Apparel Product Developer - Private Label

Position Summary

The Product Manager leads end-to-end private label apparel production, overseeing sourcing strategy, product development, costing, testing and compliance, and bulk production execution. This role is responsible for building a scalable, compliant, and cost-effective supply chain while ensuring product quality, margin targets, and calendar adherence.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development, Production & Execution

• Lead product development from concept through bulk production for all private label apparel categories.
• Partner cross-functionally with Design, Merchandising, QA, and Planning to align product strategy with business goals.
• Oversee and execute seasonal development and production calendars while ensuring milestone adherence.
• Oversee innovation in fabrics, construction, and finishing techniques while balancing cost efficiency and quality standards.

Sourcing & Vendor Management

• Develop and execute global sourcing strategy aligned with product integrity, margin, capacity, and risk mitigation goals.
• Identify, onboard, and manage vendors across multiple regions.
• Negotiate pricing, MOQs, lead times, and incoterms.
• Build strong factory partnerships with clear performance metrics (quality, delivery, cost and compliance).

Costing & Margin Management

• Own product costing process from initial development through final bulk cost.
• Ensure costing accuracy and transparency (fabric, trim, labor, duty, tariffs and freight).
• Partner with Sales and Merchandising to achieve margin and IMU targets.
• Lead cost engineering initiatives (fabric optimization, construction efficiencies, freight strategies).
• Analyze cost drivers and recommend sourcing or design alternatives when needed.

Testing Protocols, QA & Compliance

• Establish and maintain testing protocols for all apparel categories (fabric, trims, garment performance).
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and customer requirements.
• Partner with vendors, labs and internal teams to manage testing schedules and approvals.
• Drive root cause analysis for quality failures and late delivery.
• Implement continuous improvement processes for efficiency at factory level.

Production Management

• Oversee bulk production planning and execution to ensure on-time delivery.
• Monitor WIP, capacity planning, and factory performance.
• Manage risk related to delays, material shortages, and quality issues.
• Lead production escalation and resolution for at-risk programs.

Leadership & Team Development

• Build and lead a high-performing team across production and development.
• Define clear roles and performance expectations.
• Mentor and develop talent for long-term organizational growth.
• Foster collaboration between PD and Production Teams with cross-functional partners.

Process Improvement & Systems

• Drive standardization of development, costing, and production processes.
• Implement and optimize PLM and production tracking systems.
• Oversee SOPs for testing, approvals, and vendor onboarding.
• Lead initiatives to improve speed-to-market and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of apparel Product Development or Production experience in apparel wholesale, retail or related industries.
• Strong understanding of the product development process from concept through production.
• Experience with Centric PLM, BOM management and product data maintenance.