Product Development Manager - Apparel (Sports Management/Operations)
The primary responsibilities of the Product Development Manager (Apparel) is to oversee the technical specification process and the apparel development teams to assure the on-time development, engineering, and accurate data publication for all apparel. The PDM acts as developer/manager and is responsible for helping the team take products from a 2D design to a 3D commercialized product and in some cases taking on development themselves. The PDM is ultimately responsible for all aspects of leading the Product Development team in the product development process.
Coordination of the product development process is performed by:
Meeting calendar deadlines to ensure that products are delivered on time.
Maintain gross profit goals by working with teams to plan and control item costs.
Meeting design, function and quality goals as outlined in the brief and design package.
Essential Job Functions:
Product Development
Responsibility and ownership of the product creation process from design hand off to size run ready for assigned products, with an emphasis on quality product development and timely completion of all tasks in accordance with the operating calendar.
Complete management, creation and revision responsibilities of specifications for assigned styles as needed.
Attend and monitor fit of prototypes as needed for quality, execution, construction and fit and provide information to factories in order to make necessary changes clear and organized.
Use of discretion and judgment when making decisions during the product management process from inception through completion.
Working with patternmaker and sample sewers for rapid prototyping
Use of Adobe Illustrator and PLM system to update and maintains specifications
Establish and maintain strong working relationships with Product Line Managers, Designers, Materials/Sourcing team, Quality Control and Operations in order to ensure product success
Team Management
Acting as a leader, mentor and visionary for the product development team.
Prepares and maintains seasonal project list and routine status reporting. Manages, plans and tracks the development schedule of all products to ensure a timely completion following the predetermined product development calendar.
Management of the corporate calendar and timeline process and ensuring that the product team is meeting the required deadlines with accuracy and efficiency
Management of all direct reports and administrative responsibilities relating to direct reports
Creating a strategy for the product development team and leading them through the execution of the strategy
Process and Innovation
Researches market and industry and problem solves to bring innovative products and product trends to fruition
Constant evaluation and evolution of the product development process through education of employees and process change.
Responsible for compliance adherence with CPSIA, FTC, Prop 65 and other global compliance needs.
Regular cooperation with the product line managers to deliver product that meets all goals for our various categories
Regular meetings with Director of Sourcing and Product as well as other leaders within the organization to identify and strategize on areas needing continued improvement.
Financial Responsibilities
Ensure that new projects are engineered in accordance with cost targets and secure viable FOB cost
Input on budget and track and maintain adherence to set financial plans
Minimum Job Qualifications
Bachelors Degree required.
Mastery of design and development process from inception through production
Ability to provide leadership, supervision and direction to peers in apparel development
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including meeting facilitation and process implementation
Demonstration of a high level of organization in the product development process
Minimum 7 years development experience in product development
Demonstrated experience in managing product gross margin and operating expenses.
Strong written, verbal and quantitative skills.
Working knowledge of personal computers with experience in the use of such programs as Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Illustrator and Database experience like MS access preferred
Ability & willingness to undertake travel globally.
Perform these and other duties as assigned. This is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities.
