Product Development Manager (Apparel/Garment)

1. Collaborate with Sale and Merchandising Team

• Participate in meetings to understand customer expectations, product scope, and delivery timelines.
• Ensure alignment between technical feasibility and customer requirements during initial planning stages.

2. Review and Analyze Tech Packs

• Receive and evaluate Tech Packs from the Sale team.
• Ensure accurate interpretation of product specifications, materials, construction details, and intended functionality.

3. Assess Technical Feasibility and Risk Management

• Analyze technical aspects of new product developments, identifying potential risks in design, materials, or construction.
• Propose proactive solutions to mitigate risks while maintaining design integrity and production efficiency.

4. Recommend Construction Methods and Sewing Techniques

• Suggest suitable construction methods, stitch types, and production techniques tailored to each garment type.
• Balance cost-efficiency, manufacturability, and customer design requirements.

5. Provide Technical Guidance During Sample and Bulk Production

• Supervise and troubleshoot technical issues during sample development and bulk production.
• Work closely with the sample room and production teams to ensure product consistency and technical accuracy.

6. Ensure Quality Standards and Best Practice Implementation

• Maintain high standards of product quality, fit, and performance through rigorous checks and standardization.
• Implement best practices in product development processes, documentation, and team collaboration.

7. Track Industry Trends and Drive Innovation

• Stay up-to-date with fabric innovations, garment technology, and market trends.
• Represent the company at trade shows, supplier visits, and development forums to gather insights and inspire product ideas.

8. Maintain Accurate Development Documentation

• Ensure comprehensive recordkeeping, including technical specifications, fitting notes, testing results, and milestone tracking.
• Support internal teams and customers with timely technical updates and documentation.

9. Lead and Develop the Product Development Team

• Manage the daily activities of the product development team.
• Provide coaching, conduct performance evaluations, and organize training to build technical competencies.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Garment Technology, Textile Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in apparel product development or technical management.
• Strong English proficiency (minimum equivalent to Level C certification).

Industry & Market Knowledge:

• In-depth knowledge of textile raw materials, fabric behavior, and garment construction techniques.
• Strong understanding of domestic and international apparel manufacturing standards and processes.
• Familiarity with market trends, innovation in garment technology, and customer expectations in different global regions.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Proven experience in leading product development processes from concept to production.
• Strong communication and cross-functional coordination skills to align with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to plan, prioritize, and execute multiple development projects.
• Solid problem-solving and risk management capabilities in technical and production contexts.
• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Ability to coach, lead, and build a technically competent and high-performing team.
• Strong adaptability and resilience in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.
• Skilled in cost evaluation, risk assessment, and providing technically feasible solutions.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required for development, production, and customer meetings.

Personal Attributes:

• Confident, accountable, and driven by integrity.
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and solutions-focused.
• Open-minded and quick to adapt to market or production challenges.
• Able to motivate, inspire, and influence both internal teams and external partners.