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Job Description

Role Overview

We are seeking a visionary and experienced Head of Product Development to lead the creative direction and strategy for all apparel collections. This role will ensure alignment with the brand's identity, target market, and business objectives while driving innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Creative Vision & Leadership

- Define and drive the creative vision and design strategy for all apparel collections.
- Lead and mentor design and product development teams, fostering a collaborative and innovative culture.
- Monitor emerging fashion trends, materials, and technologies to ensure cutting-edge design.

Product Development Management

- Oversee the end-to-end product development lifecycle from concept to final production.
- Manage new product lines ensuring alignment with market demand, quality, and profitability.
- Collaborate with sourcing and production teams for timely and cost-effective delivery.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

- Partner with marketing, sales, merchandising, supply chain, and e-commerce teams to align product designs with market expectations and customer feedback.

Design Innovation & Trend Forecasting

- Lead trend forecasting efforts and integrate innovative designs into collections.
- Explore sustainable materials, technologies, and practices to enhance product offerings.

Brand & Product Identity

- Ensure all products reflect the brand's ethos, vision, and aesthetic consistently.
- Work with branding and marketing teams to align product designs with the company's overall strategy.

Budget & Cost Management

- Develop and manage product development budgets.
- Collaborate with finance to set financial targets, ensuring profitability without compromising quality.
- Optimize development processes for cost efficiency and timely delivery.

Vendor & Supplier Management

- Establish and maintain strong relationships with vendors, suppliers, and manufacturers.
- Negotiate contracts for quality materials and production timelines.
- Ensure compliance with ethical sourcing and sustainability standards.

Sustainability & Ethical Design

- Champion eco-friendly materials, processes, and packaging initiatives.
- Implement strategies to minimize waste and reduce environmental footprint.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

- Track product line performance using sales data and customer insights.
- Provide regular updates to executives on product development status and KPIs.
- Ensure on-time delivery and adherence to budget and quality standards.

Skills & Qualifications

- Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Fashion Design, Product Development, or related field. Additional certifications in fashion management or business administration preferred.
- Experience: Minimum 15 years in the fashion industry with at least 5-7 years in senior leadership roles such as VP, Director, or Head of Product Development.
- Industry Knowledge: Deep expertise in fashion trends, apparel manufacturing, fabric sourcing, garment construction, and sustainable fashion.
- Leadership: Proven ability to inspire and manage creative teams effectively.
- Creativity & Vision: Strong creative direction skills with a keen sense of consumer preferences across demographics.
- Project Management: Experienced in managing large-scale projects, budgets, and cross-team collaboration.
- Business Acumen: Strong understanding of cost management, budgeting, and profitability in fashion retail.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written skills for stakeholder engagement and team collaboration.
- Technical Proficiency: Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite, CAD software, product development tools, and data analytics platforms.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

- Product line profitability and sales growth.
- On-time delivery of collections and project timelines adherence.
- Market relevance and alignment of product designs.
- Innovation in materials and design.
- Achievement of sustainability targets (e.g., percentage of eco-friendly materials).
- Team development and employee satisfaction metrics.