Manager - Product Development & Technology (Apparel)

The Employer is a global manufacturer of high-performance sportswear, lingerie, activewear and other apparels for top-tier global apparel brands. Driven by innovation, state-of-the art technologies, highest standards of quality, sustainability, process-orientation, ethical standards and supply chain efficiency, the company has been setting and exceeding industry benchmarks for sustainable and ethical apparel manufacturing.

It collaborates with several of world's leading apparel brands and nurtures long partnerships that have changed the course of the apparel industry over the last 4 decades. As one of world’s largest design-to-delivery solutions providers in the apparel and têxtile manufacturing industry, the company has more than 60 manufacturing facilities across 16 countries and design facilities in key locations across the globe. It employs about 100,000 employees worldwide of which close to 70 percent are women.

The company is looking for an experienced apparel technology and innovation professional to join the team at corporate HQ in Singapore:
**Position**:Manager - Product Development & Technology (Apparel)

**Job Code**:EXP/M-PD&T/Apparel/SG/0623

**Location**:Singapore

**Responsibilities**
- Analyse customer/consumer requirements and propose a product solution within its value propositions to create new business opportunities.
- Drive projects assigned by scouting new technologies, new machinery, identifying construction methods, biomechanics, human body performance to improve Technology readiness levels elevating product solutions offered whilst ensuring manufacturing feasibility.
- Drive the technology platform to become the number one technology solution provider for the entire product range.
- Be up to date on adoptable technology and identify potential partners to work with in a collaborative manner.
- Oversee, monitor and drive the creation of required SOPs when necessary, within different work streams and technology pillars in order to effectively and efficiently achieve set objectives.
- Guide the teams to ensure high attention to detail is provided on the newly created product portfolio to delight the customer.
- Build effective relationships and work in collaboration with business, development, technical and manufacturing teams of Divisions across the company.
- Facilitate in sharing knowledge and best practices across various business divisions to nurture a learning culture, enhance internal knowledge base and boost creative and innovative ideas.
- Identify existing knowledge/skills of the ecosystems at divisions and drive initiatives in collaboration with external or internal parties to bridge the skill/ knowledge gap.
- Facilitate and support New Product Introduction process initiatives for smooth product transition from Product Development to Manufacturing across all SBUs.
- Support and navigate digital product creation process through expertise to achieve the close body fit garments fit execution through digital platforms that are available.

**Requirements**:

- Graduate degree in Chemical, Engineering, Mechanical/Textile or Manufacturing Engineering. A post graduate diploma in Technology Management/Innovation would be preferred.
- At least 7-8 years of experience in Product Development, R&D or Product Innovation.
- In-depth product knowledge of apparel (especially sportswear and lingerie), têxtiles, high performance fabrics, garment accessories, manufacturing technologies and automation,
- Strong focus on product innovation, new technologies, digitalization, and ability to drive innovative changes across various teams.
- Ability to scan the global markets for emerging technologies and study competition’s moves and advances.
- Ability to interact with universities, independent labs, government bodies, innovative start-ups, and tech companies; and collaborate on specific initiatives and product development projects.
- Good communication and presentation skills
- Ability to travel, as required.
- Cross-cultural sensitivity