Product Development Manager - Sweaters

Li & Fung; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

PTO

Company holidays

Job summary

Li & Fung in New York is seeking a detail-oriented Sweater R&D and Product Development Manager to lead knitwear concept development from ideation through production.

You will work with design, sourcing, and overseas factories to ensure quality, cost, and timelines while applying your hands-on knowledge of yarns, gauges, stitches, and knit construction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Textiles, or related field.
• 2–5 years of sweater/knitwear development or R&D experience.
• Solid understanding of yarns, gauges, stitches, and knit construction.
• Exposure to costing and margin considerations.
• Experience with overseas factories preferred.
• Strong organizational and follow-up skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Research & Development: Support new yarns, stitches, and knit constructions aligned with seasonal direction.
• Product Development: Support sweater development from concept through production approval; prepare development packages; review proto submissions; track samples and timelines.
• Vendor & Cross-Functional Collaboration: Communicate with overseas vendors; align with design, merchandising, and technical teams; escalate risks.
• Fit & Quality Support: Participate in fittings and sample reviews; ensure construction and workmanship meet standards.

Skills

Knitwear development

Project management

Vendor coordination

Communication

Team collaboration

Costing & margins

PLM

Adobe Illustrator

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Textiles, or related field

Tools

PLM

Adobe Illustrator

Job description

## Product Development Manager - SweatersApplylocations: New Yorktime type: Full timeposted on: Posted 2 Days Agojob requisition id: V98194## **Are you a movement maker? Are you seeking new and exciting career opportunities?**## **Here is what you need to know about the job:**We are seeking a detail-oriented and technically strong Sweater R&D and Product Development Specialist to support the development of innovative and commercially viable knitwear. This role works closely with design, sourcing, and vendors to bring sweater concepts to life while ensuring quality, cost, and timeline goals are met. The ideal candidate has hands-on knowledge of yarns, stitches, and sweater construction, along with experience supporting development from concept through production.**Key Responsibilities****Research & Development*** Support research and development of new yarns, stitches, and knit constructions aligned with seasonal direction.* Assist in evaluating knit techniques, finishes, and fabrications for feasibility and cost.* Maintain yarn and stitch libraries for ongoing reference.**Product Development*** Support sweater development from concept through production approval.* Help prepare development packages including yarn specs, stitch layouts, and construction details.* Review proto and sample submissions, providing clear comments to vendors.* Track development samples and follow up with vendors on timelines.* Help ensure product meets cost and quality targets.* Assist in troubleshooting construction or development challenges.**Vendor & Cross-Functional Collaboration*** Communicate regularly with overseas vendors on sample development.* Partner with design, merchandising, and technical teams to align on development needs.* Escalate development risks or delays when needed.**Fit & Quality Support*** Participate in fittings and sample reviews.* Help ensure construction and workmanship meet standards.**Skills & Qualifications*** Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Textiles, or related field.* 2–5 years of experience in sweater/knitwear development or R&D.* Solid understanding of yarns, gauges, stitches, and knit construction.* Exposure to costing and margin considerations.* Experience working with overseas factories preferred.* Strong organizational and follow-up skills.* Ability to manage multiple deadlines.* PLM experience and Adobe Illustrator proficiency are a plus.* Strong communication and teamwork skills.**Compensation/Benefits:*** The approximate annual base salary range for this position is $90,000.00 - $105,000.00. The offered salary or salary range for this position will vary based on role requirements, skill set and years of experience.* Our Company offers a comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, company holidays.**Important Notice — Fraudulent Communications**It has come to our attention that there are people posing as representatives of Li & Fung who may offer false opportunities, including fake employment offers and other fraudulent requests through email or other messages. Please beware of such fraudulent communications. If you are unsure about the legitimacy of any communication claiming to be from Li & Fung, verify by contacting [e-mail]. **#lftrading #lifung**## **If this sounds like you, Apply Now!**## **As an equal opportunity employer, we shall consider all applicants regardless of gender, age, religion, marital status, race, sexual orientation, disability, disease, pregnancy, or trade union and/or political affiliation, and disregard all factors deemed inappropriate by local law and the International Labor Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.**