Senior Product Development Manager

Senior Product Development Manager | Apparel | Sportswear | Activewear

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Product Development Manager to join a growing apparel business.

This newly created role is ideal for a Product Development Manager, Senior Product Developer, Product Development Lead or Apparel Development Manager looking to take ownership of the product development process whilst supporting the growth of a high-performing Product Development team.

Reporting to the Head of Product & Sourcing, you will lead end-to-end product development across apparel categories, working closely with Design, Sourcing, Technical, Commercial and Supply Chain teams to bring products from concept through to production.

This role offers a unique blend of hands-on product development, supplier management, team leadership and strategic involvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end apparel product development process.
• Lead garment development from concept through to production.
• Collaborate with Design, Technical, Sourcing and Commercial teams.
• Drive fit sessions, garment construction reviews and product approvals.
• Develop fabrics, trims and materials with suppliers.
• Manage supplier relationships and factory communication.
• Oversee critical path management and seasonal timelines.
• Ensure product quality, fit, performance and cost targets are achieved.
• Support sourcing initiatives and supplier development projects.
• Mentor and develop junior Product Development team members.
• Identify process improvements and contribute to the growth of the Product Development function.

Skills & Experience

• 7+ years' experience in Product Development, Apparel Development or Technical Product Development.
• Experience within sportswear, activewear, performance apparel, athleisure, fashion apparel or lifestyle brands.
• Strong knowledge of garment construction, fit, fabrics and manufacturing.
• Experience managing offshore suppliers and development partners.
• Strong understanding of critical path management and product lifecycle processes.
• Experience working closely with sourcing, production and commercial teams.
• Previous team leadership, mentoring or management experience desirable.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

Ideal Background

We would be particularly interested in candidates with experience as:

• Senior Product Developer
• Product Development Manager
• Apparel Product Developer
• Product Development Lead
• Apparel Development Manager
• Technical Product Development Manager
• Sportswear Product Developer
• Activewear Product Developer
• Garment Technologist with Product Development responsibility
• Product Development & Sourcing Manager

Why Apply?

• Excellent salary and career development
• Leadership opportunity.
• Opportunity to help build and shape the Product Development function.
• Exposure to Product Development, Sourcing and Product Creation.
• Career progression opportunities.
• Collaborative and entrepreneurial environment.
• Ability to make a visible impact within a growing business.

If you are passionate about product creation, apparel development, sourcing and bringing innovative products to market, we would love to hear from you.