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:
