Manager, Product Development- Gap Licensing

About Us

Centric Brands is a leading lifestyle brand collective that designs, sources, markets and sells high-quality products in multiple segments, including women’s, men’s and kid’s apparel, accessories, entertainment and beauty. We are focused on our customers and our brands that drive the company’s future growth. Innovation defines us as we seize new opportunities and thrive in an environment informed by creativity and analytical thinking. Centric Brands reflects a team built on respect, for others and for the hard work it takes to achieve our goals and build our bright future together.

About the Role

From sourcing raw materials to manufacturing, order placement, pricing, quality control and getting the finished product where it needs to be, our production/product development team ensures we maintain high standards and profitability at every step. If you are a focused, results-driven, tenacious and highly flexible team player, we offer opportunities to build a rewarding career with one of the world’s foremost major lifestyle brand collectives.

Responsibilities

• Strategy & Innovation
  • Facilitate development of seasonal product strategies for baby and kids sets by collaborating with Design, Sales, and Production teams to define trends, color palettes, concepts, styles and cost structures.
  • Interface with design team to ensure styling, fabric, print/color and all design expectations are conveyed to overseas offices for development, sourcing and sampling.
  • Follow and enforce production standards across all categories and vendors as they pertain to preproduction and production.
  • Collaborate with the Director of Product Development to ensure alignment with the overall brand vision and cohesiveness across product categories.
  • Partner with suppliers to identify cost-effective solutions and alternative methods, fabrics, treatments, etc., to achieve desired look within cost parameters and delivery dates.
• Operations & Results
  • Oversee the Product Development calendar/WIP report to ensure efficient project management and timely approvals to maintain delivery across multiple channels, balancing expense management and margin targets.
  • Align aesthetic/design expectations within pricing structure, factory capability and delivery dates as needed.
  • Communicate daily with overseas offices to clarify style details, address quality concerns, provide submit comments and manage overall production development.
  • Partner with Production to proactively identify potential quality concerns or timing issues within vendor and supplier matrix as new orders are placed.
  • Act as a key participant in product review meetings, including edits, pre-costing, customs requirements, and addressing any quality or technical concerns.
  • Review all PrePro samples with Design team for quality, overall aesthetic and artwork.
  • Lead the creation and management of internal fabric library and maintain fabric binder for licensor.
• Customers & Relationships
  • Maintain clear and timely communication with internal team, suppliers, vendors, and licensors, fostering strong relationships across all parties involved.
  • Collaborate with Production and Tech teams to identify new supplier opportunities and maintain strong working relationships with existing partners.
  • Manage sending of PrePro and TOP samples to customers and corporate licensor.
  • Attend weekly meetings with licensor to review artwork treatments, fabric qualities and factory samples.
• Leadership & Team Management
  • Contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment, managing team dynamics and providing leadership where necessary to drive results.
  • Mentor and manage Product Development Associate to foster continuous growth, identify priorities and ensure high levels of engagement and performance.
  • Participate in weekly Tech Pack priority, WIP and team meetings.

Requirements

• In-depth knowledge of wholesale apparel merchandising, global supply chain operations and manufacturing processes.
• Strong entrepreneurial mindset balanced with sound judgment and a proven ability to lead and inspire teams.
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills, with a strong ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Highly detail-oriented with a blend of creativity and a keen sense of merchandising to meet customer needs and market trends.
• Expertise in garment construction, fabric sourcing, and production techniques.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Fashion, Merchandising).
• 5-7 years of experience in apparel merchandising, private label buying, or product development, with a proven track record in managing product categories.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office; Illustrator and PLM knowledge a plus.
• Flexibility and willingness to tackle special projects and be hands-on as needed.

Benefits

• Industry-competitive salary and comprehensive benefits plan (medical, dental, vision).
• Matching 401(k).
• Summer Fridays and generous PTO.
• Merchandise discounts.
• Excellent career development opportunities.
• Social impact program (Centric Cares) focused on volunteerism in communities we live and work in.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives through workshops, resources, and inspiring conversations.

Pay

Salary Range: $90,000–$100,000. The stated base salary range represents our good faith estimate as to what candidates are likely to expect. Offers are tailored within this range based on the selected candidate’s educational and professional experience, industry knowledge, location, technical and communication skills, and other relevant factors. Base salary is part of a total compensation package, which may also include commission earnings, annual bonus, and other Centric Brands-sponsored benefit programs.