About Meridian Blue
You may not know our name, but you likely know our products and the brands we make them for. Meridian Blue Apparel is a global team that develops, produces, and supports apparel for brands, retailers, distributors, and decoration partners — from national private-label programs to our own growing blanks line of headwear, tees, polos, hoodies, and outerwear. Our purpose is simple: products customers love, with great design and performance at exceptional value. We move fast, own the work from concept to market, and give our team room to shape how the company grows
Position Summary
The VP of Product Development & Design leads the company's product creation strategy and execution, overseeing the end-to-end product development process from concept through production readiness. This role is responsible for identifying, creating, and developing the company's product portfolio while ensuring products meet expectations for quality, fit, performance, cost, and delivery timelines.
While the Sourcing Leadership are responsible for supplier strategy, factory relationships, costing negotiations, and production sourcing, the VP of Product Development & Design owns the product development process and partners closely with Sourcing to ensure products are technically sound, commercially viable, and ready for production.
This role works cross-functionally with Brand Management, Sourcing, Production, Sales, and Marketing to drive seasonal product initiatives, improve development processes, and support the company's growth through innovative and compelling product offerings.
The ideal candidate combines exceptional apparel expertise with strong business acumen, project management capabilities, and collaborative leadership.
Core Responsibilities
Product Development & Design Leadership
Lead and inspire the product development and design team which includes designers working across brands and customer programs to create innovative, brand-aligned, and commercially successful collections across multiple apparel categories
Direct concept development, seasonal storytelling, color direction, fabric selection, silhouette development, and product innovation; develop product architecture, assortment strategies, and category expansion opportunities; identify emerging consumer, market, fashion, and competitive trends to ensure product relevance
Lead the Technical Design function and oversee technical development processes with factory partners
Present seasonal product strategies, collections, and development updates to executive leadership
Own the Product Development and Design operating budget, including staffing, samples, testing, outside design resources, technology, travel, and development investments
Establish, report, and continuously improve Product Development and Design KPIs including calendar adherence, sample approval efficiency, cost-target achievement, testing performance, product quality, launch readiness, development spending, and commercial product performance
Working with leadership, develop and execute a multi-year product creation strategy aligned with Meridian Blue's growth plan, brand portfolio, customer-channel priorities, target margins, sourcing capabilities, and market opportunities while managing development risks, bottlenecks, and resource constraints and implement corrective actions.
Factory Development & Vendor Collaboration
Partner with the Sourcing Leaders and factory partners to ensure technical product requirements, construction standards, and manufacturability objectives are achieved.
Resolve technical challenges throughout sample development.
Collaborate with Sourcing on quality improvements, manufacturability, and cost optimization while maintaining clear ownership of sourcing responsibilities.
Lead weekly development meetings with factory partners to monitor progress and resolve issues.
Product Testing & Quality
Coordinate product wear testing and field-testing programs where necessary.
Review testing feedback and oversee product revisions to improve fit, function, and performance.
Partner with Sourcing and Production Teams to drive continuous quality improvement throughout the development process.
Ideal Background & Qualifications
10+ years of progressive leadership experience in apparel product development and design across multiple product categories.
Exceptional design sensibility and strong commercial product judgment.
Deep knowledge of apparel construction, fit, fabrics, trims, technical development, and manufacturing methods.
Strong understanding of the apparel product lifecycle and product development processes.
Proven experience leading cross-functional product development teams.
Excellent communication, presentation, and leadership skills.
Passion for mentoring, coaching, and developing high-performing teams.
Key Traits for Success
Proven ability to lead organizations through change while adapting priorities to evolving business needs.
Highly organized with exceptional project management skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives while meeting critical deadlines.
Strategic thinker who balances creativity with commercial objectives and sound technical decision-making.
Strong technical problem-solving skills with excellent critical thinking and business judgment.
Collaborative leader who builds trust, alignment, and accountability across internal teams and external partners.
Confident decision-maker who thrives in fast-paced, evolving environments and is comfortable making decisions in ambiguous situations.
Compensation & Benefits
The compensation range for this role is [range]. The position will include a base salary plus commission or other performance-based compensation tied to program results.
Benefits include:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k)
Flexible paid time off
Hybrid work environment
To Apply
Email your resume to careers@m3-global.com with VP of Product Development and Design in the subject line.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Meridian Blue Apparel is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.