Apparel Product Development Lead

Shade Of The Vine Pty; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Vine Apparel is seeking a Product Development Manager to lead the development of apparel from concepts to production at our Cromer head office. You will translate design intent into precise technical specifications, manage samples and fit, coordinate with suppliers, and ensure fit, quality, cost, and manufacturability targets are met.

You will work closely with Planning to ensure commercial viability and on-time delivery, while maintaining strong supplier relationships and strict adherence to

Qualifications

• Strong garment construction and manufacturing knowledge.
• Advanced understanding of fit, grading, and size standards.
• Experience creating and managing tech packs and specs.
• Knowledge of fabrics, trims, garment finishing, and production processes.
• Sample management and critical path coordination skills.
• Supplier and factory communication and relationship management.
• Costing and commercial awareness, balancing quality and margins.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed tech packs and specification sheets communicating requirements to suppliers and manufacturers.
• Review fabric, trim, colour, and approve submissions to ensure alignment with design intent, quality standards, and commercial requirements.
• Act as main contact for supplier development communication, providing technical guidance and managing timelines.
• Collaborate with Planning to ensure products are viable, manufacturable, and delivered on schedule.
• Coordinate sample reviews and provide feedback to suppliers within required timelines.
• Maintain an accurate sample tracking register for visibility and actions.
• Ensure sample room is organised and ready for fittings, range reviews, and stakeholder presentations.
• Coordinate fit sessions and document detailed fit comments and technical feedback.
• Conduct measurement checks to ensure compliance with specs and fit standards.
• Evaluate garment construction and workmanship with improvement recommendations.
• Manage product development timelines and track approvals across samples, materials, and specs.

Skills

Garment construction knowledge

Fit & grading expertise

Tech packs & specs

Supplier communication

Critical path coordination

Job description

Vine Apparel is seeking a Product Development Manager to lead the development of apparel from concepts to production at our Cromer head office. You will translate design intent into precise technical specifications, manage samples and fit, coordinate with suppliers, and ensure fit, quality, cost, and manufacturability targets are met.

You will work closely with Planning to ensure commercial viability and on-time delivery, while maintaining strong supplier relationships and strict adherence to