Deputy Manager – Product Development & Merchandising (Western Pret)

The Deputy Manager – Product Development & Merchandising for the Western Pret category will oversee the entire product lifecycle, ensuring that the collection aligns with the brand’s identity, market trends, and commercial objectives. Reporting to the Manager of Product Development and based in Lahore, this role involves managing everything from assortment planning, concept and design development to sourcing, costing, sampling, and final production merchandising. The position requires close collaboration with design, sourcing, production teams, and vendors to deliver high-quality products within agreed timelines and budgets.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development:
Develop seasonal timelines for Western Pret in coordination with design and planning teams, ensuring samples are delivered on schedule. Manage the full product development cycle from the initial design brief to the final approved product. Translate trend research, customer insights, and brand aesthetics into commercially viable product concepts. Oversee sampling calendars, fit approvals, and vendor/factory sign-offs. Ensure timely preparation of tech packs, bills of materials (BOMs), and specification sheets. Coordinate fabric, trim, and print/embroidery development with sourcing teams.

Merchandising:
Manage seasonal product development in line with the approved collection calendar and launch deadlines. Maintain detailed product development trackers covering style status, sampling, costing, approvals, and production readiness. Monitor the entire assortment and escalate critical delays to the line manager. Facilitate smooth product handovers from Design/Product Development to Production with strong follow-ups. Ensure all product information is complete before handover. Review costing against approved target prices and identify any variances. Collaborate with Design, Sourcing, Production, and Vendors to meet target costing without compromising product quality. Address costing issues early in the development process. Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, suppliers, and factories. Communicate development requirements, timelines, quality expectations, and technical specifications clearly. Follow up on pending samples, fabrics, trims, accessories, and other development inputs. Resolve development-related challenges through coordination with internal and external stakeholders. Monitor vendor/factory performance in terms of quality, development speed, responsiveness, and adherence to timelines.

Calendar & Critical Path Management:
Maintain the complete seasonal critical path from design handover through final product approval. Track key milestones including design handover, fabric/trim availability, proto development, fit approval, revised samples, costing, final approval, production handover, and bulk readiness. Identify potential delays early and implement corrective actions. Ensure all critical development and production activities are completed within agreed timelines. Provide regular, accurate updates on seasonal development and production status for management review. Offer clear recommendations and action plans for delayed or problematic developments. Work closely with vendors and factories on costing negotiations, capacity planning, quality standards, and follow-ups on vendor bills and payments.

Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Fashion Design, Merchandising, Textiles, or a related field.
5 to 8 years of experience in apparel product development and merchandising, preferably within Western wear or Pret categories.
Strong knowledge of garment construction, fabrics, and costing principles.
Proficiency in Excel, PLM systems, and range planning tools.
Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data and market trends.
Strong vendor management and negotiation capabilities.
Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

This role is based at the Head Office and Factory in Lahore and requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience. The Deputy Manager will play a pivotal role in ensuring product excellence and timely delivery, contributing directly to the brand’s commercial success.