Sr. Product Development Manager, Apparel

SIMKHAI is seeking a highly experienced and solutions-oriented Senior Product Development Manager, Apparel to lead the development of our Ready-to-Wear collections from initial concept through production handoff. This role will serve as a critical partner to Design, Technical Design, Merchandising, and Production, ensuring that the creative vision is translated into commercially viable, high-quality product that meets SIMKHAI's standards for fit, construction, quality, cost, and delivery.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, product-focused, commercially minded, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment. They have strong technical product knowledge and factory relationships, are confident driving timelines and accountability, and understand how to balance creativity with cost, quality, and execution.

Key Responsibilities:

Product Development & Execution

• Own the end-to-end development process for assigned apparel categories from initial concept through production handoff.
• Partner closely with Design to translate creative concepts into commercially and technically viable product while protecting design intent.
• Review sketches, tech packs, construction details, fabrics, trims, and prototypes to identify development opportunities and potential production challenges early.
• Manage proto, SMS, and approval sample development, ensuring product is progressing according to seasonal calendars.
• Drive timely resolution of development issues related to fit, construction, materials, quality, and manufacturability.
• Ensure accurate and complete product information is maintained throughout the development process.
• Partner with Technical Design to ensure a clear and efficient handoff from development into technical execution.
• Manage and own Bill of Materials, ensuring accuracy of product
• Work closely with Production to ensure products are fully developed and production-ready prior to order placement.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Serve as a key Product partner to Design, Technical Design, and Production.
• Establish clear handoffs, ownership, and communication across each stage of the product lifecycle.
• Collaborate with Production to identify opportunities to improve quality, lead times, costing, and overall execution.
• Proactively communicate risks, delays, and development challenges and provide solutions rather than simply escalating issues.
• Help create a culture of accountability, transparency, and collaboration across the Product organization.

Costing & Product Strategy

• Own and manage development costing in partnership with factories and internal teams.
• Review initial and revised costs and identify opportunities to achieve target margins without compromising product integrity.
• Negotiate with vendors on development costs, materials, construction, minimums, and other commercial considerations.
• Partner with the SVP of Product Development & Production to identify opportunities for cost improvement and margin optimization.
• Bring a strong understanding of fabric, construction, labor, and manufacturing implications to product decisions.

Vendor & Factory Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with apparel factories, mills, and strategic vendors.
• Clearly communicate SIMKHAI's expectations around quality, timing, costing, and execution.
• Hold vendors accountable to development calendars and quality standards.
• Calendar & Process Management

Calendar & Process Management

• Own seasonal development calendars for assigned categories and proactively manage key milestones.
• Ensure development is aligned with critical dates for costing, fabric commitments, sample approvals, order placement, and production.
• Identify potential timeline risks early and establish recovery plans.
• Help continuously improve SIMKHAI's product development processes, systems, and cross-functional workflows.
• Maintain accurate seasonal reporting and visibility into development status, open issues, and key risks.

Qualifications

• Must have a minimum 7 years of apparel Product Development experience, preferably within contemporary, contemporary luxury, or luxury fashion.
• Must have demonstrated, strong knowledge of apparel construction, fabrics, trims, garment wash, embellishment, and manufacturing processes.
• Must have proven experience managing product development from concept through production handoff.
• Must have demonstrated, strong understanding of costing, margins, MOQ's, lead times, and factory capabilities.
• Must have experience working closely with Design, Technical Design, Merchandising, and Production teams.
• Must have exceptional organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple categories and deadlines simultaneously.
• Must have strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Must have ability to identify problems quickly and develop practical solutions.
• Must have high attention to detail and a strong commitment to product quality.
• Must have ability and willingness to travel internationally as needed.

Benefits:

We offer a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, FSA, 401(k) and PTO Additionally, we offer a generous clothing allowance and 50% employee discount off retail

About Us:

SIMKHAI is a luxury American fashion house where modern sensuality meets timeless luxury. Founded in 2010 by designer Jonathan Simkhai, SIMKHAI redefines the contemporary wardrobe, transforming essentials into statements through innovative techniques and enduring design.

In the SIMKHAI studio, Jonathan and the design team bring creative visions to life with precision and artistry. Each collection is designed for celebr ating life’s defining moments and elevating the everyday. enduring design. As SIMKHAI continues to evolve, its dedication to craftsmanship and innovation remains unwavering, ensuring every piece reflects the brand's modern spirit and timeless appeal.