Group Bayport - Manager/Senior Manager - Product Innovation & Fabric Expert

About the Role:

To lead product innovation and fabric development initiatives for the Covers category by improving product aesthetics, functionality, durability, and customer experience through advanced fabric research, innovative stitching techniques, accessories development, and product engineering. The role will be responsible for repositioning the entire Covers portfolio by identifying best-in-class fabrics, optimizing product construction, and introducing innovative design features that enhance perceived value while maintaining cost competitiveness.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Product Design & Aesthetic Enhancement:

- Review existing Covers portfolio and benchmark against global competitors.

- Develop innovative stitching patterns and construction methods to improve product appearance.

- Improve product fit, shape retention, and premium look.

- Introduce design elements that enhance customer perception and usability.

- Standardize product finishing specifications across categories.

- Improve packaging and presentation of finished products.

2. Accessories & Trim Innovation:

- Develop and evaluate accessories such as buckles, straps, drawcords, elastic systems, Velcro closures, air vents, handles, reinforcement patches, and branding elements.

- Identify opportunities to improve functionality and aesthetics through trims and hardware.

3. Fabric Research & Development:

- Lead fabric innovation programs for all cover categories.

- Evaluate lighter-weight fabrics without compromising durability.

- Develop category-wise fabric strategy based on weather resistance, UV resistance, water repellency, breathability, strength, cost, and customer expectations.

- Benchmark global fabric suppliers and technologies.

- Develop alternative fabric sourcing strategies to reduce cost and improve performance.

- Work with suppliers on new coating and finishing technologies.

4. Product Engineering & Testing:

- Define performance standards for each category.

- Conduct testing for UV resistance, waterproofness, tear strength, abrasion resistance, color fastness, and weathering performance.

- Establish product validation protocols before commercialization.

- Create technical specifications and BOM standards.

5. Competitive Benchmarking:

- Benchmark leading brands in outdoor covers, furniture covers, grill covers, equipment covers, and automotive covers.

- Identify innovation trends and customer pain points.

- Recommend product upgrades based on market intelligence.

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration:

- Work closely with Design, Sourcing, Manufacturing, Quality, and Product Management teams.

- Support pilot runs and commercialization of new products.

- Drive innovation projects from concept to production launch.

Key Deliverables (First 12 Months):

- Complete review of entire Covers portfolio.

- Develop category-wise premium product positioning strategy.

- Launch improved construction standards for all key categories.

- Identify and validate lighter-weight fabric alternatives.

- Deliver minimum 3 - 5 new fabric innovations.

- Launch minimum 10 product improvement initiatives.

- Improve value perception without increasing product cost significantly.

Key Requirements:

Education:

- B.Tech / B.E. Textile Technology, Technical Textiles, Apparel Technology, or Product Engineering.

Experience:

- 10 - 15+ years experience in technical textiles, outdoor products, protective covers, furniture covers, automotive covers, home furnishing products, and product development.

Technical Skills:

- Fabric development and sourcing, sewing engineering, pattern development, technical textiles, product testing, product innovation, vendor development, and cost engineering.

Desired Industry Background:

- Preferred from outdoor furniture cover manufacturers, automotive cover manufacturers, technical textile companies, home furnishing manufacturers, or global brands specializing in outdoor protection products.