Senior Manager Product Development Denim

Job Title: Product Development Denim

Department: Research & Development / Product Innovation

Reports To: Head R&D

Job Purpose:

To conceptualize, develop, and commercialize new denim fabrics and finishes aligned with market

trends, brand needs, and sustainability goals — ensuring quality, innovation, and cost-effectiveness

throughout the product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

1. New Product Innovation

• Develop new denim fabric concepts — blends, weaves, finishes, and washes — based on

seasonal trends, buyer requirements, or internal R&D strategy.

• Experiment with fiber blends (cotton, lyocell, modal, hemp, recycled fibers, etc.) to create

sustainable and performance-driven denim.

• Collaborate with spinning, dyeing, weaving, and finishing teams to conduct development

trials and bulk scale-ups.

2. Trend & Market Research

• Analyze global denim trends, color forecasts, and wash developments from key markets (EU,

US, Japan, etc.).

• Study competitor products and benchmark fabric performance, handle, and aesthetic.

• Attend trade fairs, exhibitions, and buyer meets to identify innovation opportunities.

3. Technical Development

• Design denim constructions (warp/weft counts, yarn types, weave structures like twill,

broken twill, dobby, etc.).

• Select appropriate indigo/Sulphur dye recipes and finishing techniques to achieve target

shades, cast, and hand feel.

• Ensure all new developments meet performance standards — shrinkage, skew, tensile

strength, tear strength, etc.

4. Sampling & Buyer Coordination

• Work closely with design and marketing teams to prepare concept swatches and

presentation samples.

• Coordinate with buyers/brands during product presentations, sample submissions, and

approvals.

• Incorporate buyer feedback and finalize production-ready versions.

5. Sustainability & Innovation

• Lead projects on eco-friendly denim — low-water dyeing, ozone, laser, and enzyme-based

finishing.

• Evaluate and implement new technologies like foam dyeing, e-flow finishing, or bio-based

indigo.

• Maintain compliance with sustainability certifications (GOTS, BCI, GRS, ZDHC, etc.).

6. Process Optimization

• Ensure smooth transition from lab development to bulk production with minimal variation.

• Collaborate with production teams to optimize parameters and reduce rework/waste.

7. Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain a development database with specifications, test results, and buyer feedback.

• Prepare monthly product innovation reports and trend presentations for management.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Education: B.Tech / M.Tech in Textile Technology, Textile Chemistry, or Fashion Technology.

• Experience:8-15 yrs