Head of Product Development & Product Management

• Location: Surat, Gujarat | Global Manufacturing (India & China)

About the Role

Ishmat is building a premium activewear and lifestyle brand focused on performance, precision, and elevated design.

We are looking for a highly experienced and execution-driven leader who can manage end-to-end product development, sourcing, and production operations across India and China.

This is not a theory role — this is a building role.
You will transform creative ideas into world-class finished products while managing factories, quality, costing, and timelines across multiple time zones.

Key Responsibilities Product Development & Execution

• Translate design concepts and tech packs into production-ready garments
• Lead sampling from prototype to bulk production
• Improve fit, construction, durability, and performance
• Ensure premium finishing standards comparable to global brands

Factory & Vendor Management (India & China)

• Manage and strengthen relationships with manufacturing partners
• Identify and onboard new factory partners when required
• Negotiate pricing, MOQs, and production terms
• Oversee timelines from development to bulk delivery
• Proactively troubleshoot production challenges

Fabric & Trim Sourcing

• Source high-performance fabrics and trims
• Evaluate mills for quality, sustainability, and consistency
• Ensure durability, color fastness, and premium hand-feel

Quality Control & Standards

• Establish strict QA processes and SOPs
• Conduct inline and final inspections
• Maintain international premium benchmarks
• Reduce defects and improve consistency across size ranges

Costing & Production Planning

• Prepare detailed costing sheets
• Optimize margins without compromising quality
• Build seasonal production calendars
• Manage sampling and launch timelines across CST, IST & GST

Required Experience & Skills

• 3+ years in activewear or performance apparel production
• Strong knowledge of stretch fabrics, compression wear & garment construction
• Experience working with overseas manufacturers (India & China preferred)
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills
• Deep understanding of Indian manufacturing ecosystem
• Comfortable managing cross-time-zone coordination
• Strong execution mindset with attention to detail

Ideal Candidate

This person:

• Thinks like a brand owner, not just a manager
• Obsesses over quality and finishing
• Protects premium brand standards
• Is hands-on, proactive, and solution-oriented
• Can elevate products from “good” to “exceptional”

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: ₹20,000.00 - ₹45,000.00 per month

Work Location: In person