Product Development Manager, Maternity Leave Cover

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview:
Greyson Clothiers is seeking a full-time, temporary Product Development Manager to provide approximately 6 months of coverage for two overlapping maternity leaves on the same team. This role will help ensure continuity across seasonal development, sampling, vendor communication, calendar management, and cross-functional execution during an important coverage period.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and experienced in managing the product lifecycle from concept through production. This person should be comfortable stepping into an active development cycle, learning existing processes quickly, and partnering closely with Design, Merchandising, Production, and vendor partners to keep development milestones on track.

While preference will be given to candidates in the Detroit Metro area who are able to work on-site 2 days per week in our downtown Detroit design studio, we are also open to considering remote candidates with strong product development experience.

Position Details
Employment Type: Full-Time, Temporary
Duration: Approximately 6 months
Location: Preference given to Detroit Metro candidates who are able to work on-site 2 days per week in Greyson’s downtown Detroit design studio; remote candidates will also be considered
Reason for Opening: Temporary coverage for two overlapping maternity leaves on the same team

Key Responsibilities

Product Development & Lifecycle Management

• Manage the development process from design concept through production approval.
• Partner with Design, Merchandising, and Production teams to ensure product aligns with seasonal strategies and brand standards.
• Maintain and manage product development calendars to support key milestones and deadlines.
• Oversee the sampling process, including prototype reviews, fit sessions, and sample tracking.
• Support continuity of product development priorities during the leave coverage period.

Vendor & Material Sourcing

• Source and manage fabrics, trims, and components that align with brand standards and product performance requirements.
• Maintain strong communication with suppliers and manufacturers to support development timelines.
• Partner with vendors on pricing, lead times, minimum order quantities, and production needs.
• Follow up on outstanding materials, samples, and vendor deliverables to ensure deadlines are met.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Ensure products meet quality, performance, and compliance standards.
• Partner with the Quality Assurance team to address testing needs and resolve development or production issues.
• Review and approve pre-production and production samples.
• Maintain attention to detail across fit, construction, materials, and overall product quality.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Design, Merchandising, Production, Sales, Marketing, and E-commerce to support product launches and seasonal priorities.
• Provide product knowledge, development updates, and technical insights to internal teams.
• Facilitate clear cross-functional communication to resolve development challenges and keep projects moving forward.
• Serve as a reliable point of contact for product development during the leave coverage period.

Process, Reporting & Documentation

• Maintain accurate product development records, sample tracking, and archives.
• Prepare and communicate development status updates, including timelines, outstanding items, and key milestones.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflow, communication, and process efficiency where appropriate.
• Ensure a smooth transition of information before, during, and after the leave coverage period.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Product Development, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in product development within the fashion or apparel industry.
• Strong understanding of the product development lifecycle, from concept through production.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator and Photoshop, and Microsoft Office.
• Experience managing vendor relationships, sourcing materials, and tracking development timelines.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, follow-up, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to quickly step into an active development cycle and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Strong attention to detail and a keen eye for design, quality, and product execution.

About Greyson Clothiers
Greyson Clothiers is an apparel and retail company dedicated to creating innovative, high-quality clothing and lifestyle products. We are driven by our passion for excellence, authenticity, and community engagement. With a deep commitment to craftsmanship and design, we strive to inspire our customers through unique products that blend performance and style.