Product Developer, Apparel Designer

Jobtailor; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 78,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in Malaysia is seeking a Product Development Lead to manage end-to-end development from concept to bulk production. You will translate sketches into technical specs, work with buyers, designers, merchandisers and suppliers, and prepare detailed tech packs and measurements.

Qualifications include 3–5 years in fashion product development, strong garment construction knowledge, and proficiency in Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop; Mandarin is a plus for coordinating with vendors.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Fashion Design, Fashion Technology, Apparel Production or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end product development from design to bulk production.

Skills

Product Development

Supplier Management

Project Management

Communication

Garment Construction

Fitting Sessions

Tech Pack Preparation

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Technical Drawing

English Proficiency

Mandarin Communication

Education

Diploma or Degree in Fashion Design

Fashion Technology

Apparel Production

Textile Design

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Tech Drawing Software

Job description

• Manage the end-to-end product development process, from design concept and sampling to bulk production.
• Translate design concepts, sketches and mood boards into clear technical specifications for suppliers.
• Work closely with Buyers, Designers, Merchandisers and suppliers to develop commercially viable products.
• Prepare and maintain product development documents, including tech packs, measurement specifications, material details and sample comments.
• Source and recommend suitable fabrics, trims, colours and construction methods based on design direction, quality and cost targets.
• Review samples for design accuracy, fit, workmanship, measurements and overall product quality.
• Conduct fitting sessions and communicate clear technical amendments to suppliers.
• Monitor sample submissions, approvals and production timelines to ensure critical deadlines are met.
• Liaise directly with local and overseas suppliers, including Mandarin-speaking vendors, on product development and production matters.
• Identify potential production, quality or delivery risks and resolve issues promptly.
• Negotiate development costs and propose value-engineering solutions without compromising the intended design.
• Maintain product records, sample tracking and supplier performance updates.
• Support seasonal range development and ensure products meet the brand’s positioning, customer needs and commercial objectives.

Requirements

• Diploma or degree in Fashion Design, Fashion Technology, Apparel Production, Textile Design or a related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in fashion product development, garment design, apparel production or a similar role.
• Strong understanding of garment construction, fit, measurements, fabric properties, trims and production processes.
• A design background with the ability to interpret sketches, identify construction issues and recommend practical improvements.
• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; knowledge of technical drawing or garment specification software is an advantage.
• Experience preparing tech packs, conducting fittings and managing sample development.
• Strong project-management skills with the ability to manage multiple styles and deadlines.
• Commercial awareness, including product costing, margin considerations and value engineering.
• Good communication and supplier-management skills.
• Proficiency in English is required.
• Ability to communicate in Mandarin is an advantage, particularly when coordinating with Mandarin-speaking suppliers.
• Detail-oriented, proactive and capable of resolving product and production issues independently.

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in managing the product development process from design to production, with strong skills in garment construction, tech pack preparation, and supplier management. Proficient in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, with a focus on commercial awareness and effective communication in both English and Mandarin.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Product Development Management
• Tech Pack Preparation
• Garment Construction Knowledge
• Supplier Management
• Project Management Skills

Hard Skills

• Garment Design
• Apparel Production
• Fabric Sourcing
• Technical Specifications
• Fitting Sessions
• Measurement Specifications
• Value Engineering
• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe Photoshop
• Technical Drawing

Soft Skills

• Detail-Oriented
• Proactive Problem Solving
• Good Communication

Certifications & Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Fashion Design
• Fashion Technology
• Apparel Production
• Textile Design

Industry Keywords

• Product Development
• Garment Construction
• Sample Development
• Supplier Performance
• Production Processes
• Fashion Industry
• Commercial Objectives