The Product Development Manager will lead the development of Men’s and Women’s Apparel, partnering closely with design, technical, and production teams to deliver on calendar milestones. This role blends project management with technical expertise to ensure G/FORE products meet the highest standards of quality and innovation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Serve as the liaison between design and production teams.
• Communicate with mills and factories to ensure accurate sample execution and timely delivery.
• Manage vendor relationships to align with brand goals.
• Attend weekly fittings for Women’s development and provide timeline visibility.
• Oversee style creation and maintenance for Women’s apparel.
• Share updates from key milestone meetings with cross-functional teams.
• Participate in Proto Review and SMS Review meetings with stakeholders.
• Request material profile sheets, spec sheets, and testing documentation.
• Oversee material color development and approve bulk colors and materials.
• Coordinate with trim vendors for new developments; track sampling fees and maintain digital library.
• Request salesman samples, photo shoot samples, and wear test samples.
• Manage day-to-day activities of the Product Development Assistant.
• Travel as needed to overseas partners.

COMPETENCIES:

• Exceptional time management and ability to balance multiple priorities.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Clear, professional communication with internal teams and external vendors.
• Solid understanding of product lifecycle and calendar management.

DESIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• 7+ years in product development, preferably in apparel.
• Self-starter with ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong background in textiles and apparel.
• Proficiency in Excel and Outlook; Adobe Illustrator experience preferred.
• Experience managing direct reports.
• PLM experience is a plus.