Senior Manager, Product Development

Senior Manager of Product DevelopmentWe are seeking a strategic and experienced Senior Manager of Product Development to lead the development and execution of artist merchandise collections across live events/touring and eCommerce drops.This role serves as a senior leader within the Product Development team, owning complex, high-visibility artist programs from ideation through production handoff. You will work closely with Creative and key cross-functional partners to build commercially successful collections across printables, cut-and-sew apparel, and custom/domestic accessories.The ideal candidate combines strong technical development expertise with financial acumen, vendor strategy experience, and the ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, activation-driven music environment.Strategic Product LeadershipLead end-to-end development of major artist collections across tour and eCommerce channels.Partner with Creative at the concept stage to shape line architecture, product mix, and category expansion opportunities.Translate artist vision into commercially viable product assortments.Provide recommendations on category growth, fabrication strategy, and price tiering.Team Leadership & OversightManage and mentor Product Development Managers and/or Coordinators.Oversee workload allocation across artists and launches.Ensure team adherence to development timelines, process standards, and data accuracy.Elevate team capabilities through coaching and best practice implementation.Vendor Strategy & SourcingLead vendor sourcing strategy across domestic and international partners.Allocate programs based on capability, speed-to-market, margin targets, and quality performance.Negotiate costing, MOQs, and timelines at a senior level.Build long-term vendor partnerships to support scalable growth.Development ExecutionOversee material selection, trims, construction details, and print techniques.Provide fit direction and oversee sample review and approvals.Ensure accuracy and completeness of tech packs and product specs within PLM.Monitor sample tracking and development progress across multiple concurrent launches.Timeline & Activation ManagementOwn T&A calendars aligned to tour dates, album releases, and eCommerce drop schedules.Anticipate and mitigate risk related to launch timing.Ensure cross-functional alignment with Creative, Production, Planning, and Sales teams.Financial Ownership & Commercial StrategyEstablish target costing across collections.Review P&Ls and ensure margin goals are met.Recommend retail pricing (RRP/MSRP) strategy based on market positioning and profitability targets.Identify cost engineering opportunities while preserving product integrity.Systems & Operational ExcellenceMaintain accurate and timely product data within PLM.Oversee ERP product setup inputs and ensure costing integrity.Support process improvements to drive scalability and efficiency.Quality & Production HandoffSet QA standards and provide direction to vendors.Ensure approved samples meet quality, fit, and construction expectations.Partner with Production to ensure seamless bulk transition.Bring Your Vibe5-7 years of experience in apparel and/or accessories product development.Experience in music merchandise, entertainment, streetwear, or drop-driven businesses preferred.Strong technical expertise across printables, cut-and-sew, and custom accessories.Demonstrated vendor sourcing and negotiation experience.Experience leading or mentoring team members.Strong financial acumen, including P&L review and pricing strategy.Proficiency in PLM systems and ERP platforms.Exceptional ability to manage multiple high-pressure launches simultaneously.A senior product developer who can balance creativity, speed, and margin.A leader who elevates both product and process.A strategic thinker who understands the business impact of development decisions.A strong cross-functional partner and communicator.Someone who thrives in the fast pace of tours, surprise drops, and cultural moments.Perks PlaylistJoin an entrepreneurial, global organization where authenticity, boldness, creativity, connection, drive, and insight aren't just valuesthey're how we work every day. Here are some of the ways we support you along the way (and just a few of the benefits we offer):Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverageIncluding 100% coverage for out-patient in-network mental health servicesFertility coverage for eligible medical plan participantsWellbeing reimbursements for fitness classes, spa treatments, meal services, travel, and so much more (up to $720/year)Student Loan Repayment Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement401(k) with 100% immediate vesting on the first 5% of your contributions, plus an additional UMG contributionA variety of ways to prioritize much-needed time away from work including:Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) for exempt employees3-weeks PTO for non-exempt employees2-weeks paid Winter Break10 Company Holidays (including Juneteenth and Wellbeing Day)Summer Fridays (between Memorial Day and Labor Day)Generous paid parental leave for every type of parentCheck out our full overview of benefits on the Perks Playlist page of the career site.Disclaimer: This job description only provides an overview of job responsibilities that are subject to change. Universal Music Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.We are an E-Verify employer in Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah.Please note, UMG is not enrolled in E-Verify in California and New York, and cannot support employment of candidates whose employer must enroll in E-Verify, for example candidates on STEM-OPT.For more information, please click on the following links.E-Verify Participation Poster: English / SpanishE-Verify Right to Work Poster: English | SpanishJob Category: MerchandisingSalary Range: $81,00 - $100,000The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include, as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. All candidates are encouraged to apply.