Our client in the Textile Manufacturing industry is seeking a dedicated Product Development Manager. This role focuses on managing the overall delivery of textile products, aligning with our strategy to build organizational capacity and deliver on our value-based household mandate. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in product development within the Textiles or Apparel industry.
Responsibilities :
Product Development :
- Initiate samples / development of products from new fabrics or styles.
- Re-engineer products for optimization of cost and quality.
- Analyze customer needs to ensure satisfaction with innovation and product quality.
- Assess the feasibility of new and redesigned products.
- Identify commercially viable product opportunities.
- Inspect new products / samples with the Quality Assurance Manager to ensure compliance with standards.
- Maintain a master product schedule plan for all products in development.
- Manage the sampling process from concept to product approval.
Production Management :
- Produce detailed project plans tracking textiles products from conception to review.
- Oversee product development, monitoring and reporting project progress.
- Ensure timely delivery of new products by monitoring schedules.
- Manage multiple development projects from concept to production.
- Document trials for new products.
- Ensure adherence to product specifications and quality standards.
- Approve product specifications and packaging for new developments.
- Obtain customer sign-off on new products.
- Gather information from suppliers and trials for costings.
- Prepare weekly and monthly product status reports for stakeholders.
Delivery Management :
- Oversee the execution of the development process, troubleshooting to avoid delays.
- Manage a portfolio of complex initiatives across multiple business lines.
- Assist sourcing with the development of new fabric ranges.
- Maintain relationships with customers, ensuring clear communication about new product development.
- Liaise with Key Account Managers and customers regarding packaging requirements.
- Manage communication channels between internal stakeholders involved in product development.
Knowledge Management :
- Understand global and local textile trends and consumer behavior.
- Attend international trade fairs for trend insights, supplier liaison, and sourcing.
- Stay updated on textile, lifestyle, technology, and packaging trends through research and market analysis.
- Maintain a sample room and new product development library.
Requirements :
- Tertiary qualification in Business Management.
- Qualification in Clothing and Textile Industry preferred.
- 5-10 years’ experience in product development in Textiles or Apparel Industry.
- Strong experience presenting to executives.
- Knowledge of textile operations is advantageous.
- Fully bilingual (English and Afrikaans).
- Enthusiastic, self-motivated, and creative.
- Strong organizational and analytical skills.
- Strategic and forward-thinking.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with stakeholders.
Benefits :
- Salary is negotiable, depending on experience.