Product Development Associate

Associate Product Developer

The Associate Product Developer supports the product development process from concept through production, partnering closely with Design, Technical Design, Product Development, and external vendors to achieve design intent, quality standards, cost objectives, and development timelines. This role is responsible for coordinating seasonal sampling, sourcing materials, managing development trackers, supporting factory communication, and ensuring development milestones are achieved. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, collaborative, and eager to grow within product development and handbag manufacturing.

Responsibilities:

Product Development & Sampling

• Support product development from concept through production under the direction of the Senior Product Development Manager
• Partner closely with Design and Technical Design teams to ensure tech packs are completed accurately, on time, and production feasible
• Collaborate with Design to create and maintain tech packs within WFX for seasonal development and sampling
• Process sample requests and coordinate allocation of materials and trims to factories and service providers throughout the development cycle
• Review development samples and communicate necessary changes to costing, specifications, and construction details
• Organize internal wear testing and assist with analyzing feedback to improve product performance
• Support seasonal sample tracking and maintain development calendars and milestone deadlines

Sourcing & Vendor Management

• Launch seasonal material sourcing initiatives with suppliers and vendors
• Manage material bookings to support seasonal development and sampling needs
• Maintain communication with factories, agents, and suppliers regarding sample status, ETAs, and development updates
• Lead weekly meetings and calls with factory and vendor partners as assigned
• Develop an understanding of MOQs, lead times, surcharges, and sourcing considerations for assigned products
• Manage vendor-sourced materials, trims, and components to ensure development accuracy and production readiness

Costing & Development Tracking

• Create and maintain seasonal development trackers and status reports
• Partner with factories to calculate material yields and improve material utilization and efficiency
• Audit BOMs and cost sheets within WFX to ensure accuracy prior to development milestones and production handoff
• Assist in maintaining accurate development records and product information throughout the development process
• Support preparation of development information required for production handoff meetings

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Design, Technical Design, Product Development, Production, Marketing, and external vendors throughout the development process
• Support seasonal handoff presentations to Production teams, ensuring all required development details are complete and accurate
• Communicate approved sample updates and product changes to Marketing and Ecommerce teams for photography and product launches
• Maintain positive and collaborative relationships with internal teams and external partners

Skills & Experience:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Merchandising, Product Development, or related field
• 25 years of experience in product development, merchandising, buying, or related field
• Understanding of the fashion product development process
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Google Workspace
• Ability to read and understand tech packs, BOMs, measurements, and product specifications
• Ability to measure products accurately using both metric and imperial measurement systems
• Strong initiative, curiosity, and willingness to learn
• Team-oriented mindset with strong problem-solving abilities

Preferred

• Experience communicating with overseas factories and vendors
• Knowledge of costing, sourcing, or manufacturing processes
• Experience with PLM systems or product tracking software
• WFX experience preferred
• Basic understanding of handbag construction, materials, and development processes
• Experience working within fashion, accessories, or consumer products industries

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while working at a computer, reviewing tech packs, and participating in meetings
• Frequent movement throughout office, warehouse, showroom, and sample storage areas to review materials and development samples
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to handle samples, materials, trims, hardware, measuring tools, and office equipment
• Ability to visually inspect colors, materials, construction details, hardware, and product quality with close attention to detail
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or move sample bags, materials, boxes, and supplies up to 30 pounds
• Ability to bend, reach, kneel, climb ladders or step stools, and access shelving or storage areas as needed
• Ability to travel occasionally to vendor, factory, or production partner locations as business needs require

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Additional Information:

• This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications
• Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice based on business needs

Work Environment:

This role requires 5 days per week in-office at our Frogtown, Los Angeles studio

Work is performed in a creative studio and office environment with frequent collaboration

Studio Life & Culture:

This position is based out of our Frogtown Studio Offices, located in one of L.A.'s most vibrant and creative neighborhoodsknown for its arts scene, local cafes, and laid-back riverside charm.

For our studio-based team members, we foster a work environment that supports creativity, connection, and community. Perks include:

• A fully stocked kitchen with healthy snacks and beverages
• Monthly catered lunches to bring the team together
• Quarterly team-building events, including meaningful volunteer outings throughout the Los Angeles community

Compensation & Perks:

Pay range of $70,000 - $80,000K per year, along with annual cost-of-living increases, end-of-year bonus opportunities, and generous employee discounts. Plus, enjoy bi-annual product credits to keep you connected with the brand.

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

• We Care about your total well-beingboth inside and outside of work. Our benefits include:
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance to keep you and your family covered
• Flex Spending Accounts and Transportation Management Accounts
• Life and Long-term disability insurance for peace of mind
• Paid vacation, personal days, Friday afternoons off in the Summer if your work is complete, and sick time to help you recharge
• Guardian ancillary plans for added protection and flexibility
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential support for life's challenges
• 401(k) with company match to help you build a strong financial future

Clare V. is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds to apply. We believe that diverse perspectives make for stronger teams and better ideas. We're proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful workplace where everyone can thrive.

In compliance with applicable federal, state, and local lawsincluding the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)--we do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, genetic information, marital status,