Centric Brands is a leading lifestyle brand collective that designs, sources, markets and sells high quality products in multiple segments, including women’s, men’s and kid’s apparel, accessories, entertainment, and beauty. Centric Brands is focused on our customers and our brands that will drive the company’s future growth. We are defined by innovation as we seize new opportunities and thrive in an environment informed by creativity and thinking that is both analytical and outside the box. Centric Brands reflects a team built on respect, for others and for the hard work it takes to achieve our goals and build our bright future together.
Serve as an extension of the New York Product Development team, partnering closely with NY + Asia
cross functional teams throughout the development process. Product direction, priorities and key approvals are aligned with NY; the Asia Product Developer drives local execution, vendor coordination, follow-up, risk identification and timely escalation to support quality and delivery goals.
PRE-SMS DEVELOPMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
• Manage assigned seasonal product development for Wovens/Knits programs in close partnership with the NY Product Development team.
• Review tech packs for construction details, trims and development requirements.
• Work closely with technical graphic developer.
• Follow up T&A (WIP) on a regular basis, ensure reporting SMS on-time delivery.
• Evaluate Pre-SMS submissions; lab dips, strike-offs, knit-downs, wash panels, shade bands, and quality submissions, in line with NY direction and required timelines
• Create and maintain digital reports documenting comments and feedback on Pre-SMS submissions for vendor communication and recordkeeping.
• Evaluate SMS prior to sending to NY for workmanship, quality, construction, artwork and overall execution against the tech pack, with findings documented in a digital report shared with NY PD.
• Track the SMS critical path, forecast potential delays and develop proactive corrective-action recommendations in partnership with NY and relevant cross-functional teams.
PRE-PRODUCTION DEVELOPMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
• Partner with the NY Product Development team and follow their guidance on styles requiring resubmission and additional review.
• Coordinate vendor follow-up and tracking of required resubmissions.
• Evaluate bulk submissions, including lab dips, strike-offs, artworks/embellishments, knit-downs, wash panels, shade bands, trims/labels and fabric quality submissions, against the tech pack, in line with NY direction and required timelines, documented in a shared digital report.
• Maintain seasonal Time and Action (T&A) calendars and drive follow-up against agreed milestones, proactively communicating potential impact to relevant partners.
• Follow up T&A (WIP) on a regular basis with the local merchandising team.
• Provide regular reporting to NY Product Development and business leadership as required, ensuring visibility to progress, risks, decisions needed and next steps.
ONGOING / CROSS-FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
• Collaborate cross-functionally with NY Product Development, Design Ops, Technical Design, Merchandising, Quality Assurance, Sourcing and Production teams; responsibilities requiring creative or product-direction decisions must be aligned with the appropriate NY team.
• Act as the day-to-day contact for vendors based on assigned product categories, ensuring consistent communication, documentation and escalation to the NY Product Development team
Other tasks assigned by senior leaders.
• Bachelor’s degree in Textile, Apparel, Clothing Technology, Manufacturing, or a related field.
• 5–10 years of experience in apparel product development, merchandising, R&D, design, or related functions, preferably within children’s apparel.
• Comprehensive understanding of the full Product Development cycle, including fabric construction and technology, garment construction, manufacturing methods, sewing and seam classifications, trims, components, color assessment, art applications, print techniques, embroidery and embellishment execution across knits and wovens.
• Strong knowledge of fabric evaluation, color management, print development, component approvals, garment performance, durability, product testing, and safety requirements relevant to children’s apparel.
• Ability to assess prototypes, SMS, Pre-Production samples and related development submissions; identify quality, construction, execution, or design-intent issues; and provide clear technical comments and corrective direction.
• Ability to translate brand vision and design intent into clear product and technical requirements for suppliers and factory partners.
• Working knowledge of costing fundamentals, with the ability to support value engineering and cost optimization initiatives.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple styles, priorities, and deadlines while maintaining critical development timelines and proactive follow-up.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, collaboration, and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively across global, cross-functional, and external partner teams.
• Strong attention to detail and quality, with a commitment to brand standards, product integrity, compliance, and regulatory requirements.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, PLM systems, and WIP/project management platforms such as Monday.com.
Competency Requirements (if applicable)
Centric Values:
• Innovative
• Resourceful
• Collaborative
• Respectful
Behavioral Competencies:
• Problem Solving
• Capability to drive improvement of image
• Initiative
• Ownership
• Communication
Language Proficiency:
Fluent in: English
Specific Working Conditions
Frequency of Travel: As required.
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