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Vestis Corporation · 2 hours ago

Sr Director, Product Design

Atlanta Metro

Full-time

Hybrid

Director/Executive

15+ years exp

Vestis Corporation is seeking a Senior Director of Product Design who will oversee the entire product lifecycle, focusing on fabric innovation and product optimization. The role requires a strategic leader with extensive experience in apparel development and management, responsible for driving product strategies and managing cross-functional teams.

ApparelDeliveryManufacturingRental

Hiring Manager

Richard Russell

Responsibilities

Establishes the product development process by streamlining the workflow from design to technical specification writing and then to sourcing for manufacturing

Manages the product development process by identifying potential products; conducting market research; generating product requirements; determining specifications, production timetables, pricing, and time-integrated plans for product introduction

Identifies potential problems with products and follows through to ensure all concerns are resolved prior to scheduled releases

Manages the product categories based on business data analysis and optimizing the product assortment

Partners with sales and marketing to develop marketing strategies

Manages the entire Product Lifecycle Process from product development to production delivery

Develops team members, sets department objectives, and measures and manages progress towards objectives

Own the full product lifecycle from concept through commercialization, ensuring alignment with business objectives and market needs

Develop and execute product roadmaps that balance innovation, profitability, and operational feasibility

Conduct in-depth market research, trend analysis, and competitive benchmarking to identify growth opportunities and gaps in the assortment

Define clear product requirements, technical specifications, and performance standards in collaboration with design and engineering teams

Collaborate with marketing and sales to create compelling go-to-market strategies, launch plans, and campaigns

Monitor product performance post-launch, analyzing sales and revenue data and customer feedback

Drive assortment rationalization initiatives to reduce complexity, optimize SKU productivity, and improve inventory efficiency

Establish KPIs for product success, including adoption rates, margin contribution, and time-to-market metrics

Lead cross-functional alignment meetings to ensure transparency and accountability across design, sourcing, supply chain, and commercial teams

Identify and implement process improvements to accelerate development timelines and enhance operational efficiency

Oversee lifecycle management, including end-of-life planning and transition strategies for discontinued products

Drive innovation in fabric sourcing and development, focusing on performance, sustainability, and cost optimization

Partner with mills and suppliers globally to identify new materials, finishes, and technologies that enhance product functionality and durability

Oversee fabric testing protocols for strength, colorfastness, shrinkage, moisture management, and thermoregulation performance

Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements for safety, sustainability, and quality

Develop and maintain a fabric library and database for internal teams to streamline material selection and specification

Collaborate with design and technical teams to align fabric properties with garment construction requirements

Monitor emerging trends in textiles, including eco-friendly fibers, recycled materials, and advanced performance finishes

Establish long-term strategic partnerships with key mills to secure innovation pipelines and supply chain resilience

Qualification

Product DevelopmentFabric DevelopmentTechnical ExpertiseLeadershipProject ManagementStrategic ThinkingAnalytical SkillsNegotiation SkillsCommunication Skills