About the Role:We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Product Development Manager to lead the seasonal product development lifecycle from concept through pre-production. This role serves as the operational backbone of the product creation process, ensuring cross-functional alignment, vendor execution, and on-time delivery of seasonal mainline and collaboration drops.
The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, high-growth DTC environment and brings strong project management rigor, vendor communication expertise, and a deep understanding of apparel or soft goods development processes.
Key Responsibilities:Seasonal Development Ownership- Manage the end-to-end product development process for seasonal mainline and collaboration drops from initial concept through pre-production.
- Build and maintain seasonal product development calendars, ensuring milestone adherence across all categories.
Track deliverables across proto, color sampling, photo shoot sampling, PR sampling, and pre-production stages to mitigate timeline risk.Cross-Functional Partnership- Partner closely with Design, Sourcing, and Merchandising to align on product strategy, costing targets, and launch timing.
- Ensure design intent is executed within margin parameters and sourcing capabilities.
Facilitate cross-functional meetings and provide clear status updates on development progress.Vendor Management & Communication- Serve as the primary point of contact with vendors during proto development, color sampling, and pre-production phases.
- Partner with Tech Design to consolidate and communicate fit comments, construction updates, and material approvals.
- Proactively identify and resolve development challenges related to timing, quality, or costing.
Technical Documentation & Process Management- Partner with Design to initiate and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs), tech packs, and product specification documents.
- Ensure documentation accuracy and version control throughout the development lifecycle.
- Support the establishment and maintenance of quality control (QC) processes and standards.
- Track and approve lab dips, strike-offs, and material submissions in partnership with Design and Sourcing.
Operational Excellence- Monitor margin targets, sampling costs, and development expenses, as appropriate.
- Identify process improvements to streamline development workflows in a scaling organization.
- Maintain meticulous records and documentation to support scalable growth.
Qualifications:- 4+ years of experience in product development at a fast-growing DTC apparel or home goods brand, at the Associate Manager or Manager level.
- Strong understanding of garment construction, sampling workflows, and vendor product development and production processes.
- Experience managing development calendars and seasonal timelines.
- Demonstrated ability to manage BOMs, tech packs, and QC documentation with precision.
- Exceptional organizational skills and acute attention to detail.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to manage overseas vendor relationships.
- Proficiency in Excel proficiency required. Experience in PLM systems a plus.
- Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Product Development, or related field preferred.
What We Offer:- Competitive salary
- Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, vision, PTO)
- 401K with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- An opportunity to make a direct impact on a high-growth, design-forward brand
- A collaborative, passionate, and purpose-driven team
