Senior Product Development Manager | Apparel | Sportswear | Activewear
About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Product Development Manager to join a growing apparel business.
This newly created role is ideal for a Product Development Manager, Senior Product Developer, Product Development Lead or Apparel Development Manager looking to take ownership of the product development process whilst supporting the growth of a high-performing Product Development team.
Reporting to the Head of Product & Sourcing, you will lead end-to-end product development across apparel categories, working closely with Design, Sourcing, Technical, Commercial and Supply Chain teams to bring products from concept through to production.
This role offers a unique blend of hands-on product development, supplier management, team leadership and strategic involvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the end-to-end apparel product development process.
- Lead garment development from concept through to production.
- Collaborate with Design, Technical, Sourcing and Commercial teams.
- Drive fit sessions, garment construction reviews and product approvals.
- Develop fabrics, trims and materials with suppliers.
- Manage supplier relationships and factory communication.
- Oversee critical path management and seasonal timelines.
- Ensure product quality, fit, performance and cost targets are achieved.
- Support sourcing initiatives and supplier development projects.
- Mentor and develop junior Product Development team members.
- Identify process improvements and contribute to the growth of the Product Development function.
Skills & Experience
- 7+ years’ experience in Product Development, Apparel Development or Technical Product Development.
- Experience within sportswear, activewear, performance apparel, athleisure, fashion apparel or lifestyle brands.
- Strong knowledge of garment construction, fit, fabrics and manufacturing.
- Experience managing offshore suppliers and development partners.
- Strong understanding of critical path management and product lifecycle processes.
- Experience working closely with sourcing, production and commercial teams.
- Previous team leadership, mentoring or management experience desirable.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
Ideal Background
We would be particularly interested in candidates with experience as:
- Senior Product Developer
- Product Development Manager
- Apparel Product Developer
- Product Development Lead
- Apparel Development Manager
- Technical Product Development Manager
- Sportswear Product Developer
- Activewear Product Developer
- Garment Technologist with Product Development responsibility
- Product Development & Sourcing Manager
Why Apply?
- Excellent salary and career development
- Leadership opportunity.
- Opportunity to help build and shape the Product Development function.
- Exposure to Product Development, Sourcing and Product Creation.
- Career progression opportunities.
- Collaborative and entrepreneurial environment.
- Ability to make a visible impact within a growing business.
If you are passionate about product creation, apparel development, sourcing and bringing innovative products to market, we would love to hear from you.
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