Product Development Manager

Base pay range

$/yr - $/yr

Direct message the job poster from Next Level Apparel

The Product Development Manager leads the end‑to‑end product development process for Next Level Apparel’s core and seasonal knit programs, including blank T‑shirts, fleece, and other jersey‑based styles. This role ensures all products meet the company’s high standards for quality, fit and innovation, while driving efficiency, consistency and sustainability throughout the development cycle.

Working closely with the VP of Product, the Director oversees the development team to bring design concepts to life—on time, within standards and aligned with Next Level Apparel’s commitment to premium apparel. This role combines strategic leadership with deep technical expertise in knitwear and hands‑on involvement in technical documentation.

• Partner with the VP of Product and Product Manager to define seasonal product strategies, category direction and innovation goals.
• Lead and mentor the product development team to drive collaboration, accountability and maintain high quality standards.
• Oversee end‑to‑end product development for blank T‑shirts, fleece and knitwear from concept through production handoff.
• Establish and manage seasonal development calendars to ensure all milestones and deliverables are met on time.
• Create and maintain accurate, detailed tech packs including specifications, measurements, bills of materials and construction details.
• Review and approve prototypes, fit samples and pre‑production samples to ensure consistent fit, quality and performance.
• Collaborate with pattern makers to develop and maintain core fit blocks and ensure consistency across product categories.
• Partner with fabric mills and sourcing teams to develop, test and approve high‑performance fabrics and trims.
• Drive cross‑functional alignment across design, sourcing and production to ensure scalability and operational excellence.
• Represent Product Development in seasonal reviews by communicating progress, risks and solutions to key stakeholders.
• Follow company policies and practices as outlined in the Employee Handbook and comply with safety guidelines and procedures.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s Degree in Apparel Design, Product Development, Textile Science or a related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 10+ years of apparel product development experience.
• 3–5 years in a leadership position managing development teams and cross‑functional projects.
• Proven expertise in knit fabric development, garment construction and tech pack creation.
• Strong technical knowledge of fit, grading and apparel manufacturing processes.
• Experience managing global vendor and mill relationships.
• Proficiency in PLM systems, Adobe Illustrator and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Experience in wholesale or private‑label basics.
• Familiarity with sustainable material development, circular design or low‑impact dyeing processes.
• Knowledge of apparel testing standards and knit performance requirements.

• Actively supports and complies with the company’s objectives, guidelines and commitment to quality and safety with an emphasis on continual improvement.
• Must be able to interact effectively and cooperatively with employees at all levels.
• Must be able to complete assignments within the specified timeframe.
• Must be flexible regarding working hours and able to work evenings and weekends with or without advanced notice.
• Must operate in a fast‑paced environment and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ensures that staff contributes at maximum potential through rigorous hiring practices and emphasis on training and development initiatives, including coaching and counseling direct reports in their performance and professional development, with final authority for approving pay increases, hiring decisions and disciplinary actions.
• Emphasizes ethical leadership and decision‑making to protect the company’s brand.
• Establishes challenging, productive and achievable goals for direct reports and measures results by establishing checkpoints to track progress.
• Must be able to travel domestically and internationally as necessary.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Production

Wholesale

• Medical insurance
• 401(k)

Next Level Apparel is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.