Product Development Manager

RONNY KOBO; New York (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Ronny Kobo in New York seeks a Product Development Manager to oversee the end-to-end development of seasonal styles, from Design kickoff through SMS and production handoff.

You will manage fabric and trim sourcing, BOMs, calendars, and factory partnerships to ensure on-time delivery and margin-focused development across all product categories.

Responsibilities

• Own Product Development from Design approval and handoff through proto development, SMS and production handoff.
• Manage the development of all styles, ensuring samples accurately reflect approved Design direction.
• Serve as the primary point of communication with factories and vendors throughout the development process.
• Communicate Design revisions, material updates and development changes to factories and relevant internal teams.
• Monitor proto and SMS sample submissions to ensure on-time delivery and required quality standards.
• Identify development risks and proactively drive solutions to keep the seasonal calendar on track.
• Ensure all development information is complete and accurate prior to Production handoff.

Job description

We are a global brand best known for its standout prints, upscale versatility, and timeless silhouettes. While consistently mastering the delicate balance of trendy and timeless, the brand continues to display ingenuity and excellence season after season. A-list celebrities, top-notch influencers, and high-powered executives alike regularly rock Ronny Kobo & have integrated the brand into their glamorous wardrobes. The coveted collections are available in department stores and luxe boutiques worldwide. You are seeking a work atmosphere where people are encouraged to grow, learn, discover and, as important, laugh together. If you’re prepared to roll up your sleeves, work hard, create impact, and have fun while doing it, we would love to have you join our team!

Role Summary

The Product Development Manager owns the product development process from Design/Concept Kick Off -Development- through SMS and production handoff, ensuring that each style is developed accurately, on time and in alignment with the creative and commercial goals of the collection.

This role is responsible for fabric and trim sourcing and development, development WIP and calendars, sample management, BOMs, factory and vendor communication, and margin-focused development, serving as the key link between Design, Technical Design and Production throughout the development process.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development

• Own Product Development from Design approval and handoff through proto development, SMS and production handoff.
• Manage the development of all styles, ensuring samples accurately reflect approved Design direction.
• Serve as the primary point of communication with factories and vendors throughout the development process.
• Communicate Design revisions, material updates and development changes to factories and relevant internal teams.
• Monitor proto and SMS sample submissions to ensure on-time delivery and required quality standards.
• Identify development risks and proactively drive solutions to keep the seasonal calendar on track.
• Ensure all development information is complete and accurate prior to Production handoff.

Fabric & Trim Development

• Own seasonal fabric, trim, wash and material sourcing and development across all product categories.
• Research and identify new mills, vendors, materials, techniques and sourcing opportunities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with mills, factories and material vendors.
• Partner with Design to source materials that support the seasonal creative direction and product requirements.
• Identify innovative and cost-effective fabric and trim solutions while maintaining Design intent and quality.
• Manage fabric and trim development from initial sourcing through SMS approval.
• Track fabric and trim sample yardage, development orders, purchase orders and invoices.
• Monitor material lead times, MOQs and development costs and flag potential risks.

Development WIP & Calendar

• Own and maintain the seasonal Product Development WIP.
• Create and manage seasonal development calendars in alignment with the overall master calendar.
• Establish and communicate development deadlines with factories, mills and vendors.
• Track all development milestones, including materials, protos and SMS.
• Proactively identify delays and work cross-functionally to resolve issues.
• Allocate and prioritize development workflow to meet critical seasonal milestones.

BOMs & Development Information

• Own and maintain accurate development BOMs for all sampled styles.
• Ensure factories and vendors receive complete and updated development information.
• Partner with Design and Technical Design to ensure development information reflects approved style and material changes.
• Maintain accurate Product Development information within PLM through the development process.
• Ensure BOMs and development information are complete and accurate for Production handoff.

Cost & Margin-Focused Development

• Track developmental costing throughout the sampling process.
• Identify potential cost and margin challenges early in development.
• Research and recommend alternative materials, suppliers or development solutions when costs are challenged.
• Partner with Production on counter-sourcing opportunities while maintaining Design intent and quality.
• Evaluate development decisions with consideration for cost, MOQ, lead time and margin impact.
• Escalate costing and margin concerns to Production for final negotiation and resolution.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Design to translate creative direction into executable product.
• Partner with Technical Design on fit and construction requirements, with Technical Design owning fit, specifications and technical execution.
• Partner with Production on costing, commercialization and production readiness, with Production owning final costing negotiations, factory allocation, bulk approvals and production execution.
• Facilitate a clear and complete handoff from Product Development to Production following SMS approval.