Manager, Technical Handbags (based in Dougguan, China)
Gap Inc. · Hyderabad
About the Role
This role serves as a technical expert for handbags, combining deep expertise in Handbag sample development, construction engineering and supplier technical capability building. Based in Dongguan, China, this position partners closely with suppliers and cross-functional teams to ensure products are commercially executable while maintaining design intent, quality standards and manufacturing integrity.The role plays a critical part in translating design concepts into production-ready solutions while driving cost transparency, improving sample execution and enhancing supplier technical capabilities. By integrating cost engineering principles with product expertise, this position supports better decision-making, strengthens supplier performance, and delivers high-quality products at the right cost and speed.
What You'll Do
Technical construction & Sample Development
Act as the technical expert for handbags, leading construction, sample development and execution
Evaluate design feasibility, construction complexity and production risks early in development
Partner with Design and Product Development to ensure products are commercially viable and aligned with design intent
Supplier Performance & Capability Development
Play a key role in reducing technical risk, improving sample execution, and assessing supplier technical capabilities across handbag construction, materials, hardware and finishing techniques
Reduce development lead times through improved sample execution and process efficiency
Drive supplier performance improvement through technical leadership, capability building, and structured problem-solving
Partner with supplier teams to improve productivity, efficiency and overall manufacturing performance
Cost Engineering & Commercial Optimization
Lead strategic costing and supplier negotiations to achieve target margins and cost competitiveness
Drive cost and value engineering initiatives to optimize product cost, manufacturability, and scalability
Build and validate detailed product costing to ensure transparency, accuracy, and alignment with suppliers
Support in the development of factory level/country level cost competitive matrix
Who You Are
Proven experience in luxury or premium handbag product development
Background working with global handbag brands preferred
Strong exposure in handbag manufacturing environments
Demonstrated experience in supplier management and production execution
Technical & Category Expertise: Deep knowledge of handbag construction, including materials, hardware, and finishing techniques. Able to assess design feasibility, complexity, and execution risks, translating creative concepts into manufacturable products while maintaining premium quality and brand standards.
Commercial Acumen: Good understanding of cost drivers across materials, labor, and production processes. Skilled in negotiations and managing trade-offs, with the ability to identify value engineering opportunities that optimize cost while protecting product quality and brand intent.
Supplier & Execution Management: Proven ability to manage supplier performance across quality, cost, delivery, and compliance. Drives accountability through clear communication, strong follow-through, and proactive issue resolution while building effective, long-term vendor partnerships.
Collaboration & Influence: Effective cross-functional partner who communicates clearly and influences stakeholders without direct authority. Able to align diverse teams, balance creative and commercial priorities, and ensure smooth execution across design, development, and production.
Quality & Problem Solving: Detail-oriented with a strong quality-first mindset suited to premium products. Applies structured problem-solving and root-cause analysis to resolve issues, prevent recurrence, and maintain high standards in fast-paced, complex environments.
Ways of Working: Highly organized and disciplined, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and tight timelines. Uses data to inform decisions, remains resilient under pressure, and operates with a global mindset and cultural awareness, particularly in manufacturing environments.