Product Manager & Design Manager

Job Description:

Job Title: Product Manager & Design Manager

Department: Product Development & Design
Brand Portfolio: Signature Wear & Neumen
Product Categories: Suits, Jackets, Shirts, Trousers, Waistcoats & Bundis
Location: [Insert Location]
Reports To: Head – Product & Design / Creative Director

Job Summary:

The Product Manager & Design Manager will be responsible for conceptualizing, developing, and managing the entire product line for the in-house brands Signature Wear and Neumen. This role involves end-to-end ownership of the product lifecycle — from research, design ideation, and prototype development to production coordination and final presentation. The candidate should have a strong sense of fashion aesthetics, technical garment knowledge, and the ability to translate brand vision into commercially successful product ranges.

Key Responsibilities (JD):

• Research & Trend Analysis:
  Conduct in-depth market and trend research to identify emerging styles, fabrics, colors, and silhouettes aligned with the brand identity.

• Theme & Story Creation:
  Develop seasonal design concepts, mood boards, and narratives that define each collection’s creative direction.

• Colour / Look Board Development:
  Create color palettes, fabric combinations, and visual storyboards for product line presentation and internal approvals.

• Product Design & Selection:
  Curate and finalize looks for each collection in collaboration with the design and merchandising teams.

• Prototype & Tech Pack Development:
  Oversee sample creation, prepare detailed tech packs, and ensure prototypes meet design and quality standards.

• Factory Coordination:
  Liaise with factories, vendors, and production teams to ensure timely sampling, production approvals, and quality adherence.

• Production Follow-up:
  Track and monitor production progress, resolve design-related issues, and ensure on-time product delivery.

• Photo-shoot & Styling Coordination:
  Manage the styling and creative direction for product photoshoots in line with brand aesthetics.

• Product Presentation:
  Prepare and present final product ranges to internal teams, management, and stakeholders for approval and marketing readiness.

Key Result Areas (KRA):

• Product Range Development:
  Successful development and execution of product ranges for Neumen, Signature Wear, and Fabric & Tailoring Bespoke lines.

• Fabric Planning & Selection:
  Strategic sourcing and selection of fabrics across all categories to ensure quality, design integrity, and cost efficiency.

• Design Board Creation:
  Timely preparation of seasonal design boards that reflect brand direction and product strategy.

• Order & Spec Sheet Management:
  Generation and maintenance of accurate order sheets, spec sheets, and master product folders.

• Vendor / Factory Coordination:
  Effective follow-up with factories and vendors to ensure adherence to timelines, quality, and production targets.

• Record Keeping & Reporting:
  Maintain updated records of design samples, production status, and costings; provide periodic reports to management.

• MTM (Made-to-Measure) Business Coordination:
  Plan, streamline, and coordinate the MTM operations in alignment with product development and customer requirements.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Fashion Design, Product Management, or related field.

• 5–8 years of experience in product development, preferably in menswear / formalwear segment.

• Strong understanding of fabrics, garment construction, and production processes.

• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and MS Office.

• Excellent communication, coordination, and presentation skills.

• Strong aesthetic sense with a balance of creativity and commercial awareness.