Director, Sr Product Design

Vestis Services • Lawrenceville, GA • 1w ago

Description

Overview:

The Senior Director of Product Design is a strategic leader responsible for overseeing the end-to-end product lifecycle, from concept to commercialization, with a strong emphasis on fabric innovation and product assortment optimization. The ideal candidate is a seasoned apparel product development professional with extensive experience working with apparel and textile factories in all hemispheres and cultures of the world; profoundly knowledgeable in the nuances of apparel design, development, and construction; fluent in apparel manufacturing processes and techniques, and skilled at managing people and teams of people with and without formal authority across large geographic areas and cultures. This role bridges creative design, technical development, and business strategy to deliver high-quality, market-relevant products that meet customer needs and drive profitability.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

Product Development

Establishes the product development process by streamlining the workflow from design to technical specification writing and then to sourcing for manufacturing.

Manages the product development process by identifying potential products; conducting market research; generating product requirements; determining specifications, production timetables, pricing, and time-integrated plans for product introduction.

Identifies potential problems with products and follows through to ensure all concerns are resolved prior to scheduled releases.

Manages the product categories based on business data analysis and optimizing the product assortment

Partners with sales and marketing to develop marketing strategies.

Manages the entire Product Lifecycle Process from product development to production delivery

Develops team members, sets department objectives, and measures and manages progress towards objectives.

Product Management

Own the full product lifecycle from concept through commercialization, ensuring alignment with business objectives and market needs.

Develop and execute product roadmaps that balance innovation, profitability, and operational feasibility.

Conduct in-depth market research, trend analysis, and competitive benchmarking to identify growth opportunities and gaps in the assortment.

Define clear product requirements, technical specifications, and performance standards in collaboration with design and engineering teams.

Collaborate with marketing and sales to create compelling go-to-market strategies, launch plans, and campaigns.

Monitor product performance post-launch, analyzing sales and revenue data and customer feedback.

Drive assortment rationalization initiatives to reduce complexity, optimize SKU productivity, and improve inventory efficiency.

Establish KPIs for product success, including adoption rates, margin contribution, and time-to-market metrics.

Lead cross-functional alignment meetings to ensure transparency and accountability across design, sourcing, supply chain, and commercial teams.

Identify and implement process improvements to accelerate development timelines and enhance operational efficiency.

Oversee lifecycle management, including end-of-life planning and transition strategies for discontinued products.

Fabric Development

Drive innovation in fabric sourcing and development, focusing on performance, sustainability, and cost optimization.

Partner with mills and suppliers globally to identify new materials, finishes, and technologies that enhance product functionality and durability.

Oversee fabric testing protocols for strength, colorfastness, shrinkage, moisture management, and thermoregulation performance.

Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements for safety, sustainability, and quality.

Develop and maintain a fabric library and database for internal teams to streamline material selection and specification.

Collaborate with design and technical teams to align fabric properties with garment construction requirements.

Monitor emerging trends in textiles, including eco-friendly fibers, recycled materials, and advanced performance finishes.

Establish long-term strategic partnerships with key mills to secure innovation pipelines and supply chain resilience.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Strategic thinking and business acumen.

Technical expertise in fabrics and apparel manufacturing.

Leadership and team development.

Project management and process optimization.

Experience/Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Textile Science, Apparel Design, or related field; advanced degree preferred.

15+ years of experience in apparel product development and management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.

Deep knowledge of textile materials, garment construction, and global supply chain processes.

Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.

Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels.

International travel required.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.

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