Product Development Manager (APPARELS)

Job Title: Product Development Manager

Department: Product Development / Design

Location: Head Office – Coimbatore

Reports to: Head of Design & Development

Role Summary

The Product Development Manager will oversee the end-to-end product development process. Support and manage the product development process from initial concept to pre-production for domestic and international apparel buyers. The role involves close coordination with the in-house design studio, merchandising, sourcing, and production teams to ensure timely sample development, cost alignment, and adherence to buyer quality standards.

This is a hands-on role focused on execution, coordination, and follow-through across the development cycle.

Key Responsibilities:-

Product Development & Design Support

• Coordinate product development activities from concept, sampling, and costing through pre-production handover
• Work closely with the in-house design team to execute buyer briefs and seasonal development requirements
• Support designers on fabric selection, construction feasibility, and basic costing considerations

Buyer & Merchandising Coordination

• Act as a development coordination point for domestic and international buyers
• Share sample updates, development status, and approvals with buyers and internal teams
• Manage buyer comments, revisions, and sample corrections in line with timelines

Fabric, Trim & Sampling Management

• Coordinate with sourcing teams for fabrics, trims, prints, embroideries, and washes
• Track fabric and trim approvals as per buyer standards
• Follow up on proto, design, and fit samples in coordination with garment technicians

Costing & Timeline Control

• Support merchandising teams in achieving target pricing
• Track development timelines and sampling calendars
• Assist in identifying cost or construction-related issues during development

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Liaise with production merchandising, sourcing, and production teams for smooth development-to-production transition
• Escalate potential risks or delays to seniors in a timely manner

Team & Process Support

• Support senior team members in documentation, sample tracking, and development reporting
• Follow established development processes and contribute to workflow improvements

Key Skills & Competencies:-

• Good understanding of apparel construction, fabrics, fit, prints, embroidery, and finishes
• Strong coordination and follow-up skills
• Basic commercial awareness of costing and timelines
• Good communication skills across internal teams and buyers
• Ability to manage multiple developments with attention to detail
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Qualifications & Experience:-

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Apparel Production or a related field
• 9+ years of experience in product development within a garment export house
• Familiarity with Tirupur based embroidery, printing, and washing units
• Exposure to domestic and international buyers (Europe / UK preferred)
• Proficiency in market research and experience in Research and Development (R&D).
• Excellent communication, organisational, and leadership skills.
• Proven ability to work in a high-paced, team-oriented environment with a focus on results.
• Experience working with in-house design teams is an advantage

Success Metrics:-

• On-time sample delivery with minimal rework
• Buyer satisfaction and repeat development orders
• Cost-effective, production-ready developments
• Smooth transition from development to bulk production

Compensation Range:-

• Salary: As per industry standards and candidate experience