Development Manager

Role OverviewWe are in need of a seasoned Product Development/Production Manager to supervise the product development and production process from initial idea to final production. This position will act as a vital connection between Design, Technical Design, vendors, factories, Production, and internal management to ensure products are developed and produced on time, at the approved quality level, and within established cost targets.ResponsibilitiesOversee the product development process from initial design handoff through prototype, SMS, and production.Monitor and track TPs, BOMs, measurements, construction details, fabrics, trims, and development requirements.Collaborate with Design to guarantee product information is complete and accurate before development.Manage protos and SMS development, including sample status, comments, revisions, approvals, and deadlines.Coordinate fit sessions with Design and ensure feedback is relayed to factories within established timelines.Ensure production BOMs are finalized only after necessary approvals are complete.Maintain accurate product information in WFX , Momentis, and other internal systems.Costing & Vendor ManagementCollaborate closely with vendors and factories to obtain development and production costing.Review FOB/DDP costing, fabric consumption, labor, trims, minimums, duties, tariffs, and other applicable costs.Ensure vendors provide quotes based on approved production specifications and quantities.Negotiate costs and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising design or quality.Manage vendor negotiations on MOQ, pricing, lead times, development charges, and production requirements.Support sourcing decisions based on capability, quality, pricing, capacity, and delivery requirements.Production ManagementManage the transition from development to production and finalize all production requirements before booking.Track production orders from placement through shipment.Monitor production calendars, approvals, fabric/trim readiness, cutting, sewing, finishing, inspections, and shipment.Identify potential production delays and communicate risks and corrective actions.Collaborate with Production and Logistics to ensure on-time shipping.Resolve production issues related to quality, workmanship, quantity, delivery, and cost.Ensure factories adhere to approved samples, TPs, BOMs, and quality standards.CommunicationAct as the main contact between Design, PD, Technical Design, Production, vendors, and factories.Lead regular status updates and communicate key risks to management.Establish clear priorities and follow up on outstanding actions across teams.Ensure teams work from the latest approved information.Escalate issues requiring management approval, including cost changes, delays, quality concerns, and vendor issues.Systems & ReportingMaintain accurate product and production information in WFX/PLM and Momentis.Track development and production status against seasonal calendars.Prepare and maintain development, costing, production, and delivery reports.Document approved costing and production information for teams.Monitor key milestones and provide regular reporting to management.Requirements5+ years of experience in fashion product development, production, or product management.Understanding of women's contemporary fashion market and product lifecycle.Experience with overseas factories and vendors.Knowledge of apparel construction, fabrics, trims, costing, and manufacturing processes.Costing and negotiation skills.Experience with PLM systems; WFX or Momentis experience preferred.Advanced Excel skills and organizational abilities.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Ability to manage multiple brands, categories, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.Preferred CandidateThe preferred candidate is hands-on, commercially minded, organized, and proactive, able to navigate between technical aspects and business requirements effortlessly.Competencies: Product Development • Production • Costing • Vendor Management • Sourcing • PLM • Apparel Manufacturing • Negotiation • Calendar Management • Quality Control • Cross-Functional Leadership.