Product Development Manager RTW

Position Overview: We are looking for a Product Development Manager to own the end-to-end development process for SAME’s women’s Ready-to-Wear collections. This role partners closely with the Founder & Creative Director, Design, Technical Design, Sourcing, Production, and external vendors to translate creative direction into beautifully executed, production-ready products. The Product Development Manager will drive seasonal development from initial style kickoff through prototype samples and final Salesman Samples (SMS), ensuring development information, materials, BOMs, sample comments, approvals, and timelines are accurate and complete at every stage. This role requires exceptional organization, strong garment and product knowledge, proactive vendor management, and the ability to identify and resolve development risks while protecting design intent, quality, and delivery.

Key Responsibilities: Seasonal Product DevelopmentManage end-to-end development of women’s Ready-to-Wear collections from initial design concept through prototype development, final SMS approval, and production handoff. Partner closely with Design to understand seasonal direction, fabrications, trims, construction details, and intended product execution. Drive each style through required development milestones and proactively identify issues that could impact timing, quality, cost, or execution. Maintain clear visibility to development status across the collection and ensure required approvals and information are completed on schedule.

Design & Technical Partnership: Serve as a key development partner to Design and Technical Design, translating creative concepts into clear, executable product direction. Partner with Design throughout sample development to resolve construction, material, trim, and execution questions while protecting the intended aesthetic. Coordinate with Technical Design on fittings, revisions, construction requirements, and readiness for technical and production handoff. Prototype & SMS DevelopmentManage development of prototype samples through final Salesman Samples (SMS) with domestic and international vendors and factory partners. Issue and track sample requests, fabrics, trims, artwork, construction details, comments, revisions, and target dates. Review incoming samples with Design and cross-functional partners and communicate consolidated, actionable comments to vendors. Ensure approved revisions are accurately reflected in subsequent samples and final SMS execution.

BOM & Product Information Management: Own the accuracy and completeness of Bill of Materials (BOM) charts throughout development. Ensure fabrics, trims, components, labels, hardware, artwork, color information, and other product details are correctly documented and updated as styles evolve. Ensure final BOMs and supporting development information are complete and ready for Technical Design handoff and production execution.

Vendor Management & Calendar Ownership: Manage day-to-day development communication with vendors, factories, mills, and development partners, providing clear priorities, sample requirements, and deadlines. Own and maintain the seasonal product development calendar, including development kickoff, material readiness, prototype samples, fittings, SMS, approvals, and production handoff. Track vendor performance and seasonal milestones, escalating risks early and driving solutions to keep development on schedule.

Production Readiness & Handoff: Ensure each style is fully production-ready prior to handoff, with final samples, BOMs, materials, trims, approvals, and development comments aligned and complete. Partner with Technical Design and Production to close outstanding development issues and ensure all required information is incorporated into final technical documentation. Provide a clear, organized production handoff with visibility to any remaining risks, exceptions, or special product considerations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as a central point of communication across Design, Technical Design, Merchandising, Sourcing, Production, and external vendors throughout the product development lifecycle. Lead or actively participate in development meetings, sample reviews, fittings, and milestone meetings, communicating status, priorities, risks, and required decisions. Balance design intent, product quality, manufacturability, cost, and delivery requirements while driving timely cross-functional decision-making.

Qualifications: 5+ years of progressive apparel product development experience, preferably within luxury or contemporary women’s Ready-to-Wear. Strong knowledge of garment construction, fabrics, trims, apparel development processes, and manufacturing. Demonstrated experience managing product from initial development through prototypes, SMS, and production handoff. Strong understanding of BOM creation and maintenance and the information required for Technical Design and Production. Experience working directly with domestic and international vendors, factories, mills, and sourcing partners. Strong seasonal calendar and project-management skills with the ability to manage multiple styles and priorities simultaneously. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with exceptional attention to detail, follow-through, and problem-solving ability. Experience working within PLM or comparable product lifecycle management systems preferred.

Ideal Candidate: You are a highly organized, product-driven development leader with a deep understanding of women’s Ready-to-Wear and a strong appreciation for luxury products. You know how to translate creative direction into clear development execution while maintaining exceptional standards for quality, construction, and finish. You are equally comfortable partnering with Design, reviewing prototypes and SMS, managing vendors, maintaining detailed BOMs, driving seasonal calendars, and preparing styles for a clean production handoff. You thrive in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where ownership, precision, urgency, and craftsmanship are essential.