Senior Manager, Apparel Product Development

Varsity Brands

. Lead execution of custom sports uniform and apparel development across assigned adidas accounts, programs, and product categories .

Posted 9/15/2026full-timeRemote • Oregon • United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates advanced knowledge of apparel product development processes, including client intake, concept translation, and commercialization. Proven ability to lead high-performing teams, manage complex development programs, and drive cross-functional alignment while ensuring adherence to quality and brand standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Apparel Product DevelopmentCustom Sports UniformsProject ManagementCost ManagementTeam Leadership

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Garment ConstructionFitFabricsDecoration MethodsManufacturing ProcessesTechnical SpecificationsQuality AssuranceFinancial PlanningMargin AnalysisForecasting

Soft Skills

Organizational SkillsCommunication SkillsClient Relationship ManagementProblem-SolvingCoaching

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OfficePLM SystemsProject Management ToolsClickUpOMSAS400

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in FashionProduct DevelopmentBusiness AdministrationProject ManagementEngineering

Industry Keywords

Technical ApparelTeam Sports ApparelPerformance ApparelManufacturing OperationsSupply Chain Operations

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead execution of custom sports uniform and apparel development across assigned adidas accounts, programs, and product categories
Lead planning and execution from client intake and concept translation through sampling, approvals, production readiness, and commercialization
Manage multiple concurrent development programs, identifying risks and adjusting priorities, timelines, or resources
Translate adidas requirements into development plans, timelines, resource needs, technical specifications, and production deliverables
Ensure development activities support cost, margin, quality, performance, and client service targets
Provide technical leadership on custom sports uniforms, garment construction, fit, materials, decoration methods, manufacturing feasibility, quality, and commercialization
Drive alignment across Technical Design, Pattern, Artwork, Costing, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, commercial teams, and adidas stakeholders
Serve as primary Product Development liaison to assigned adidas stakeholders
Partner with internal teams and manufacturing partners to transition approved concepts and prototypes into scalable production
Monitor development costs, margin performance, resource requirements, and financial risks
Establish and optimize product development processes, tools, documentation, and best practices
Monitor KPIs and reporting for delivery, quality, productivity, cost, capacity, and client service
Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies for product, quality, capacity, and timelines
Investigate quality issues, identify root causes, and lead corrective actions
Ensure products meet adidas quality, performance, compliance, and brand standards
Drive continuous improvement across workflows, systems, documentation, handoffs, and operational processes
Provide project updates, risk assessments, capacity insights, and business recommendations to leadership
Support development planning, resource strategies, workforce planning, and organizational initiatives
Recommend workload allocation, staffing, process investments, systems, and capabilities
Lead, mentor, and develop Product Development team members
Establish team priorities and performance expectations; provide coaching, feedback, and professional development
Support workforce planning, succession planning, hiring recommendations, retention efforts, and talent development
Serve as escalation point for adidas product development challenges

Requirements

What you’ll need

Advanced knowledge of apparel product development processes from client intake and concept translation through commercialization and production readiness
Strong knowledge of custom sports uniforms, technical apparel, garment construction, fit, fabrics, trims, decoration methods, costing, manufacturing processes, and production requirements
Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams in a fast-paced, client-focused environment
Strong project management, organizational, and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple complex development programs simultaneously
Demonstrated ability to manage strategic client or brand relationships, communicate with complex external stakeholders, and drive cross-functional alignment without direct authority
Strong business acumen with knowledge of cost management, margin analysis, budgeting, productivity measurement, forecasting, and commercialization processes
Ability to translate client requirements into executable product development plans, technical deliverables, resource priorities, and operational actions
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, PLM systems, project management and workflow tools; ClickUp experience preferred
Familiarity with major global brand standards, structured client approval processes, and strategic account development programs preferred
Demonstrated ability to use operational data to identify risks, improve processes, and scale development capabilities
Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency preferred
Bachelor's degree in Fashion, Product Development, Business Administration, Project Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered
7+ years of apparel development, product development, technical apparel, manufacturing, or related experience
3+ years of people leadership experience with responsibility for coaching, performance management, and employee development
Experience managing complex, high-volume product development programs for major brands, strategic clients, or licensed partners
Experience in custom sports uniforms, team sports apparel, or technical performance apparel preferred
Experience with financial planning, cost management, forecasting, and operational performance reporting
Experience working with manufacturing or supply chain operations in Central or North America preferred; experience with PLM, OMS, AS400, and project management systems preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive Health Care Benefits
HSA Employer Contribution/ FSA Opportunities
Wellbeing Program
401(k) plan with company matching
Company paid Life, AD&D, and Short-Term Disability
Generous My Time Off & Paid Holidays
Varsity Brands Ownership Program
Employee Resource Groups
Access to Financial Coaching and member-owned Credit Union
St. Jude Partnership & Volunteer Opportunities
Employee Perks including discounts on personal apparel and equipment!