Head of Product Development

Fourth Floor; New York (NY); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Fourth Floor in New York is seeking a Head of Product Development to oversee each collection from concept through production handoff, ensuring fabrics, trims and construction meet luxury standards. You'll lead development, sourcing, cost negotiations, and calendar management across design, technical and production teams for on-time samples and final approvals.

You will manage multiple styles and seasons with meticulous attention to detail, driving vendor negotiations and using PLM, Excel, and

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of experience in product development or sourcing within apparel and home, experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of fabrics, trims, and garment construction.
• Proven ability to manage multiple styles and seasons with precision and attention to detail.
• Experience in cost negotiation and vendor management.
• Proficiency in PLM systems, Excel, and Adobe Illustrator.

Responsibilities

• Manage the product development process from initial design through production handoff.
• Develop and source fabrics and trims reflecting brand aesthetic and quality standards.
• Lead cost negotiations with suppliers and vendors to achieve margin targets.
• Track and organize all sample stages and ensure adherence to the development calendar for on-time delivery.
• Track print strike offs, color lab dips, and fabric swatches to meet on-time sample deliveries.
• Create accurate BOMs in techpacks to ensure correct fabrics, trims, prints and embellishments.
• Collaborate with design, technical, and production teams to finalize specs and approvals.
• Maintain clear communication with vendors to resolve issues and ensure accurate execution.
• Support the transition from development to production with complete documentation and approvals.

Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Organization

Negotiation

Project management

Tools

PLM systems

Excel

Adobe Illustrator

Job description

Our client, a luxury apparel brand is seeking a Head of Product Development for their NYC office.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a Head of Product Development who will oversee the development of each collection, from concept through production handoff, ensuring materials, trims, and construction meet the brands high standards of excellence. You'll be part of a collaborative, creative team shaping a growing lifestyle brand with the opportunity to work with premium materials and thoughtful design.

What You Will Do:

• Manage the product development process from initial design through production handoff.
• Develop and source fabrics and trims that reflect brand aesthetic and quality standards.
• Lead cost negotiations with suppliers and vendors to achieve margin targets.
• Track and organize all sample stages and ensure adherence to the development calendar for on-time delivery.
• Track and organize all print strike offs, color lab dips, fabric swatches to meet on time sample deliveries.
• Create accurate BOMs in techpacks to ensure all proto samples and photos samples are made using the correct fabrics, trims, prints and embellishments.
• Collaborate with design, technical, and production teams to finalize specs and approvals.
• Maintain clear communication with vendors to resolve issues and ensure accurate execution.
• Support the transition from development to production with complete documentation and approvals.

What Experience you need:

• 7-10 years of experience in product development or sourcing within apparel and home; experience is preferred.
• Strong understanding of fabrics, trims, and garment construction.
• Proven ability to manage multiple styles and seasons with precision and attention to detail.
• Experience in cost negotiation and vendor management.
• Proficiency in PLM systems, Excel, and Adobe Illustrator.
• Excellent communication, organization, and follow-through skills.