Manager, Product Development

What's the Short Version?

The Manager, Product Development is responsible for leading the strategy and development of multiple product categories and managing associated teams. They oversee the development process from initial concept to commercialized product, and manage and develop strong, lasting relationships with our suppliers and global supply base. The role works with design and merchandising leadership to create product strategies to drive new product development, cost savings, responsible sourcing, and customer satisfaction.

What Will You Be Doing?

Lead product development strategy for multiple product categories and/or brands.

Drive cost negotiation and maintain responsibility for the bottom line of product margin for responsible brands and categories.

Lead the exploration and research of technologies, concepts, and materials that will add value to SanMar.

Research emerging trends by attending material and industry shows, meet regularly with suppliers, mills and factories to present innovative ideas.

Travel domestically and internationally on a frequent basis to meet with suppliers and visit factories.

Collaborate with Sourcing team in establishing new business relationships and evaluating suppliers; review vendor score cards and develop an appropriate improvement plan for each individual vendor.

Develop risk mitigation strategies for Key Programs alongside sourcing leadership and leading resourcing efforts.

Collaborate with cross functional teams on the design and engineering of seasonal development as well as proposing viable new products to brand partners.

Develop seasonal development calendars alongside leadership in Product Development, Merchandising, and Planning.

Manage suppliers to ensure product is delivered on time and meets SanMar Quality and compliance requirements.

Ensure the global quality program is fully executed across the entire product development lifecycle.

Responsible for managing and developing product development teams through consistent feedback and evaluations.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Comply with all policies and standards.

What Are We Looking For?

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience

10+ years of experience in product development and production management and a sourcing background is a necessity

1-3 years of supervisory/management experience is preferred

Deep understanding of the garment and textile manufacturing processes, factory evaluation techniques, and vendor compliance requirements

High level understanding of forecasting, buy planning, factory loading, and capacity planning

Knowledgeable in component costing; including garment construction, raw material options, and landing factors

Expert understanding of international trade agreements, HTS codes, customs regulations, and product safety standards

Expert ability to interact effectively with global supply chain at all levels of management

Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to clearly articulate goals and objectives

Strong problem-solving skills with a results driven mindset

Frequent international travel

What's Our Offer?

Salary Range: You`ll earn between $150,000 - $205,000 annually, depending on experience.

Bonus: You`ll be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus up to 15% of base salary.

Paid Time Off: You`ll accrue paid time off on a bi-weekly basis based on hours worked up to 152 hours per year to start. Employees also receive 8 paid holidays and 1 paid family day off.

Additional Benefits:

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits

401k plan and matches $1 for $1 up to 4% of earnings, matched & vested at every pay cycle

Life insurance

Short/long-term disability coverage

Paid maternity/paternity leave

Pet insurance

What Should You Expect?

Hybrid: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle or feel. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Work environment is moderately quiet. Ability to work on computer for multiple hours with frequent interruptions.

SanMar's Eastpointe office is located near Seattle, WA and our standard working hours are 8:00-5:00 PST. Quarterly travel may be required.