Manager/ Sr. Manager Product Innovation & Fabric Expert

About Company

Group Bayport is a rapidly growing global e-Commerce, B2B2C, B2B and B2C organization and an industry leader in print technology, operates in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, and India through its family of brands – Banner Buzz, Covers & All, Vivyx Printing, Circle One, Giant Media, Neon Earth, Optamark and North cape. From full suites of trade show and small business marketing solutions to sophisticated outdoor living covers, signages and shades to eclectic personal accents and home decor, we help our customers, clients, and partners to make a personalized statement through ,customization.

While our advanced technology and customer focus are certainly our salient attributes, our true strength comes from our team of 1800+ people. We are seeking exceptional talent across the board to join us in our exciting growth journey.

For more about Group Bayport, please visit

Website: https://groupbayport.com/about-us/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/groupbayport/mycompany/

Designation: Manager/ Sr. Manager- Product Innovation & Fabric Expert

Location: Gandhinagar

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

• 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.
• Accessories & Trim Innovation
• Develop and evaluate accessories such as:
• Buckles
• Straps
• Drawcords
• Elastic systems
• Velcro closures
• Air vents
• Handles
• Reinforcement patches
• Branding elements
• Identify opportunities to improve functionality and aesthetics through trims and hardware.
• 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
• 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.
• Product Engineering & Testing
• Define performance standards for each category.
• Conduct testing for:
• UV resistance
• Waterproofness
• Tear strength
• Abrasion resistance
• Color fastness
• Weathering performance
• Establish product validation protocols before commercialization.
• Create technical specifications and BOM standards.
• Competitive Benchmarking
• Benchmark leading brands in:
• Outdoor covers
• Furniture covers
• Grill covers
• Equipment covers
• Automotive covers
• Identify innovation trends and customer pain points.
• Recommend product upgrades based on market intelligence.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work closely with:
• Design Team
• Sourcing Team
• Manufacturing Team
• Quality Team
• Product Management Team
• Support pilot runs and commercialization of new products.
• Drive innovation projects from concept to production launch.
  
  

Key Deliverables (First 12 Months)

Product Enhancement

• Complete review of entire Covers portfolio.
• Develop category-wise premium product positioning strategy.
• Launch improved construction standards for all key categories.
  
  

Fabric Development

Identify and validate lighter-weight fabric alternatives.

Develop fabric matrix for each cover category.

Deliver minimum 3–5 new fabric innovations.

Innovation Pipeline

Launch minimum 10 product improvement initiatives.

Reduce product weight while maintaining performance standards.

Improve customer satisfaction related to fit, appearance, and functionality.

Cost & Value Improvement

Improve value perception without increasing product cost significantly.

Develop premium and value-engineered product tiers.

Key Requirements

Education

• B.Tech / B.E. Textile Technology
• Technical Textiles
• Apparel Technology
• Product Engineering
  
  

Experience

• 10–15+ years experience in:
• Technical textiles
• Outdoor products
• Protective covers
• Furniture covers
• Automotive covers
• Home furnishing products
• Product development
  
  

Technical Skills

• Fabric development and sourcing
• Sewing engineering
• Pattern development
• Technical textiles
• Product testing
• Product innovation
• Vendor development
• Cost engineering
  
  

Desired Industry Background

Preferred From

• Outdoor furniture cover manufacturers
• Automotive cover manufacturers
• Technical textile companies
• Home furnishing manufacturers
• Global brands specializing in outdoor protection products