Product Development Manager

Job Description

Job Description

WE ARE CURRENTLY HIRING A PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER AT OUR DOWNEY, CA LOCATION

OBJECTIVE 
Responsible for overseeing the end-to-end product development process from initial design concept through production handoff. This role ensures that all products meet the company's standards for quality, fit, construction, cost, and delivery timelines. Must have extensive knowledge of apparel manufacturing, fabric development, garment construction, technical specifications, sourcing, and production processes. This position requires strong leadership, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills to effectively manage development timelines and collaborate with cross-functional teams and overseas manufacturing partners.

• Manage the complete product development lifecycle from initial concept through production approval.
• Daily communication with fabric mills, garment vendors, and sourcing partners.
• Partner closely with Design, Merchandising, Technical Design, and Production teams to execute seasonal collections.
• Ensure costing and quality requirements are met, while achieving development deadlines.
• Oversee proto development and proto status tracking through adoption.
• Identify potential development challenges/ delays and proactively recommend solutions.
• Daily communication with all vendors regarding development questions and follow up.
• Oversee fabric, trim, wash, print, embroidery, and embellishment development.
• Review and approve lab dips, strike-offs, fabric quality submissions, and trim samples in collaboration with Design.
• Partner with vendors to resolve material availability, lead-time, and minimum order quantity challenges.

• Request and manage cost negotiations with all vendors. Ensure accurate costing information is maintained throughout the development process.
• Analyze and review costing, fabric consumption, garment construction, trims, and manufacturing methods to optimize costs.
• Partner with Design and Merchandising to identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising product quality.
• Evaluate fabric consumption, garment construction, trims, and manufacturing methods to optimize costs.
• Monitor cost changes and communicate cost changes to cross-functional teams.

Fit, Quality & Technical Development:

• Collaborate with Technical Design to ensure fit consistency, accurate specifications, and construction standards.
• Participate in fit sessions and provide recommendations for garment construction and production feasibility.
• Review technical packages, measurement specifications, grading requirements, and construction details.
• Identify potential quality issues during development and implement corrective actions before bulk production.
• Ensure products comply with company quality standards, testing requirements, and applicable regulations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Serve as the primary liaison between Design, Merchandising, Technical Design, Sourcing, and Production teams.
• Lead development meetings to review sample status, costing, approvals, and development challenges.
• Provide regular updates to senior management regarding development progress, risks, and key decisions.
• Ensure accurate product information and development documentation are maintained in Full Circle.

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent work experience.

• 7–10+ years of experience in apparel product development, sourcing, or manufacturing.
• 3+ years of management or team leadership experience preferred.
• Strong experience working with overseas factories and global supply chains.
• Extensive knowledge of garment construction, textiles, fit, production processes, and quality standards.

• Strong understanding of woven and knit garment construction.
• Proficiency in garment costing, fabric consumption, and margin analysis.
• Experience reviewing technical packages, specifications, and sample comments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Effective communication, negotiation, and vendor management skills.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

PAY TRANSPARENCY 

This position pays $85k annual base salary. 

Since the late 1990's, James Perse has defined Southern California style. Our collections for men, women and home - which have become synonymous with sophistication, detail and quality - are sold in over 70 James Perse boutiques, as well as in fine department and specialty stores around the world.

Our employees are smart, creative, passionate and service-driven individuals who meet the same superior standards we set for our products. We embrace talented people with diverse backgrounds and experiences, and support policies and practices that prohibit discrimination against any person because of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

JAMES PERSE offers competitive benefits packages, including health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, an employee assistance program, paid vacation, paid sick time, a retirement savings plan with company match, and a generous employee discount.

To view and learn more about our open positions visit: 

We appreciate your interest in our company and look forward to hearing from you.

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