Product Development Manager

Product Development Manager — Apparel & Merchandise ProductionBring creative concepts to life through high-quality apparel and merchandise production. This role is ideal for someone who understands both the creative and commercial sides of product development—balancing design intent, cost targets, and production timelines to deliver standout products.You will support the creation of apparel and merchandise collections tied to campaigns, events, and consumer experiences, ensuring each product meets quality standards while aligning with brand and business goals.Role OverviewAs a Product Development Specialist, you will play a key role in the end-to-end development of apparel and accessory products. Working across design, sourcing, and production teams, you will help bring merchandise concepts from initial idea through to final production.This position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.Key ResponsibilitiesProduct Development ExecutionSupport the development of apparel and merchandise collections, ensuring products are executed according to design specifications and quality standards.Timeline & Project CoordinationManage and track production calendars, coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure milestones are met and projects stay on schedule.Costing & Vendor NegotiationAssist in product costing and collaborate with suppliers to achieve target price points while maintaining quality and margin objectives.Pre-Production OversightMonitor pre-production processes, ensuring accuracy in materials, samples, and specifications prior to bulk production.Supplier ManagementWork closely with manufacturing partners to maintain strong relationships, resolve issues, and ensure product consistency throughout the development lifecycle.Quality & ComplianceHelp ensure all products meet required standards for fit, construction, and overall product integrity.Cross-Functional CollaborationPartner with design, merchandising, and operations teams to align on product goals, timelines, and execution strategies.What You BringIndustry ExperienceSeveral years of experience in apparel production or product development across multiple product categories.Technical Product KnowledgeUnderstanding of garment construction, materials, and production processes across various apparel segments.Costing & Negotiation SkillsExperience working with vendors to manage costs and optimize product value.Organization & Time ManagementAbility to manage multiple projects, timelines, and priorities in a fast-paced environment.Communication & CollaborationStrong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across teams and with external partners.Attention to DetailHigh level of accuracy in tracking specifications, samples, and production details.QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Product Development, Textile Science, Fashion Design, or a related field is preferred.Experience working across diverse apparel categories such as menswear, youth, or children’s products is beneficial.Experience working for a Merchandise company-Exposure to merchandise production tied to entertainment, events, or branded campaigns is a plus.Why This Role MattersThis position plays a critical role in transforming creative ideas into tangible products that connect with audiences. Your ability to manage development processes, maintain quality, and meet cost targets will directly influence the success of merchandise programs.If you enjoy working at the intersection of creativity and production, this role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to impactful product launches in a dynamic environment.About WIT RecruitingWIT Recruiting provides services for contract staffing, permanent placement, dedicated recruitment (RPO), and customized recruiting events.Empowering Teams, Elevating TalentWIT Recruiting is a Women Impact Tech vertical dedicated to building high-performing teams across all industries and talent pools. As the recruiting arm of WIT, we leverage our proven expertise in recruiting to deliver exceptional talent solutions (without the limits of traditional pipelines).#WITRecruiting