Head Of Product Development

The Head of Product Development is responsible for translating creative concepts into technically feasible, production-ready garments while ensuring product quality, cost control, and margin alignment.
This role oversees the entire product development process, including technical development, pattern making, sampling, material sourcing validation, and pre-production approval.
The Head of Product Development works closely with the Creative Director to maintain the aesthetic vision of the brand, while collaborating with Production to ensure manufacturability and operational efficiency.
This role is critical to ensuring that all products - including RTW collections, Made-to-Order pieces, ODM, and OEM projects - meet the company's quality standards, cost targets, and production timelines.
I. CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Product Development Strategy
• Oversee the entire product development process from design concept to production readiness.
• Establish product development standards and workflow.
• Ensure consistency of product quality across collections and production runs.
• Align product development with company margin targets and commercial objectives.
• Support the brand's premium positioning through strong technical standards.
2. Technical Development & Engineering
• Translate creative design concepts into production-ready garments.
• Review and finalize technical documentation including:
• Techpacks
• Bill of Materials (BOM)
• Construction specifications
• Measurement charts
• Define technical construction standards and garment finishing benchmarks.
• Ensure garments are structurally sound, manufacturable, and scalable.
3. Pattern Development & Fit Management
• Supervise pattern development and grading processes.
• Ensure consistent sizing standards across collections.
• Conduct sample fitting sessions and approve fit adjustments.
• Ensure product measurements align with brand size standards and customer expectations.
4. Sample Development
• Manage the sample development process for RTW collections and special projects.
• Ensure sample development timelines align with collection launch schedules.
• Review prototype samples and provide technical feedback.
• Approve final pre-production samples before bulk production.
5. Fabric & Trim Validation
• Work with the Procurement & Sourcing Executive to validate fabrics, trims, and accessories.
• Ensure materials meet quality standards, technical specifications, and brand positioning.
• Approve alternative materials when necessary to maintain margin or supply stability.
• Evaluate supplier samples and material test results (colorfastness, shrinkage, durability).
6. Cost Alignment & Margin Protection
• Ensure product development aligns with target costing and margin objectives.
• Review BOM and material consumption to optimize cost efficiency.
• Work with CFO and Production to monitor cost implications during development.
• Propose technical alternatives to maintain margin without compromising quality.
7. Cross-Department Collaboration
With Creative Director
• Ensure creative concepts are technically feasible.
• Maintain the design intent while optimizing product construction.
With Production Manager
• Ensure product specifications are production-ready.
• Resolve technical issues before bulk manufacturing begins.
With Commercial Team
• Support product adaptation for specific markets.
• Assist in product customization for wholesale or international clients.
8. Support for ODM / OEM Projects
• Validate technical feasibility of external client designs.
• Ensure ODM / OEM projects meet export-grade quality standards.
• Adapt technical specifications when required for production capabilities.
9. Quality Benchmark Development
• Establish technical quality benchmarks for garments.
• Define acceptable tolerance levels for construction and finishing.
• Support QC standards development with Production.