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Job Analysis:
The Product Development Manager role at Dana-co is fundamentally about ensuring that luxury intimate apparel products move seamlessly from concept to market while maintaining the highest standards of quality, innovation, and profitability. The position requires overseeing the day-to-day operations of both the Product Development and Grading teams, which means managing complex coordination among internal stakeholders—Design, Merchandising, Technical Design, and Production—as well as maintaining strong, communicative relationships with external vendors and factories. Key responsibilities such as managing calendars, tracking samples, negotiating costs, and aligning factory capacity reflect the dual challenge of balancing creativity with operational discipline. Given the luxury focus and brand identity, attention to detail in materials and standards is crucial, as is the ability to lead and motivate teams while maintaining strict timelines and margin targets. Success in this role means the candidate must be proactive in anticipating bottlenecks, skilled at vendor negotiations to protect margin, and adept at fostering a cross-functional team environment where innovation aligns with commercial realities. With 7+ years of relevant experience and 2-3 years in management, the candidate needs a blend of technical product knowledge—especially in intimates or women’s fashion—and strategic leadership to navigate a fast-paced, high-stakes product lifecycle.
Company Analysis:
Dana-co occupies a prestigious position within the luxury intimate apparel market, known for its artistic, innovative, and highly differentiated lingerie brands such as Natori and Skarlett Blue. As a licensed exclusive brand manager and importer, the company combines design excellence with a forward-thinking vision, emphasizing the creation of better products that resonate deeply with an upscale, loyal clientele. The company’s culture likely values creativity meshed with operational excellence, fostering a collaborative yet structured environment to support premium product standards. Given the company’s upper-tier market positioning, this role will have significant influence, requiring not only technical product development acumen but an ambassadorial presence to uphold the brand’s reputation for quality and innovation. Dana-co’s commitment to inclusion and support also hints at a team culture that values diversity and mutual respect, which is critical for a leadership role that spans multiple departments and external partners. Strategically, this role is pivotal to the company’s continued success, ensuring timely launches and margin control in a competitive luxury segment. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate adaptability, strong communication skills, and a passion for premium intimate apparel to succeed and grow within this stable, yet dynamic company.