Research And Development Manager

WE ARE HIRING: R&D MANAGER

Key Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree (S1) in Fashion Design, Garment Engineering, Textile Engineering, or a related engineering field
• Minimum 5–8 years of experience in Garment Product Development/R&D, with at least 3 years in a managerial position (Manager or Lead) within export garment manufacturing or large-scale retail fashion
• In-depth expertise in digital garment pattern construction, grading techniques, marker making (Optitex/Gerber), and industrial sewing machine operations
• Comprehensive understanding of fabric characteristics (woven & knit), material shrinkage management, and basic textile laboratory testing
• Proficient in reading, verifying, and developing highly accurate, export-standard technical specification sheets (Tech Packs)
• Strong technical analytical skills with the ability to solve garment construction issues, demonstrating decisiveness and high attention to detail regarding dimensional measurements
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken, for technical correspondence with international buyers and material vendors

Job Summary

• Lead and manage all textile research, digital pattern engineering, and sample prototyping activities to ensure designs are translated into precise, durable, well-fitting garments ready for efficient mass production
• Oversee the end-to-end product engineering workflow, from design sketch reception and digital master pattern creation to lab testing and physical sample assembly (Proto, Fit, Pre-Production Sample)
• Direct new fabric research, overseeing shrinkage tests, colorfastness evaluations, and the establishment of technical material tolerances prior to the cutting process
• Verify and grant final technical approval for digital CAD patterns (Optitex), size grading, and cutting markers to maximize fabric consumption efficiency
• Lead fitting sessions with designers and technical teams to evaluate wearability, size proportions, and garment construction stability
• Analyze sewing feasibility and proactively instruct design modifications or alternative construction methods to prevent technical defects during mass factory production
• Control the absolute accuracy of final Tech Packs, including stitch details, measurement charts/tolerances, and garment assembly instructions
• Manage Sample Room capacity and production schedules to ensure all prototype handover targets align with product launch timelines
• Collaborate with Merchandiser Costing and Industrial Engineering (IE) teams regarding actual Bill of Materials (BOM) consumption and estimated sewing durations (SAM/SMV)
• Mentor, direct, and evaluate the performance of Pattern Makers, Sample Makers, and fabric laboratory technicians
• Manage the periodic maintenance of pattern plotters, sample cutting machines, and specialized sewing equipment in the Sample Room
• Exercise authority to reject pattern releases or suspend sampling if materials fail laboratory testing (e.g., excessive shrinkage) until pattern adjustments are finalized