Product Development Manager

Pivot Apparel; New York (NY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A thriving apparel incubator in New York is looking for a Product Development Manager to oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of products, from design to final vendor approvals. This role requires someone with 5-7 years of experience in product development, strong proficiency in PLM software, and the ability to maintain high-quality standards. The ideal candidate should be highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment. This position requires in-person presence in New York City.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in product development or production, preferably in fast-fashion.
• Must be based in the NYC area and comfortable with in-person work.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for seasonal samples.
• Prepare and track submissions for final approval.
• Act as the communication point for external vendors.
• Maintain an organized PLM system.
• Own and update the Product Development Report.
• Approve care labels and monitor fabric quality.
• Partner with Sales for customer satisfaction.

Skills

Proficiency in PLM software

Advanced Microsoft Excel skills

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills

Highly organized

Proactive self-starter attitude

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising or Product Development

Job description

Pivot Apparel is a New York-based apparel incubator offering a comprehensive range of services to help apparel businesses thrive. We provide manufacturing, warehousing, fabric sourcing, design support, financing, and access to a global network of factories. Committed to fostering growth, we tailor strategies to help our partners succeed in various channels and opportunities. Our fast-paced and results-driven approach ensures the delivery of exceptional solutions.

Role Description

Pivot Apparel NY is seeking a dynamic and highly organized Product Development Manager to serve as a cornerstone of our Product Development and Production pipeline. This role is essential in bridging the gap between design vision and final execution. You will be responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle of our products—managing everything from initial lab dips to final vendor approvals for our key accounts.

The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver who thrives in the fast-paced energy of the NYC fashion industry and possesses the "eagle eye" detail required to maintain high-quality standards under tight deadlines.

Key Responsibilities:

• Product Development & Workflow: Collaborate daily with cross-functional teams to ensure seasonal samples are executed accurately and delivered on time.
• Submission Management: Prepare, coordinate, and track all submissions (lab dips, strike-offs, and bulk samples). Ensure every detail aligns with design specifications before submitting to retailers for final approval.
• Vendor Relations: Act as the primary point of communication for external vendor partners. Distribute feedback on submissions and manage the negotiation and finalization of product costs.
• PLM & Data Management: Maintain a meticulously organized PLM system. Manage incoming development samples, cost logs, and seasonal development trackers.
• PDR Tracking: Own the Product Development Report (PDR). Keep the Tracker Chart updated in real-time to provide total visibility on production progress.
• Quality Control: Review and approve care labels for brand and legal compliance. Monitor sourced fabric quality to ensure all materials meet Pivot Apparel’s standards.
• Sales Support: Partner closely with the Sales department to facilitate "chase orders" and navigate high-pressure deadlines to ensure 100% customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising, Product Development, or a related field.
• Location: Must be based in the NYC area and comfortable with a consistent in-person work environment.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in PLM software (e.g., Centric, Bamboo Rose) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience: 5-7 years of experience in product development or production, preferably within a fast-fashion or high-volume wholesale environment.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; ability to give clear, constructive feedback to overseas partners.
• Attributes: Highly organized, proactive "self-starter" attitude, and the ability to multitask in a high-pressure environment.