Job Description
Product Development Manager — Apparel & Merchandise Production Bring creative concepts to life through high-quality apparel and merchandise production. This role is ideal for someone who understands both the creative and commercial sides of product development—balancing design intent, cost targets, and production timelines to deliver standout products. You will support the creation of apparel and merchandise collections tied to campaigns, events, and consumer experiences, ensuring each product meets quality standards while aligning with brand and business goals. Role Overview As a Product Development Specialist, you will play a key role in the end-to-end development of apparel and accessory products. Working across design, sourcing, and production teams, you will help bring merchandise concepts from initial idea through to final production. This position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Key Responsibilities Product Development Execution Support the development of apparel and merchandise collections, ensuring products are executed according to design specifications and quality standards. Timeline & Project Coordination Manage and track production calendars, coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure milestones are met and projects stay on schedule. Costing & Vendor Negotiation Assist in product costing and collaborate with suppliers to achieve target price points while maintaining quality and margin objectives. Pre-Production Oversight Monitor pre-production processes, ensuring accuracy in materials, samples, and specifications prior to bulk production. Supplier Management Work closely with manufacturing partners to maintain strong relationships, resolve issues, and ensure product consistency throughout the development lifecycle. Quality & Compliance Help ensure all products meet required standards for fit, construction, and overall product integrity. Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with design, merchandising, and operations teams to align on product goals, timelines, and execution strategies. What You Bring Industry Experience Several years of experience in apparel production or product development across multiple product categories. Technical Product Knowledge Understanding of garment construction, materials, and production processes across various apparel segments. Costing & Negotiation Skills Experience working with vendors to manage costs and optimize product value. Organization & Time Management Ability to manage multiple projects, timelines, and priorities in a fast-paced environment. Communication & Collaboration Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across teams and with external partners. Attention to Detail High level of accuracy in tracking specifications, samples, and production details. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Product Development, Textile Science, Fashion Design, or a related field is preferred. Experience working across diverse apparel categories such as menswear, youth, or children’s products is beneficial. Experience working for a Merchandise company -Exposure to merchandise production tied to entertainment, events, or branded campaigns is a plus. Why This Role Matters This position plays a critical role in transforming creative ideas into tangible products that connect with audiences. Your ability to manage development processes, maintain quality, and meet cost targets will directly influence the success of merchandise programs. If you enjoy working at the intersection of creativity and production, this role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to impactful product launches in a dynamic environment. About WIT Recruiting WIT Recruiting provides services for contract staffing, permanent placement, dedicated recruitment (RPO), and customized recruiting events. Empowering Teams, Elevating Talent WIT Recruiting is a Women Impact Tech vertical dedicated to building high-performing teams across all industries and talent pools. As the recruiting arm of WIT, we leverage our proven expertise in recruiting to deliver exceptional talent solutions (without the limits of traditional pipelines). #WITRecruiting