Product Design & Development Manager (8:30 AM - 5:00 PM)
The Authentic T-Shirt Company® /SanMar Canada
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
The Authentic T-Shirt Company/SanMar Canada in Vancouver, Canada, seeks a Product Design & Development Manager to lead sourcing and design of garments that sell profitably. You will manage design, costing, timelines and quality assurance for factories and products.
You will drive supplier relationships, negotiate for margins, and ensure compliance and timely delivery while collaborating with cross-functional teams across international partners.
Qualifications
- 10+ years of global sourcing/quality assurance experience.
- Established relationships and contacts with international factories.
- Experience in sourcing and onboarding new factories.
- Experience with or education in apparel fit, construction and textiles.
- Ability to visually inspect products during and after production to ensure quality.
- Experience managing the development of raw materials and finished goods.
- Experience in handling knit/woven apparel.
- Experience establishing relationships with suppliers.
- Knowledge of manufacturing, product engineering, trade regulations and production timelines.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with VP of Sourcing and development team to place products considering pricing, capacity, compliance and quality.
- Search out and onboard new direct suppliers.
- Manage direct relationships with suppliers in all regions.
- Oversee all phases of product development to meet supplier guidelines.
- Prepare accurate Tech Packs for each style.
- Negotiate pricing to meet margin goals.
- Monitor compliance regulations and production schedules.
- Address supplier challenges as they arise.
Skills
Tools
Job description
At The Authentic T-Shirt Company®/SanMar Canada, we’re more than just a leading distributor of high-quality apparel; we’re a company that people love to be a part of. As Canada’s leading wholesale distributor in the imprintable apparel industry, we’ve built a reputation for excellence, and it all starts with our people.
When you join us, you’re not just clocking in. You’re becoming part of a vibrant, supportive team that celebrates creativity, encourages growth, and values every voice at the table.
We’re currently looking for an energetic, driven, outgoing Product Design & Development Manager tojoin our incredible team in Vancouver, Canada.
Here’s a peek at what makes working here so awesome:
- Total Wellness: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, plus paid sick days and vacation time to recharge and reset.
- Beyond the Basics: Flex statutory holidays, employer RRSP matching, and sweet staff discounts on products you’ll actually want.
- Room to Grow: Ongoing training, real career development, and a clear path to where you want to go.
- Culture That Cares: Inclusive, collaborative, and full of heart. Your ideas matter, and your contributions count.
- People-First Vibes: From our distribution centres to our showrooms, you’ll work with passionate, friendly folks who genuinely care.
- Perks, Perks, Perks: And trust us, there’s even more where that came from.
Come see what makes SanMar Canada different, and discover what’s possible when you’re part of something authentic.
Why You’ll Love Being Part of Our Team
At The Authentic T-Shirt Company®/SanMar Canada, we’re more than just a leading distributor of high-quality apparel; we’re a company that people love to be a part of. As Canada’s leading wholesale distributor in the imprintable apparel industry, we’ve built a reputation for excellence, and it all starts with our people.
When you join us, you’re not just clocking in. You’re becoming part of a vibrant, supportive team that celebrates creativity, encourages growth, and values every voice at the table.
We’re currently looking for an energetic, driven, outgoing Product Design & Development Manager tojoin our incredible team in Vancouver, Canada.
Here’s a peek at what makes working here so awesome:
- Total Wellness: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, plus paid sick days and vacation time to recharge and reset.
- Beyond the Basics: Flex statutory holidays, employer RRSP matching, and sweet staff discounts on products you’ll actually want.
- Room to Grow: Ongoing training, real career development, and a clear path to where you want to go.
- Culture That Cares: Inclusive, collaborative, and full of heart. Your ideas matter, and your contributions count.
- People-First Vibes: From our distribution centres to our showrooms, you’ll work with passionate, friendly folks who genuinely care.
- Perks, Perks, Perks: And trust us, there’s even more where that came from.
Come see what makes SanMar Canada different, and discover what’s possible when you’re part of something authentic.
Reporting to the Vice President of Sourcing and Financial Services, the Product Design & Development Manager contributes to the bottom-line profitability by leading the sourcing and design of high-quality garments which will sell profitably. Product Design & Development Manager will directly manage design, costing, production timelines and quality assurance for new and current factories.
- 10+ years of global sourcing/quality assurance experience
- Established relationships and contacts with international factories
- Experience in sourcing and onboarding new factories
- Experience with or education in apparel fit, construction and textiles a must
- Ability to visually inspect products during and after production to ensure quality
- Experience managing the development of raw materials and finished goods
- Experience in handling knit/woven apparel
- Experience establishing credible relationships with suppliers
- Knowledge of manufacturing and product engineering, trade regulations, testing protocol, product integrity, production timeline, calendar management, fabric construction and manufacturing
- Proven results in obtaining cost reductions in the manufacturing/supplier channel
- Monitor on-time delivery of development prototypes
- Strong written communication skills
- Strong analytical and leadership skills
- Must be organized and dependable
- Strong adherence to confidentiality
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy of data
- Have the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and written
- Strong Microsoft Office skills including Word and Excel
- Understand the need to meet deadlines and able to work well under pressure
- Maintain a valid passport
- 40 hours per week, with occasional overtime
- Extensive international travel required
- Collaborate with Vice President of Sourcing and Financial Services, development team and overseas team members to ensure the best placement of new products considering pricing, production capacity, compliance, and quality
- Search out and onboard new direct suppliers.
- Manage direct relationships with suppliers in all regions
- Responsible for all phases of product development and ensuring all components meet standards as set in the supplier guidelines
- Compose/amend accurate Tech Packs for each style
- Responsible for negotiating pricing to comply with margin goals
- Be aware of changing compliance regulations and be forward-thinking
- Negotiate challenges with suppliers as they arise
- Work in cooperation and communicate effectively with all levels of the staff
- Handle any confrontational matters in a professional manner
- Support and respond to SanMar Canada's customers’ needs and requests promptly
- Work effectively and efficiently with little supervision
- Keep co-workers informed of activities that have implications for their department
- Openly communicate any successes, concerns, or problems related to the job
- Adhere to current and future company policies and standards to ensure a safe working environment
- Responsible for ensuring all policies are adhered to and must communicate any breach of policy to Human Resources or Senior Management
Join an AMAZING team, and enjoy SanMar Canada's perks!
The Authentic T-Shirt Company/SanMar Canada is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in the selection process.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted
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