Product Development Manager

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

Our client in the Textile Manufacturing industry is seeking a dedicated Product Development Manager. This role focuses on managing the overall delivery of textile products, aligning with our strategy to build organizational capacity and deliver on our value-based household mandate. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in product development within the Textiles or Apparel industry.

Responsibilities:

Product Development:

• Initiate samples/development of products from new fabrics or styles.
• Re-engineer products for optimization of cost and quality.
• Analyze customer needs to ensure satisfaction with innovation and product quality.
• Assess the feasibility of new and redesigned products.
• Identify commercially viable product opportunities.
• Inspect new products/samples with the Quality Assurance Manager to ensure compliance with standards.
• Maintain a master product schedule plan for all products in development.
• Manage the sampling process from concept to product approval.

Production Management:

• Produce detailed project plans tracking textiles products from conception to review.
• Oversee product development, monitoring and reporting project progress.
• Ensure timely delivery of new products by monitoring schedules.
• Manage multiple development projects from concept to production.
• Document trials for new products.
• Ensure adherence to product specifications and quality standards.
• Approve product specifications and packaging for new developments.
• Obtain customer sign-off on new products.
• Gather information from suppliers and trials for costings.
• Prepare weekly and monthly product status reports for stakeholders.

Delivery Management:

• Oversee the execution of the development process, troubleshooting to avoid delays.
• Manage a portfolio of complex initiatives across multiple business lines.
• Assist sourcing with the development of new fabric ranges.
• Maintain relationships with customers, ensuring clear communication about new product development.
• Liaise with Key Account Managers and customers regarding packaging requirements.
• Manage communication channels between internal stakeholders involved in product development.

Knowledge Management:

• Understand global and local textile trends and consumer behavior.
• Attend international trade fairs for trend insights, supplier liaison, and sourcing.
• Stay updated on textile, lifestyle, technology, and packaging trends through research and market analysis.
• Maintain a sample room and new product development library.

Requirements:

• Tertiary qualification in Business Management.
• Qualification in Clothing and Textile Industry preferred.
• 5-10 years’ experience in product development in Textiles or Apparel Industry.
• Project management qualification.
• Proven experience in delivering large/strategic projects.
• Strong experience presenting to executives.
• Knowledge of textile operations is advantageous.
• Fully bilingual (English and Afrikaans).
• Enthusiastic, self-motivated, and creative.
• Attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Strategic and forward-thinking.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with stakeholders.

Benefits:

• Salary is negotiable, depending on experience.
• Convenient location in Cape Town.

How to Apply: To apply, please send your CV and supporting documents to with the subject line "Product Development Manager."

Application Deadline: If you have not received feedback within two weeks of applying, please consider your application unsuccessful.