What are the responsibilities and job description for the Product Development Manager position at Paka Apparel?
Paka Overview
Founded in Peru, our mission is to create natural, all-purpose clothing for people who love the outdoors. We’re doing this by innovating with alpaca fiber and other materials that are healthier for people and the planet, so that consumers can connect to our natural world, make more conscious choices, and support the communities where our products come from.
Position Summary
At Paka, we are redefining performance apparel with a focus on sustainability, quality, and innovation. As the Product Development Manager, you will play a vital role in bringing our products to life—from initial concept through final production—while ensuring that each piece embodies our brand values and meets our customers’ high expectations. You will manage the product development process across all apparel categories, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative, market-relevant, and consumer-focused products.
This role is for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, has a deep understanding of material and trim creation, garment construction and manufacturing processes, and is passionate about driving continuous improvements in product development and commercialization.
Role Responsibilities :
Product Development Process : Lead the end-to-end product development process, from initial concept through final production, ensuring high-quality products that meet fit, performance, and sustainability standards.
Material and Trim Development : Lead the development of materials and trims from early stage innovation through commercialization. Own material and trim testing to Paka standards as well as ensuring developments meet cost targets.
Vendor Collaboration : Build and maintain relationships with key vendors, factories, and material suppliers to ensure products are manufactured to specification and delivered on time.
Technical Expertise : Oversee the development of tech packs, BOMs, specifications, and product details to ensure accuracy and efficiency in production. Ensure alignment on garment construction, fit, and design modifications with cross-functional teams. Enhance technical design sketches using Adobe Illustrator to create accurate prototypes representative of bulk production.
Cross-Functional Collaboration : Partner with Design, Merchandising, Sourcing, and Production teams to manage the commercialization process and ensure all deliverables are met in line with the go-to-market (GTM) calendar.
Market Research : Stay updated on industry trends, new materials, and sustainability innovations to ensure that Paka’s products remain competitive and relevant in the marketplace.
Cost Management : Collaborate with sourcing and production teams to manage product costs, ensuring target margins are achieved without compromising quality.
Process Optimization : Drive improvements in PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems and product workflows to streamline product development processes and reduce time to market.
Quality Control : Ensure quality standards are met by managing sample fittings, providing detailed feedback, and addressing any issues with vendors before production.
Sustainability Focus : Champion sustainable practices in product development, including material selection, manufacturing processes, and supply chain operations.
Team Leadership : Inspire and mentor the product development team, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Technology : Leverage digital development software solutions to reduce dependency on physical prototypes and maximize commercialization effectiveness.
You Are :
A Natural Leader : You thrive in a leadership role, motivating cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals.
Detail-Oriented : You have a strong eye for detail, ensuring accuracy and quality across all aspects of product development.
Solution-Oriented : You excel at solving complex problems and streamlining processes to drive efficiency.
Innovative : You stay ahead of industry trends and continuously seek opportunities to innovate within product development.
Collaborative : You excel at building strong relationships across teams and with external partners to achieve seamless product launches.
Highly motivated – You meet partners in person to find solutions and are willing to get on a plane to not miss a season
Curious : Constantly driven to learn more
Position Requirements :
6 years of experience in apparel product development, with a proven track record of managing the product lifecycle from concept to commercialization.
3 years of experience in managing and leading cross-functional teams.
Deep understanding of garment construction, fabric properties, manufacturing processes, and supply chain management.
Experience in working with overseas factories and managing international supply chain operations.
Proficiency in PLM systems and Adobe Illustrator for technical design.
Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, vlookup, and other data functions.
Knowledge of sustainability practices and a passion for driving sustainable solutions in apparel production.
Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills to interact with various levels of management and employees within the organization, as well as vendors and worldwide personnel. Ability to negotiate deadlines with cross-functional partners.
Strong organizational skills and ability to work under pressure, meet strict timelines, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.