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Job Description
We are seeking an enthusiastic and self-motivated R&D Product Manager to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for the development of clothing prototypes including Ready-to-Wear (RTW) and Accessories. Reporting directly to the Supply & Production Director, you will collaborate closely with designers, ensuring efficient production of prototypes and samples, and preparing documentation for mass production.
Responsibilities (Planning)
- Develop and manage product calendars for the category, identifying and resolving conflicts to meet deadlines.
- Communicate product calendar deadlines to Design, Workroom Manager, and vendors.
- Continuously follow up with vendors to monitor progress.
- Report development progress to production and design teams, maintaining a style tracker.
Responsibilities (Development)
- Conduct final proofing of specifications before submission to factories, ensuring accuracy in technical drawings, patterns, and bill of materials (BOM).
- Collaborate with the design & technical team to review photo and salesman samples before fittings.
- Troubleshoot issues as they arise during the development process.
- Maintain meticulous BOMs in PLM.
- Provide BOMs and TP to Pattern Maker, ensuring accurate yields in PLM.
- Manage collection costings and report findings to the team during range reviews.
- Oversee range review line sheets.
- Commercialise designs before production handoff.
- Manage vendor invoices.
- Support style development with the Workroom Manager before runway or photoshoots.
Responsibilities (Production Handoff)
- Ensure line sheets are accurate and complete before market.
- Prepare and deliver all samples, pressed and in pristine condition, to the commercial team before market.
- Lead line reviews and promptly update and report any cancellations or additions.
- Execute production handoff by working with the allocated vendors to launch all PPS.
- Track and update yields.
Other Responsibilities
- Support the design team in translating ideas into products.
- Initiate, monitor, and oversee the product development process.
- Demonstrate excellent organizational and project management skills.
- Participate in Proto, SMS, and PPS fittings.
- Plan, coordinate, and execute projects from insights gathering to the brief stage, through design, development, costing, and commercialization.
- Collaborate closely with other members of the development and production teams to ensure on-time delivery of sales samples and production confirmation.
- Participate in meetings to improve project workflows and guide the design and sampling teams, ensuring cost, quality, and brand objectives are met.
- Work with manufacturers and suppliers on current development projects, which may involve travel to our production offices in Italy, Portugal, or other destinations.
- Review prototypes/samples and provide feedback to manufacturers in collaboration with the production team.
- Manage technical development of assigned styles from design concept to production-ready hand-off, ensuring fit and technical engineering meet or exceed expectations.
- Manage technical product data sheets.
Qualification
- Previous experience in apparel R&D product management and development.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of the fashion industry, including garment construction, fabrics, and manufacturing processes.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills.
- Ability to plan, coordinate, and execute multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, designers, and vendors.
- Attention to detail and accuracy in reviewing specifications and samples.
- Proficiency in using software/tools such as PLM for managing BOMs.
- Willingness to travel to production offices and potentially other destinations.
Location: Remote.
For More Information: RTW PRODUCT MANAGER
