Product Development Manager (Apparel/garment)

Key Responsibilities

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.