Senior Manager, Apparel Product Development Job at Aquent (Los Angeles)

Job Description

Aquent is partnering with a global leader in the consumer goods industry, renowned for shaping the future of performance and lifestyle products. This organization is driven by innovation and a commitment to excellence, delivering high-quality, groundbreaking designs that resonate with a worldwide audience. As a key contributor in this dynamic environment, you will manage and inspire a team of product development experts, directly influencing the creation and commercialization of next-generation apparel. Your leadership will be pivotal in bringing visionary concepts to life, ensuring superior quality, optimal cost, and timely delivery, ultimately impacting the market with products that set new industry standards.

Job Responsibility

Manage and mentor a team of product developers, fostering a high-performance, positive team environment through effective delegation, objective setting, performance assessments, motivation, and training
Lead the creation and commercialization of assigned products, ensuring adherence to development calendars, costing targets, and quality standards
Actively partner with marketing and design teams to align on business unit goals and objectives
Drive proactive communication across development and cross-functional teams to ensure seamless product development processes
Research and introduce new technologies and materials, presenting potential development options to design and marketing
Oversee the costing process, striving for optimal cost efficiency throughout the entire product creation lifecycle
Communicate seasonal product initiatives, process changes, and long-term category vision to internal and external stakeholders
Take ownership of “Buy Ready” performance by collaborating closely with marketing, design, materials development, pattern, logistics, and sourcing teams
Contribute to the development of specific styles in alignment with development leadership
Facilitate information flow to marketing, design, and suppliers to ensure efficient creation of outstanding products
Align target prices with product designs through predictive costing, reviewing, validating, and approving costing information and negotiating with suppliers as needed
Manage the smooth handover of designs to suppliers, ensuring all necessary information is complete and incorporating supplier feedback to enhance quality or cost without compromising aesthetics
Ensure timely and accurate data entry by suppliers regarding product data and costing at key calendar milestones
Evaluate all prototypes for compliance, manage fit approval and size specifications, and approve colors, accessories, and materials
Guarantee that all materials, accessories, and prototypes are thoroughly tested and meet established quality and safety standards
Review size sets for measurement accuracy, merchantability across the size range, logo placement, and fit
Sign off on sealing samples with complete product documentation prior to “Buy Ready” dates, ensuring full conformity to published policies for final legal product documentation
Research market and supply chain innovations in garment construction, pattern/fit, embellishment, and trims, working cross-functionally with internal teams and suppliers to integrate them into product creation

Requirements

A four-year college or university degree with a focus on clothing technology and/or manufacturing
Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive work experience within the garment or textile industry
Demonstrated first-hand experience in managing and motivating a team
In-depth knowledge of production garment construction and manufacturing processes
Advanced knowledge of material construction and related testing methodologies
Advanced knowledge of wear and physical product testing
Advanced knowledge of costing principles and proven negotiation skills
Proficiency in fitting garments and providing clear, actionable feedback to suppliers
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to facilitate discussions in small and large groups
Ability to create, plan, and effectively deliver presentations in formal and informal settings
Proven ability to anticipate problems and develop effective solutions through to resolution
Adaptability to change, comfort with decision-making, and ability to navigate risk and uncertainty
Fluent in English (written and spoken)
Strong IT skills, including proficiency in MS Office, and experience working with Product Data Management Systems
Willingness to travel, both domestically and internationally, as required by business needs

What we offer

subsidized health, vision, and dental plans
paid sick leave
retirement plans with a match

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Senior Manager, Apparel Product Development

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