Centric Brands is a leading lifestyle brand collective that designs, sources, markets and sells high quality products in multiple segments, including women’s, men’s and kid’s apparel, accessories, entertainment and beauty. Centric Brands is focused on our customers and our brands that will drive the company’s future growth. We are defined by innovation as we seize new opportunities and thrive in an environment informed by creativity and thinking that is both analytical and outside the box. Centric Brands reflects a team built on respect, for others and for the hard work it takes to achieve our goals and build our bright future together.
Specific Responsibilities Would Include:The Costing Manager is responsible for leading product development, costing, and supplier engagement for the Underwear category. This role partners closely with Design, Technical Design, and Production teams to develop commercially viable products that meet quality, margin, and speed-to-market objectives.
Product Development Leadership
- Lead the end-to-end product development process from concept through production handoff.
- Collaborate with Design and Technical teams to translate design intent into manufacturable, cost-effective products.
- Evaluate garment construction, materials, trims, packaging, and production methods to identify opportunities for cost optimization and product enhancement.
- Drive innovation in fabrics, technologies, and manufacturing techniques to improve product performance and value.
Costing & Margin Management
- Own category costing strategy and ensure products are developed within target cost parameters.
- Create detailed cost analyses and identify opportunities for margin improvement through value engineering.
- Challenge supplier quotations and negotiate competitive pricing while maintaining quality and compliance standards.
- Develop alternative sourcing, material, and construction options to achieve financial targets.
- Monitor raw material cost trends and assess impact on business profitability.
- Provide costing recommendations and risk assessments to support business decisions.
Supplier & Sourcing Management
- Build strong partnerships with strategic underwear suppliers across China and Asia.
- Evaluate supplier capabilities, capacity, and cost competitiveness.
- Lead supplier negotiations related to product costs, development fees, and production efficiencies.
- Drive supplier performance improvements through continuous evaluation and collaboration.
- Identify and onboard new suppliers that bring innovation, competitiveness, or technical expertise.
- Bachelor's Degree in Textile, Apparel, Merchandising, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or related discipline
- 8 -10 years’ experience in apparel product costing; 5 years of experience with Intimates product
- Strong experience in the Underwear / Intimates category is preferred.
- Deep understanding of underwear garment construction, fabric technologies, trims, packaging, and manufacturing processes.
- Demonstrated expertise in costing, margin management, value engineering, and supplier negotiations.
- Experience working with global brands and international sourcing organizations.
- Demonstrated leadership skills to inspire, motivate, and develop a high-performing team
- Proven track record of driving team results and achieving goals
- Advanced Excel and costing analysis skills
- Experience with PLM systems, Infor Nexus, Inspectorio, or similar sourcing platforms.
- Strong analytical and presentation skills
- Good commands of both Spoken and written English and Chinese
Competency Requirements ((if applicable))
Leadership Commitments:
- Inspire Others
- Grow Talent
- Promote Belonging
- Spark Ownership
Behavioral Competencies:
- Decision Making.
- Communication.
- Collaboration.
- Conflict Management and Problem Solving.
- Driving Execution.
Language Proficiency:
Fluent in: English
Specific Working Conditions
Frequency of Travel: As required.
Be part of our growing community by getting involved with groups, teams and initiatives like Be Green, Be Giving, and Be Celebrated.
Centric Brands is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Textile, Apparel, Merchandising, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline
- 8–10 years of experience in apparel product costing
- At least 5 years of experience with intimates products
- Strong experience in the underwear or intimates category
- Deep understanding of underwear garment construction, fabric technologies, trims, packaging, and manufacturing processes
- Expertise in costing, margin management, value engineering, and supplier negotiations
- Experience working with global brands and international sourcing organizations
- Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to develop a high-performing team
- Proven track record of driving team results and achieving goals
- Advanced Excel and costing analysis skills
- Experience with PLM systems, Infor Nexus, Inspectorio, or similar sourcing platforms
- Strong analytical and presentation skills
- Fluency in spoken and written English
- Fluency in spoken and written Chinese
What We Do
Centric Brands is a leading lifestyle brand collective that designs, sources, markets, and sells high-quality products in the kids, men’s and women’s apparel, accessories, beauty, and entertainment categories. The Company’s portfolio includes licenses for more than 100 iconic brands, including Calvin Klein®, Tommy Hilfiger®, Nautica®, Spyder®, and Under Armour® in the kid’s category; Joe’s Jeans®, Buffalo®, and Hervé Léger® in the men’s and women’s apparel category; Kate Spade®, Michael Kors®, All Saints®, Frye®, Timberland®, and Jessica Simpson® in the accessories category; and in the entertainment category, Disney®, Marvel®, Nickelodeon®, and Warner Brothers® among many others. The Company also owns and operates brands such as Zac Posen®, Hudson®, Robert Graham®, Avirex®, and Taste Beauty® and operates a joint venture brand, Favorite Daughter, with Sara and Erin Foster. The Company’s products are sold primarily in North America through leading mass-market retailers, specialty and department stores, and online. Centric Brands LLC has unparalleled expertise in product design, development and sourcing, retail and digital commerce, marketing, and brand building. The Company is headquartered in New York City, with U.S. offices in Los Angeles and Greensboro, and international offices in London, Toronto, and Montreal. For more information about Centric Brands, please visit https://www.centricbrands.com.
