Product Development Manager

Leading Activewear Brand is seeking a Product Development Manager to join their team!

W2 Contract: 40 hours/week

Location: El Segundo, CA

Employment Type: Freelance/Contract

Hybrid Work Schedule- 3 days in office

The Product Development Manager is a technical leader and hands-on contributor in the apparel product creation process. This role partners closely with Design, Fabric R&D, Production, Technical Design, Sourcing, and vendors to translate design concepts into manufacturable, high-quality, margin-conscious product. You will manage seasonal development from concept through handoff, ensuring prototypes, BOMs, and key milestones are delivered accurately and on time while coaching junior team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Translate design intent into executable prototypes, providing clear guidance on construction, materials, trims, and finishes.
• Approve construction methods and work with vendors to identify feasible, cost-appropriate solutions.
• Evaluate and recommend material or construction alternatives to support margin goals without sacrificing quality.
• Review samples for accuracy, craftsmanship, fit alignment, and adherence to specifications.
• Use PLM and related tools to maintain accurate BOMs, version control, and development data integrity.
• Troubleshoot development issues and partner with Technical Design on construction and fit challenges.
• Own the seasonal development calendar for assigned categories, ensuring all cross-functional milestones are met.
• Track and enforce development KPIs (e.g., on-time proto delivery, BOM accuracy, approval cycle timing).
• Support cost engineering and should-cost alignment with Sourcing; track cost changes and material commitments.
• Anticipate and respond to supply chain disruptions with proactive solution options.
• Manage day-to-day vendor communication, timelines, expectations, and accountability to deadlines.
• Collaborate closely with Design, Sourcing, Tech Design, Planning, and Merchandising to ensure alignment and timely execution.
• Communicate technical information clearly and document key development decisions.
• Coach and review work of junior developers, ensuring process consistency and technical rigor.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of product development or product creation experience in apparel or closely related fields.
• Deep knowledge of materials, trims, garment construction, and manufacturing processes.
• Proven experience turning design concepts into executable, production-ready product.
• Strong PLM skills with a track record of maintaining accurate BOMs and development data.
• Experience with cost engineering and identifying feasible construction or material alternatives.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Experience coaching junior team members and reviewing work for accuracy and completeness.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage large projects or full seasonal development cycles.

Apply today for consideration!