Senior Manager, Apparel Product Development

Aquent is partnering with a global leader in the consumer goods industry, renowned for shaping the future of performance and lifestyle products. This organization is driven by innovation and a commitment to excellence, delivering high-quality, groundbreaking designs that resonate with a worldwide audience. As a key contributor in this dynamic environment, you will manage and inspire a team of product development experts, directly influencing the creation and commercialization of next-generation apparel. Your leadership will be pivotal in bringing visionary concepts to life, ensuring superior quality, optimal cost, and timely delivery, ultimately impacting the market with products that set new industry standards.

**About the Role**

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to step into a leadership role within product development. This is an exceptional opportunity to steer the strategic direction of apparel creation, working at the intersection of design, marketing, and manufacturing. You will be instrumental in fostering product integrity, driving innovation, and optimizing processes to deliver exceptional products that captivate consumers globally. If you thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced setting and are passionate about developing cutting-edge apparel, this role offers the platform to make a significant and tangible impact.

**What You'll Do**

* Manage and mentor a team of product developers, fostering a high-performance, positive team environment through effective delegation, objective setting, performance assessments, motivation, and training.

* Lead the creation and commercialization of assigned products, ensuring adherence to development calendars, costing targets, and quality standards.

* Actively partner with marketing and design teams to align on business unit goals and objectives.

* Drive proactive communication across development and cross-functional teams to ensure seamless product development processes.

* Research and introduce new technologies and materials, presenting potential development options to design and marketing.

* Oversee the costing process, striving for optimal cost efficiency throughout the entire product creation lifecycle.

* Communicate seasonal product initiatives, process changes, and long-term category vision to internal and external stakeholders.

* Take ownership of "Buy Ready" performance by collaborating closely with marketing, design, materials development, pattern, logistics, and sourcing teams.

* Contribute to the development of specific styles in alignment with development leadership.

* Facilitate information flow to marketing, design, and suppliers to ensure efficient creation of outstanding products.

* Align target prices with product designs through predictive costing, reviewing, validating, and approving costing information and negotiating with suppliers as needed.

* Manage the smooth handover of designs to suppliers, ensuring all necessary information is complete and incorporating supplier feedback to enhance quality or cost without compromising aesthetics.

* Ensure timely and accurate data entry by suppliers regarding product data and costing at key calendar milestones.

* Evaluate all prototypes for compliance, manage fit approval and size specifications, and approve colors, accessories, and materials.

* Guarantee that all materials, accessories, and prototypes are thoroughly tested and meet established quality and safety standards.

* Review size sets for measurement accuracy, merchantability across the size range, logo placement, and fit.

* Sign off on sealing samples with complete product documentation prior to "Buy Ready" dates, ensuring full conformity to published policies for final legal product documentation.

* Research market and supply chain innovations in garment construction, pattern/fit, embellishment, and trims, working cross-functionally with internal teams and suppliers to integrate them into product creation.

**What You'll Bring**

* A four-year college or university degree with a focus on clothing technology and/or manufacturing.

* Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive work experience within the garment or textile industry.

* Demonstrated first-hand experience in managing and motivating a team.

* In-depth knowledge of production garment construction and manufacturing processes.

* Advanced knowledge of material construction and related testing methodologies.

* Advanced knowledge of wear and physical product testing.

* Advanced knowledge of costing principles and proven negotiation skills.

* Proficiency in fitting garments and providing clear, actionable feedback to suppliers.

* Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to facilitate discussions in small and large groups.

* Ability to create, plan, and effectively deliver presentations in formal and informal settings.

* Proven ability to anticipate problems and develop effective solutions through to resolution.

* Adaptability to change, comfort with decision-making, and ability to navigate risk and uncertainty.

* Fluent in English (written and spoken).

* Strong IT skills, including proficiency in MS Office, and experience working with Product Data Management Systems.

* Willingness to travel, both domestically and internationally, as required by business needs.

**About Aquent Talent:**

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. More information on our awesome benefits!

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.