Product Development Manager - Knit Jersey (Station in Shanghai)

About the Company Our client is one of the world’s leading global fashion retailers, operating across more than 70 markets with a vast portfolio of fashion brands. Committed to making sustainable, high-quality fashion accessible to millions worldwide, the company combines scale, speed, and circular design principles across its global supply chain network. Role Overview The Global Development Manager – Knit Jersey will lead end-to-end product development for high-volume cut-and-sew circular knit jersey categories (including core basics, graphic tees, fleece, hoodies, and elevated active basics). Stationed in Shanghai, this pivotal role connects global design and merchandising teams with Asian manufacturing hubs, raw material suppliers, and strategic vendor networks. The ideal candidate combines deep technical mastery of circular knit textiles with a commercial mindset, vendor management capabilities, and a commitment to driving sustainable textile innovations. Key Responsibilities 1. Seasonal Product Development & Execution Translate global seasonal design concepts into high-volume, commercially viable cut-and-sew jersey collections. Manage the complete product cycle from tech pack distribution, yarn/fabric sourcing, and lab dips to prototype, fit, and pre-production (PP) approvals. Oversee critical paths to ensure all development milestones meet strict global seasonal delivery schedules. Provide expert guidance on knit fabric constructions, yarn counts, gauge, wet/dry finishing, printing techniques, and garment construction. 2. Sustainable Material Sourcing & Innovation Drive the implementation of preferred raw materials (e.g., organic cotton, recycled cotton/polyester, low-impact dyes, and water-saving finishes) in collaboration with fabric mills and suppliers. Partner with mill partners across China and Southeast Asia to pilot innovative circular knit structures and sustainable finishing technologies. 3. Commercialization, Costing & Margin Optimization Lead margin engineering and target costing negotiations across high-volume knit jersey styles to hit brand price points without compromising quality or safety standards. Conduct detailed bill-of-materials (BOM) reviews, marker efficiency checks, and yield analyses. Identify manufacturing and fabric risks early in development and execute practical mitigation strategies to ensure smooth bulk production. 4. Vendor Management & Strategic Sourcing Manage and evaluate a robust vendor matrix across Greater China and wider Asia, matching styles to vendor capabilities, capacity, and compliance ratings. Build long-term relationships with strategic garment factories, fabric mills, print/dye houses, and trim suppliers. Enforce strict compliance with global corporate social responsibility (CSR), labor rights, chemical safety (e.g., ZDHC), and environmental regulations. 5. Cross-Functional Regional Leadership Serve as the central Shanghai link between overseas design, merchandising, and technical teams and local regional production offices. Host international design, buying, and technical teams during regional trips, mill visits, and seasonal vendor workshops. Resolve technical production issues on-site at factories to eliminate bottlenecks and optimize lead times. Qualifications & Requirements Experience & Technical Background Education: Bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering, Apparel Production, Fashion Development, or a related discipline. Experience: 8+ years in apparel product development, merchandising, or sourcing, with at least 4–5 years specializing specifically in Circular Knit / Cut-and-Sew Jersey categories for a high-volume global retailer or major sourcing organization. Textile & Washing Expertise: Deep knowledge of circular knits (single jersey, interlock, rib, French terry, fleece, pique), yarn types, knitting gauges, garment washes, and print/dye techniques. Commercial Acumen: Strong background in garment costing models, yield calculations, and price negotiations within tight margin frameworks. Soft Skills & Working Requirements Languages: Business fluency in English and Mandarin (oral and written) is required for daily global and local communication. Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage high-volume, fast-turnaround product pipelines across tight seasonal calendars. Sustainability Alignment: Passion for circular fashion, low-carbon manufacturing, and sustainable material innovation. Travel: Willingness to travel domestically across mainland China and regionally across Asia (15–25%).