Manager, Design Operations (Product Development + Sourcing)

Goldentouchgroup; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A fashion company in New York is seeking a highly organized Manager of Design Operations to oversee the product lifecycle from concept to production. This role includes partnering with design teams, managing project timelines, and implementing process improvements. Ideal candidates have 5–8+ years of experience in design operations or related fields and possess strong communication skills. The position offers a hybrid work schedule of 4 days in the office and 1 day from home, with an annual salary range of $75,000 to $100,000.

Qualifications

• 5–8+ years of experience in Design Operations, Product Development, Sourcing, or a related function within fashion.
• Proven ability to manage timelines and cross‑functional projects in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence partners.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize the end-to-end product lifecycle from concept to production.
• Act as a central point of communication across teams.
• Implement process improvements to streamline workflows.

Skills

Design Operations

Product Development

Sourcing

Project Management

Communication

Tools

PLM systems

Excel

Job description

We are seeking a highly organized and strategic Manager of Design Operations to support our growing design team. This role sits at the intersection of Design, Product Development (PD), and Sourcing, ensuring seamless execution from concept through production. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, process-driven, and experienced in managing cross-functional workflows within a fast-paced fashion environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize the end-to-end product lifecycle, from initial concept through final production, ensuring alignment across Design, PD, and Sourcing
• Partner closely with Design to translate creative vision into actionable development plans, timelines, and deliverables
• Manage product development calendars, milestone tracking, and key deliverables to ensure on-time execution
• Act as a central point of communication between Design, Product Development, Merchandising, and Sourcing teams
• Collaborate with sourcing partners and vendors to support material development, costing, and production feasibility
• Track and manage sample development, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with design intent and quality standards
• Support costing initiatives by partnering with PD and Sourcing to balance margin targets with design goals
• Identify and implement process improvements to streamline workflows, increase efficiency, and reduce development timelines
• Maintain and improve systems, tools, and documentation related to product lifecycle management (PLM), tech packs, and development tracking
• Ensure data integrity and consistency across all development documentation and systems
• Monitor workload across teams and help prioritize resources to meet business needs

Requirements

• 5–8+ years of experience in Design Operations, Product Development, Sourcing, or a related function within fashion, accessories, or consumer goods
• Strong understanding of the product lifecycle, including design, development, sourcing, and production processes
• Proven ability to manage timelines, calendars, and cross‑functional projects in a fast‑paced environment
• Experience working with overseas factories and vendors, with knowledge of sourcing and production workflows
• Proficiency in PLM systems, Excel, and development tracking tools
• Exceptional organizational skills with strong attention to detail
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence cross‑functional partners
• Ability to balance creative priorities with business and operational needs

Hybrid Work Schedule

4 days a week in the office, 1 day work from home

New York Pay Rate $75,000.00 - $100,000.00

We strive to hire and nurture amazing talent. Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to experience, specialized skills, and internal alignment.

Diversity Vision Statement

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the differences among all of our associates, customers, suppliers, and the communities in which we live and conduct business. We are an equal employment opportunity for minorities, females, protected veterans, and the disabled.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and treating our associates and applicants without discrimination based on their race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected factor.