 2 direct reports and serves as a key liaison between Design, Technical Design, Sourcing, Sales, suppliers, and domestic and international manufacturing partners, with a focus on children's apparel, private label, and licensed brands.
Schedule
This position works in the office four days per week, with the option to work from home on Fridays.
Compensation
$80,000 to $100,000 per year, based on experience.
What You'll Do
This role manages the day to day product lifecycle for assigned categories, from fabric sourcing and style development through final bulk production handoff, while leading and supporting a team of 1 to 2 Product Development professionals through direction, prioritization, coaching, and oversight of daily development activities. The manager partners closely with Design to execute seasonal product and program objectives, ensuring products are developed, reviewed, and approved accurately and efficiently.
The role oversees domestic and overseas sample development, coordinating materials, vendors, sample rooms, and factories to meet development timelines and quality standards, and leads local sample development by sourcing fabrics and coordinating with printers, dye houses, trim suppliers, and the in house sewing room. It includes sourcing and procuring fabrics, trims, washes, embellishments, prints, and other raw materials, partnering with Technical Design to ensure specifications and patterns are accurate and on time, and maintaining seasonal sample trackers, WIP reports, and development calendars with real time status updates for Design, Sales, and cross functional partners.
This position also involves regular communication with overseas factories and sample rooms to monitor progress and resolve issues, managing color and material development by reviewing lab dips, strike offs, and print approvals, and coordinating internal sample reviews and presentations. The manager builds and maintains strong relationships with domestic and international suppliers, factories, service providers, and overseas offices, proactively identifying and addressing development risks, sourcing challenges, and production issues.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Product Development, Apparel Manufacturing, Textile Science, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience
5+ years of Product Development experience within the apparel industry
Experience working with both domestic sample rooms and overseas manufacturing partners
Strong understanding of product development from concept through production handoff
In depth knowledge of apparel construction, garment manufacturing, fabrics, trims, washes, embellishments, and print techniques
Experience sourcing fabrics, trims, and sample materials from domestic and international suppliers
Experience working directly with overseas factories and global vendors
Understanding of garment costing and sourcing strategies
Proficiency with PLM systems, Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
Strong written and verbal communication skills for collaborating across global teams
Preferred Qualifications
Experience developing products for children's apparel, private label, or licensed brands
Previous experience managing or mentoring direct reports
Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced, multi channel environment
Proactive approach with strong initiative and problem solving skills
Ability to build and maintain effective relationships across departments, vendors, suppliers, and international offices
Compensation and Benefits
$80,000 to $100,000 per year
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) plan
Paid time off
Hybrid schedule, four days in office with remote Fridays
To apply, please submit your resume for consideration.
