Product Development Manager

About Us

 

Centric Brands is a leading lifestyle brand collective that designs, sources, markets and sells high quality products in multiple segments, including women’s, men’s and kid’s apparel, accessories, entertainment and beauty. Centric Brands is focused on our customers and our brands that will drive the company’s future growth. We are defined by innovation as we seize new opportunities and thrive in an environment informed by creativity and thinking that is both analytical and outside the box. Centric Brands reflects a team built on respect, for others and for the hard work it takes to achieve our goals and build our bright future together.

 

Production/Product Development

From sourcing raw materials to manufacturing, order placement, pricing, quality control and getting the finished product where it needs to be, our production/product development team is responsible for ensuring we keep our standards high and our business profitable at every step of the journey. If you are a focused, results-driven, tenacious and highly flexible team player, we’ll give you every opportunity to build a rewarding career with one of the world’s foremost major lifestyle brand collectives.

Specific Responsibilities Would Include

The Product Development Manager leads the seasonal product development process, collaborating with cross-functional teams across Design, Merchandising, and Production to create and execute innovative product lines. This role drives strategic direction, operational execution, and product innovation, ensuring alignment with business goals while enhancing the overall product offering.

 

Roles & Responsibilities

Strategy & Innovation

• Lead the development of seasonal product strategies for designated categories, collaborating with Design, Merchandising, and Production teams to define trends, color palettes, concepts, categories, styles, cost structures, and pricing.
• Develop balanced product assortments by combining key items, fashion-forward styles, and essential basics, ensuring alignment with strategic brand objectives.
• Implement comprehensive costing and pricing frameworks to maximize consumer value, working closely with Planning to incorporate best sellers and trend-driven assortments from previous seasons.
• Execute strategic product plans as outlined by the VP of Product Development, ensuring brand consistency and market relevance across all categories.
• Identify and capitalize on new product opportunities, leveraging competitive market intelligence and trend analysis to drive product innovation.
• Collaborate with the Director of Product Development to ensure alignment with the overall brand vision and cohesiveness across product categories.

Operations & Results

• Oversee the Product Development calendar to ensure efficient project management and timely delivery of products across multiple channels, balancing sales growth, expense management, and margin targets.
• Partner with Production to identify and secure new vendors and suppliers, ensuring a diverse and reliable supply chain that meets quality and cost requirements.
• Advise the Director and VP of Product Development on vendor allocations, managing risk and ensuring high-quality production standards.
• Act as a key participant in product review meetings, including edits, board reviews, pre-costing, and post-season reviews, tracking legal compliance and customs requirements, and addressing any quality or technical concerns.
• Lead the creation and management of Product Profile Sheets, ensuring proper tracking of prototypes, sales samples, and fit processes in collaboration with Design and Production.

Customers & Relationships

• Maintain clear and timely communication with internal and external stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, vendors, and licensors, fostering strong relationships across all parties involved.
• Collaborate with Production and Tech teams to identify new supplier opportunities and maintain strong working relationships with existing partners.
• Monitor and assess market trends and competitor strategies to ensure product offerings remain competitive and aligned with customer needs.

Leadership & Team Management

• Contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment, managing team dynamics and providing leadership where necessary to drive results.
• Mentor, develop, and retain top talent within the team, fostering growth and ensuring high levels of engagement and performance.
• Set clear goals and KPIs for team members, and conduct regular performance evaluations to ensure continuous development and success.

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