Apparel Design & Product Development Manager

Posted by Arborwear on 01/23/2025

Job Basics

Industry Sector: Action, Lifestyle, Outdoor

Job Categories: Design - Apparel, Design & Development - Product, Management

Company Type: Apparel/SoftGoods

State: OH

City: Chagrin Falls

Country: United States

Required Experience: 5 - 7 years

Job Type: Full Time

Salary: Competitive Salary and Benefits Package

Required to Relocate: Yes

Required to Travel: No

Employee May Telecommute: No

Job Seeker Must Live Within: 25 miles

Job Description & Requirements

Apparel Design and Product Development Manager

Arborwear is a hardworking apparel company built with authenticity, grit and a dash of humor. Our honest, hardworking clothing is trusted by tree care and other green industry professionals. We specialize in outfitting our customers with protective workwear and uniform solutions to ensure safety, enable comfort, and to endure the toughest work and weather conditions.

As a leader in the green industry, we are passionate about innovation. We continually develop cutting-edge products that enhance the lives and safety of our customers. At Arborwear, our team thrives on collaboration, creativity, and a relentless drive for excellence. Join us as we shape the future of the green industry!

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Apparel Design and Product Development Manager to inspire and lead our team of Designer/Developers in creating innovative, high-performance products. In this role, you will oversee the entire product lifecycle—from concept to pre-production—ensuring every product meets Arborwear’s high standards for functionality, performance, and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and Inspire Team: Manage and mentor a team of Designer/Developers, fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and motivation.
• Oversee Product Development: Guide the end-to-end product design and development process, ensuring all products meet the highest standards of quality, performance, and safety.
• Enhance Processes: Drive continuous improvement in design workflows, methodologies, and best practices.
• Material Collaboration: Partner with mills and suppliers to source and develop technical materials and trims that meet performance, testing, and cost requirements.
• Strategic Partnership: Collaborate with the Sourcing team to manage the full development process, ensuring timelines, quality, target costs, and delivery goals are consistently achieved.
• Align with Brand & Market: Work closely with Sales and Marketing to align products with customer needs while maintaining Arborwear’s brand identity.
• Industry Insight: Analyze market trends, customer feedback, and industry opportunities to inform and guide product innovation.
• Ensure Compliance: Guarantee all products meet regulatory, safety, and quality standards in collaboration with the team.
• Project Management: Establish and manage timelines, budgets, and resources for product development projects, ensuring efficient execution.
• Leadership Support: Anticipate leadership needs by delivering actionable solutions, strategic insights, and recommendations to ensure the successful execution of product and production plans.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Product Design or related field.
• 5+years of experience in Apparel product design and development, with at least 2 years in a leadership and mentorship role.
• Proficient in: Adobe, Excel, Google Sheets, and PLM systems.
• Strong technical knowledge of materials and finishes, construction techniques, and large batch manufacturing.
• Proven ability to successfully manage multiple projects in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills– ability to present well-defined ideas and concepts effectively.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to work on innovative products that make a difference.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment.
• Professional development opportunities and room for growth.
• Be part of a company that values creativity, diversity, and excellence.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume, portfolio, and a cover letter detailing your experience and passion for product design to HR@arborwear.com.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.

Location: Arborwear LLC, 16490 Chillicothe Road, Chagrin Falls OH 44023
Employment Type: Full-Time, In Office Position

About Arborwear

Arborwear's Mission 

Provide the Tree Care, Vegetation Management and Landscape Industry with solutions to enhance safety, increase employee retention and boost profitability through the design, manufacture, and distribution of apparel, personal protective equipment, footwear, and equipment used on the job.