Product Development Manager

About the role

Product Development Manager

Responsibilities

• Lead the seasonal product development process, collaborating with cross-functional teams across Design, Merchandising, and Production to create and execute innovative product lines.
• Drive strategic direction, operational execution, and product innovation, ensuring alignment with business goals while enhancing the overall product offering.
• Develop balanced product assortments by combining key items, fashion-forward styles, and essential basics, ensuring alignment with strategic brand objectives.
• Implement comprehensive costing and pricing frameworks to maximize consumer value, working closely with Planning to incorporate best sellers and trend-driven assortments from previous seasons.
• Execute strategic product plans as outlined by the VP of Product Development, ensuring brand consistency and market relevance across all categories.
• Identify and capitalize on new product opportunities, leveraging competitive market intelligence and trend analysis to drive product innovation.
• Collaborate with the Director of Product Development to ensure alignment with the overall brand vision and cohesiveness across product categories.
• Oversee the Product Development calendar to ensure efficient project management and timely delivery of products across multiple channels, balancing sales growth, expense management, and margin targets.
• Partner with Production to identify and secure new vendors and suppliers, ensuring a diverse and reliable supply chain that meets quality and cost requirements.
• Advise the Director and VP of Product Development on vendor allocations, managing risk and ensuring high-quality production standards.
• Act as a key participant in product review meetings, including edits, board reviews, pre-costing, and post-season reviews, tracking legal compliance and customs requirements, and addressing any quality or technical concerns.
• Lead the creation and management of Product Profile Sheets, ensuring proper tracking of prototypes, sales samples, and fit processes in collaboration with Design and Production.
• Maintain clear and timely communication with internal and external stakeholders, including customers, 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.
• Monitor and assess market trends and competitor strategies to ensure product offerings remain competitive and aligned with customer needs.
• Contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment, managing team dynamics and providing leadership where necessary to drive results.
• Mentor, develop, and retain top talent within the team, fostering growth and ensuring high levels of engagement and performance.

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of wholesale apparel merchandising, global supply chain operations, manufacturing processes, and mass-market distribution strategies.
• 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.
• Hightly 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, with advanced skills in SAP preferred.

Benefits

Industry-competitive salary, comprehensive benefits plan (medical, dental, vision), matching 401(k), Summer Fridays, generous PTO, merchandise discounts, career development opportunities, and a work environment that reflects our industry leadership.

Social Impact

Centric Cares focuses on volunteerism to make a difference in communities we live and work in, and our D&I committee is shaping the future of diversity, equity and inclusion at Centric Brands through workshops, resources, and inspiring conversation.