Product Development Manager: Sportswear/Compression Wear

Product Development Manager: Sportswear/Compression Wear

The Product Development Manager plays a key role in transforming innovative product concepts into high-performance, market-ready products that align with the brand's vision of delivering technical apparel that enhances movement through science-led design, athlete validation, and purposeful execution. You will oversee the Garment Technician team, managing the full development lifecycle—from concept to commercialization—for your category and others, ensuring each product meets functional, aesthetic, cost, and timeline objectives. Additionally, you will support the VP of Product & Merchandise with special projects (e.g., Custom, Capsule programs) and process improvements.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development & Fit Management

- Lead product development timelines and critical milestones to ensure schedules are met without compromising quality or fit standards.
- Collaborate closely with the Design team from initial brief to final sign-off, providing technical expertise throughout development.
- Develop and maintain detailed tech packs, including size specifications, construction details, measurement charts, and Bill of Materials.
- Apply knowledge of garment construction, patternmaking, and grading to translate design into production-ready products.
- Manage fit model selection and facilitate fit sessions using prototypes or virtual samples, providing guidance on fit and design adjustments.
- Work with athletes and testers to conduct performance testing, gather feedback, and make iterative improvements.
- Maintain the block library and ensure consistency and standardization across product categories.
- Act as the technical liaison between internal teams and external vendors, ensuring clear communication of specifications and revisions.
- Support sourcing and design teams by ensuring raw materials and trims are tested and approved.
- Maintain documentation and version control throughout development stages.

Production Readiness, Quality & Performance

- Lead the technical handover to production, ensuring all assets are complete and accurate.
- Oversee final fittings and quality sign-offs, ensuring product consistency and fit.
- Partner with Quality Control to meet quality benchmarks and compliance before mass production.
- Conduct post-launch assessments to evaluate product performance and gather customer feedback for future improvements.

Lead Garment Technician Team & Process Development

- Mentor the team, sharing knowledge and expertise.
- Recommend and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce lead times.
- Support the VP with special projects, such as custom or capsule programs.

Qualifications

- 7+ years of experience in product development, preferably in performance apparel.
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- Proven experience managing complex development processes and cross-functional teams.
- Strong knowledge of garment construction, patternmaking, grading, and fit.
- Experience working with overseas factories and managing vendors.
- Proficiency in PLM, Adobe Illustrator, MS Office; 3D design experience is a plus.
- Understanding of biomechanics or performance testing is beneficial.
- Genuine interest in sport, culture, and brand building.

Importance of This Role

The Product Development Manager ensures the brand delivers top-quality sports performance products, impacting product quality, speed-to-market, and the customer experience.

Key Performance Indicators

- Timely delivery of development milestones.
- Achievement of cost targets while maintaining quality and performance.
- High first-time sample approval rate.
- Vendor performance and compliance metrics.
- Product performance and quality in-market, based on feedback and data.
- Accuracy of PLM data and team leadership effectiveness.

Reporting Line

Reports to: VP of Product & Merchandise

Key Stakeholders

Designers, Garment Technicians, Supply Chain & Sourcing, Fabric Manager

Contract/Full-time Hourly Rate: $55-60/hour plus super

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