Design and Product Development Manager
Now Hiring | Industry Leader - Technical Apparel & Accessories | Melbourne
The Client |
You will know this brand as an industry leader, B-Corp certified and provide a range of technical yet stylish products that ensure you can stay sunsmart. With a full range of products across multiple categories, they are accessible worldwide, and united in their mission! In a newly created role they are seeking a Product Developer and Design Manager to join their team in a hands on leadership role.
The Role |
This role will lead the product development and design cycle – managing two Product Developers. You will drive the creation of their highly technical product across apparel, accessories and hats – ensuring every product meets brand quality standards with a focus on stylish design.
You'll be instrumental in shaping the product strategy, mentoring the product development team, and partnering closely with Production and Planning teams to bring innovative, profitable products to market.
Leading the end-to-end product development and design process for sun hats, accessories and clothing ranges, ensuring alignment with brand vision and commercial objectives.
Managing and mentoring the Product Development team providing guidance, feedback and strategic leadership.
Driving quality excellence across all product categories, establishing and maintaining rigorous quality standards and testing protocols.
Partnering strategically with Production and Planning teams to optimise product development timelines, manage capacity and ensure seamless production launches.
Cultivating productive supplier relationships, ensuring optimal performance, compliance with technical specifications, and continuous improvement in the product development cycle.
Leading design direction and innovation, conducting comprehensive trend analysis and competitive research to inform product strategy.
Directing fit sessions and sample approval processes, ensuring garments, sun hats and accessories meet precise technical and aesthetic specifications.
Developing and maintaining comprehensive technical documentation including tech packs, CADs, and specification sheets.
Managing internal and external testing programs for materials, fabrications and finished products, ensuring all UPF and quality requirements are met.
The Skillset |
If you're passionate about technical apparel design and ready to make a meaningful impact in sun protection, this is your opportunity!
Minimum 8 years' experience in technical apparel product development, with expertise in UPF/outdoor wear and sun hats an advantage, but experience with technical fabrics in activewear considered
Demonstrated leadership experience, including team management and mentoring.
Degree in Fashion Design, Textile Design, Technical Apparel or related field.
Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) and Microsoft Office Suite.
Strong technical knowledge of garment construction, fabric performance characteristics, and UPF testing standards experience a bonus.
Proven track record of managing complex product development cycles and delivering to critical path deadlines.
Exceptional attention to detail with strong commercial acumen and cost management skills.
Strategic thinker with ability to balance creativity, technical requirements and business objectives.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience negotiating with international suppliers.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
Strong problem-solving skills with a hands-on, solutions-focused approach.
Passion for sustainability and creating products that make a positive difference.
The Offer |
You will work closely with the Founder/CEO to shape the product strategy – a key leadership role that will maximise impact on this growing global brand. Based in Port Melbourne this is a hands on role, that is suited to someone who loves product development and design and can lead from the front.
There is a strong salary offering and company benefits on offer!
The Talent Mill Recruitment division is a bespoke consultancy and talent acquisition specialist within the fashion, lifestyle and retail industries. With more than 10 years specialist expertise with luxury, lifestyle & fashion brands globally we discover, recognize, and connect inspiring individuals to the most desirable brands as a trusted support to founder-led start-ups, SME’s and multinational corporations within the fashion & retail industry.
Recruitment – but make it ethical not transactional. Quality over quantity – always. Truly consultative and delivered at pace. We hold a genuine passion and expertise for the industries we support, and offer a unique and modern recruitment proposition – one where we develop long term, meaningful connections, add value and deliver an unforgettable service.