Senior Manager, Product Development & Innovation - Textile
About the Opportunity
Our client is seeking a commercially minded and innovative Senior Manager - Product Development & Innovation to lead end-to-end apparel development initiatives, drive digital transformation projects, and accelerate product commercialization across global markets.
This is an exciting opportunity for a professional who combines strong product development expertise with project management, business development, and innovation leadership. The successful candidate will play a key role in connecting design, R&D, sourcing, manufacturing, and commercial teams to bring high-quality products to market efficiently.
Job Responsibilities
Product Development & Commercialization
- Lead end-to-end product development from concept handover through commercialization and production readiness.
- Partner closely with Design, Merchandising, Technical, Materials, and Manufacturing teams to ensure product integrity and execution excellence.
- Drive product innovation, feasibility assessments, and development strategies aligned with market and consumer needs.
- Manage product calendars, development milestones, and go-to-market timelines.
Project Management & Process Excellence
- Lead cross-functional project teams across product creation, innovation, and operational initiatives.
- Establish project governance, milestone tracking, and executive reporting processes.
- Drive workflow optimization and continuous improvement programs to enhance speed-to-market and operational efficiency.
- Identify and mitigate development, manufacturing, and quality risks throughout the product lifecycle.
Digital Transformation & Innovation
- Champion implementation of digital product creation tools, including 3D development and virtual prototyping solutions.
- Leverage project management platforms and data analytics tools to improve visibility, resource planning, and decision-making.
- Explore emerging technologies and innovative solutions that enhance product creation, sustainability, and business performance.
Business Development & Stakeholder Engagement
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify growth opportunities and strengthen strategic partnerships.
- Support customer engagement, product presentations, and commercial development initiatives.
- Build strong relationships with suppliers, vendors, and manufacturing partners across Asia.
- Present project updates, business cases, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
Sustainability & Future Initiatives
- Drive sustainability-focused product and material initiatives.
- Support innovation projects related to traceability, digitalization, and responsible sourcing.
- Contribute to long-term product and business growth strategies.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Fashion, Textile Engineering, Product Development, Business Management, or related discipline.
- 8+ years of experience in apparel product development, project management, innovation, or related functions.
- Proven experience within sportswear, fashion, lifestyle, apparel manufacturing, or branded consumer products.
- Strong understanding of apparel development processes, ODM/OEM manufacturing, and global supply chains.
- Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing complex development projects.
- Knowledge of 3D development tools, digital product creation platforms, or product lifecycle management systems is highly preferred.
- Strong analytical, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Fluency of English and Chinese is required.
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