Product Development Manager

Lola Blankets is a fast-growing, design-driven brand creating the world’s most loved faux-fur blankets. With a devoted community, strong influencer presence, and rapid scale, we are redefining what comfort and style mean for the home. About the Role: We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Product Development Manager to lead the seasonal product development lifecycle from concept through pre-production. This role serves as the operational backbone of the product creation process, ensuring cross-functional alignment, vendor execution, and on-time delivery of seasonal mainline and collaboration drops. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, high-growth DTC environment and brings strong project management rigor, vendor communication expertise, and a deep understanding of apparel or soft goods development processes. Core Responsibilities: Seasonal Development Ownership Manage the end-to-end product development process for seasonal mainline and collaboration drops from initial concept through pre-production. Build and maintain seasonal product development calendars, ensuring milestone adherence across all categories. Track deliverables across proto, color sampling, photo shoot sampling, PR sampling, and pre-production stages to mitigate timeline risk. Cross-Functional Partnership Partner closely with Design, Sourcing, and Merchandising to align on product strategy, costing targets, and launch timing. Ensure design intent is executed within margin parameters and sourcing capabilities. Facilitate cross-functional meetings and provide clear status updates on development progress. Serve as the primary point of contact with vendors during proto development, color sampling, and pre-production phases. Partner with Tech Design to consolidate and communicate fit comments, construction updates, and material approvals. Proactively identify and resolve development challenges related to timing, quality, or costing. Technical Documentation & Process Management Partner with Design to initiate and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs), tech packs, and product specification documents. Ensure documentation accuracy and version control throughout the development lifecycle. Support the establishment and maintenance of quality control (QC) processes and standards. Track and approve lab dips, strike-offs, and material submissions in partnership with Design and Sourcing. Operational Excellence Monitor margin targets, sampling costs, and development expenses, as appropriate. Identify process improvements to streamline development workflows in a scaling organization. Maintain meticulous records and documentation to support scalable growth. This role is hybrid with an expectation to be in our office in Brooklyn 3 days per week. Qualifications: 4+ years of experience in product development at a fast-growing DTC apparel or home goods brand, at the Associate Manager or Manager level. Strong understanding of garment construction, sampling workflows, and vendor product development and production processes. Experience managing development calendars and seasonal timelines. Demonstrated ability to manage BOMs, tech packs, and QC documentation with precision. Exceptional organizational skills and acute attention to detail. Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to manage overseas vendor relationships. Proficiency in Excel proficiency required. Experience in PLM systems a plus. Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising, Product Development, or related field preferred. What We Offer: 401K with company match Paid time off and holidays An opportunity to make a direct impact on a high-growth, design-forward brand A collaborative, passionate, and purpose-driven team #J-18808-Ljbffr Lola Blankets