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.