Associate Manager, Product Development - Women's Apparel

About the role

We're seeking an Associate Manager, Product Development to join our dynamic team. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on ownership and accountability, enjoys a fast-paced, data-driven environment, and is passionate about sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive the full apparel product development process, ensuring milestones are met across Product Development, Technical Design, and Production.
• Track and proactively manage all development-related deliverables, including BOM accuracy, sample tracking, and approvals, to ensure styles are on schedule.
• Ensure vendor scorecard KPIs (lead time, on-time development, and quality) are consistently met by holding vendors accountable and escalating issues as needed.
• Lead exception management with vendors, analyzing root causes of delays and implementing solutions instead of merely reporting late timelines.
• Have a strong understanding of product cost structure and cost levers to support effective vendor negotiations, ensuring target margins and calendar timelines are met.
• Manage cost sheets and ensure all pricing is updated accurately and on time, with justification for any cost increases or variances.
• Partner with vendors to resolve costing and lead time challenges, ensuring strategic alignment between business needs and vendor capabilities.
• Maintain real-time, accurate updates in all tracking systems (ERP, BOMs, WIPs) with full transparency for cross-functional partners.
• Drive proactive and concise communication across teams (Design, Merchandising, Materials, Technical Design, Purchasing, Production) to ensure seamless execution.
• Anticipate risks, clearly articulate challenges, and provide well-thought-out solutions when presenting updates to leadership.
• Hold all teams accountable for deliverables by ensuring there is always clear next-step ownership, reducing unnecessary delays.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of all company systems and SOPs, adhering to structured processes without deviation.
• Ensure all BOMs are correctly maintained in the shared system, with no missing data, inconsistencies, or offline tracking that could create gaps for cross-functional teams.
• Attend daily fittings, capturing clear and actionable notes while following up without delay to ensure feedback is executed accurately.
• Partner with the Production team weekly to confirm styles are production-ready and aligned with the factory’s capabilities.
• Take ownership of all sample-related logistics, including tracking ETAs and ensuring samples are ready for fittings and approvals.
• Plan, prioritize, and manage workload effectively, ensuring all deadlines are met without requiring excessive oversight.
• Understand and work towards department financial goals, including top-line revenue and inventory objectives.
• Exhibit a high level of ownership, following instructions precisely and ensuring tasks are completed the first time without repeated reminders.
• Proactively surface opportunities for process improvement, vendor performance enhancement, and cost optimization.
• Support new vendor sourcing and onboarding to strengthen the supply base and improve cost and lead time efficiencies.
• Take initiative in contributing to department objectives beyond day-to-day execution, supporting leadership in driving strategic initiatives.
• Actively participate in business-critical meetings, demonstrating preparedness and contributing solutions rather than observations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in product development, preferably in the fashion industry.
• Strong understanding of product lifecycle management, cost analysis, and vendor negotiation.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with cross-functional teams and vendors.
• Experience with ERP systems and BOM management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of sustainable fashion practices and industry trends.

Benefits

• Employer-sponsored private medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Competitive paid time off policies including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.
• Retirement planning support with the option to invest in Environmental Social Governance-aligned funds.
• Access to fertility care support through Carrot, and up to a $5,000 USD reimbursement for related fertility expenses after 1 year of employment.
• Opportunities for growth and professional development.
• Collaboration with a global team and participation in community efforts.

Pay

The anticipated base salary range for this role is $80,000 - 90,000 + 5% bonus eligibility, depending on a variety of factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, skills, qualifications, and internal compensation equity.

Schedule

This role is 5 days per week, Monday through Friday, On-Site at Vernon office.