Head of Product Development and Materials

Aldo Group International AG; Kreis Stabio; Vor Ort; CHF 120.000 - 150.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

On-site gym

50% discount on all VF brands

Complimentary hot drinks

Zusammenfassung

An international apparel company is seeking a Head of Product Development and Materials in Stabio, Switzerland. This role involves overseeing product development, collaborating with design and sourcing teams, and driving innovation in product strategies. The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in product development within apparel, strong project management skills, and knowledge of sourcing and manufacturing processes. Join a diverse team and contribute to a leading brand in the industry.

Qualifikationen

• Extended experience in Product Development in a medium or large-sized apparel company.
• Strong knowledge of product development processes including design, costing, manufacturing, and sourcing.
• Ability to develop and manage multiple timelines and deadlines.

Aufgaben

• Oversee the apparel development organization and ensure alignment with brand direction.
• Inspire and lead the team to drive success in product development.
• Develop product category strategies aligned with business objectives.

Kenntnisse

Product Development experience

Knowledge of sourcing and manufacturing

Project planning and management

Tools

Product Data Management systems (e.g., Enovia)

Jobbeschreibung

Job title

Head of Product Development and Materials (Job Number: R-20260325-0013)

Department

Product & Supply Chain

Location

Stabio, Switzerland

Your Role

Napapijri is looking for an exceptional Head of Product Development and Materials to join our Product team based in Stabio, Switzerland.

For over 30 years, Napapijri has pioneered the future of fashion. From our Italian beginnings, innovating outdoor apparel in the shadow of Monte Bianco, to tackling nature’s most challenging environments on polar expeditions, our desire to lead the way is what makes us who we are.

Let's Talk about the Role

You will oversee the apparel development organization, ensuring that seasonal brand direction, business priorities, sourcing capabilities, and quality standards are fully aligned. This position requires both strategic vision and hands‑on execution, guiding the product creation calendar to consistently deliver against design intent, quality, margin, and timeline expectations.

You will inspire and lead your team, providing coaching and guidance to drive departmental and brand success. As Director of Product Development and Materials, you will collaborate closely with leaders in Design, Merchandising, Sourcing, and Innovation to maximize efficiency in calendar adherence, margin performance, product quality, and delivery outcomes.

Beyond execution, you will play a pivotal role in shaping business growth by developing product category strategies across seasons and channels, aligned with brand objectives, sourcing capabilities, and quality standards. Partnering with key stakeholders, you will identify opportunities to expand commercial growth through a comprehensive and balanced product offering.

How You Will Make a Difference

• Drive product category strategies by season and channel, aligned with business objectives and growth targets.


• Build, lead, and manage Product Development and Material strategies, ensuring effective implementation across teams and vendors.


• Define and manage the operating budget for the department, balancing innovation with cost efficiency.


• Partner with leaders in Design, Merchandising, Sourcing, Innovation, Operations, and Commercial functions to maximize efficiency, margin, quality, and delivery rates.


• Implement and monitor product development programs, including raw material commercialization, fit, calendar, and color adherence.


• Lead brand product innovation through continuous research into new materials, technologies, and product functionalities.


• Drive the creative cycle by providing trend guidelines to Design, Material, and Merchandising teams.


• Ensure accuracy and integrity of product specifications throughout the development process.


• Understand and analyze global market trends, shifts, drivers, and downturns to inform product strategies.


• Provide insights and feedback to Product, Merchandising, Sales, and Marketing teams to continuously improve product plans and go‑to‑market tools.


• Leverage the brand DNA of style and sustainability to meet relevant consumer trends and expectations.


• Ensure team compliance with seasonal timeline milestones, recommending and sharing calendar adjustments as needed.


• Manage the seasonal product workflow in alignment with GTM timelines.


• Collaborate with sourcing teams on vendor allocation, pricing challenges, and production issues to optimize outcomes.


• Deliver targets in gross margin, efficiency, effectiveness, and cost savings during development and GTM stages.


• Lead, coach, and develop Product Development and Materials teams (10+ members), fostering collaboration and high performance.


• Unlock and build digital product creation processes.


• Champion a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Skills for Success

• Extended and solid experience in Product Development in a medium or large sized apparel company.


• Strong knowledge of product development processes including design, costing, manufacturing and sourcing, preferably with Asian based production and cut/sewn category.


• Strong project planning and management skills, ability to develop and manage multiple timelines and deadlines.


• Experience with Product Data Management systems (e.g., Enovia) preferred.


• Creates a strong, collaborative and supportive work culture where people can achieve objectives and fulfil their job expectations.

What’s in it For You

• A supportive feedback-based culture where respect and integrity guide us in what we do.


• An inclusive international environment where people of diverse backgrounds, lifestyles and nationalities love working together.


• Be part of an iconic lifestyle brand in a multi‑brand, multi‑country organization.


• On‑site gym offering health and well‑being initiatives.


• A discount card with 50% on all VF brands.


• Breakout areas offering complimentary hot drinks.

Free to Be, Inclusion & Diversity

As a purpose‑led, performance‑driven company, we foster a culture of belonging based on respect, openness, connection, and authenticity. We celebrate diversity and support equal opportunities for all associates and applicants.

R-20260325-0013