SENIOR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER – PERFORMANCE APPAREL
An exciting opportunity has become available for an experienced Senior Product Development Manager to lead the product and design function for a high-growth performance apparel business operating at the forefront of innovation, speed to market, and technical excellence.
This is a senior leadership role with real influence - owning the end-to-end product strategy and guiding the development of purpose-built, high-performance product ranges that serve teams, athletes, and communities nationwide.
Why You’ll Love It
Competitive senior leadership salary
KPI-based bonus when performance targets are achieved
1 day working from home after successful completion of probation
High-impact leadership role with ownership across product, design, and delivery
Opportunity to collaborate with global partners and industry specialists
Join a values-led, fast-moving business with strong momentum and ambition
The Role
As a Senior Product Development Manager, you’ll set the vision and direction for the product portfolio, leading the full lifecycle from concept and design through to production, launch, and in-market performance.
You’ll balance creative vision with technical expertise and commercial discipline, ensuring all products meet brand, margin, quality, and go-to-market expectations. This role requires strong leadership, the ability to influence cross-functionally, and deep experience in performance or technical apparel.
Interested? Email your CV to seirian@whointhezoo.com.au or apply via the link for a confidential discussion in the new year.
*Only suitable candidates will be contacted in relation to their application.
Hiring Consultant: Seirian Puw
Job Code: 1425159
Please note that only those applicants who fit the brief will be contacted in relation to their application.
RESPONSIBILITIES +
- Define and execute the overall product strategy aligned to business objectives
- Lead end-to-end design and development across multiple product categories
- Translate customer, athlete, and market insights into commercially successful ranges
- Own critical path timelines, development milestones, and go-to-market execution
- Partner with suppliers to optimise cost, capacity, quality, and lead times
- Oversee assortment architecture including SKUs, size curves, materials, trims, and packaging
- Ensure robust quality standards and consistent product performance
- Collaborate closely with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Operations teams
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Product & Design team
- Drive continuous improvement across product processes, governance, and innovation
REQUIREMENTS +
- Proven experience leading product development in performance, sports, or technical apparel
- Strong background managing product from concept through to market
- Deep knowledge of performance fabrics, trims, and embellishment techniques
- Excellent critical path and go-to-market management capability
- Commercially astute with experience optimising cost and margin through supplier partnerships
- Confident leader who can influence senior stakeholders and develop high-performing teams
- Clear communicator with a solutions-focused, collaborative mindset
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, seasonal, and deadline-driven environment