About the Role:
We are seeking a highly experienced, execution-focused Director of Product Development & Production to lead the end-to-end lifecycle of apparel programs across multiple categories, brands, and retail channels—including club, off-price, and mass market. This role is responsible for managing development and production from initial concept through final delivery, ensuring that product execution aligns with company objectives for cost, quality, speed, and margin.
You will oversee cross-functional teams, build vendor relationships, and ensure that licensed and owned brand programs are developed and delivered to the highest standards. This is a critical leadership role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume apparel environment and understands how to move product efficiently at scale.
Key Responsibilities:
- Product Development Leadership: Oversee seasonal development across multiple categories and brands; ensure product aligns with merchandising, design, cost, and fit standards
- Production Strategy & Execution: Own production timelines and allocation strategy across factories; monitor WIP and proactively manage risk around raw materials, capacity, or calendar delays
- Vendor Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with global factory partners; lead negotiations around cost, lead time, capacity planning, and compliance
- Costing & Margin Ownership: Drive margin performance by leading product costing conversations from early development through final PO; implement cost engineering where needed
- Calendar Management: Develop and enforce cross-functional development and production calendars; ensure all milestones are met, from proto and SMS to TOP and delivery
- Compliance & Testing Oversight: Partner with QA/Compliance teams to ensure all products meet regulatory and customer-specific standards (including labeling, testing, packaging, and restricted substances)
- Cross-Functional Partnership: Collaborate daily with Design, Merchandising, Sales, Technical Design, and Logistics to deliver on-time, profitable, and brand-right product
- Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of Product Development Managers, Production Managers, and Coordinators; drive process improvements and team accountability
- Reporting & Risk Management: Provide weekly reporting on T&A status, margin performance, and delivery risk; resolve issues before they impact customer deliveries
Skills & Qualifications:
- 10–15+ years of experience in apparel product development and production, with a strong background in high-volume or fast-turn programs
- Experience managing licensed programs and navigating licensor requirements (e.g. GAP, Orvis, Woolrich, Banana Republic, Express, etc.)
- Deep knowledge of apparel construction, global sourcing, cost negotiation, and manufacturing timelines
- Strong understanding of retail-specific compliance standards for club, off-price, and mass retailers (e.g., Costco, Sam’s Club, TJX, Nordstrom Rack, etc.)
- Expertise in PLM systems (Centric preferred), Excel, and cost sheet management tools
- Proven leadership and team management skills in a matrixed organization
- Ability to manage multiple product categories and programs simultaneously
- Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Production, Product Development, Supply Chain, or related field
Location Notice:
This is a full-time, onsite role based at our current headquarters in Bell, CA. In Q1 of 2026, we will relocate to our new corporate office in Beverly Hills, CA (90210). Candidates must be available to work onsite at both locations.
