Product Development Manager

James Perse; Downey (CA); On-site; USD 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

James Perse in Downey, CA is seeking a Product Development Manager to oversee end-to-end development from concept through production handoff. You will lead cross-functional teams, coordinate with fabric mills and overseas partners, and ensure quality, cost, and delivery timelines.

The role requires 7–10+ years in apparel development and at least 3 years of leadership. Strong knowledge of garment construction, fabric development, and vendor management is essential.

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years in apparel product development, sourcing, or manufacturing.
• 3+ years of management or team leadership.
• Experience with overseas factories and global supply chains.
• Extensive knowledge of garment construction, textiles, fit, and quality.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and vendor management skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end product development from concept to production.
• Coordinate with design, merchandising, and sourcing teams to run seasonal collections.
• Ensure cost, quality, and deadlines are met through development.
• Manage proto development and status tracking with vendors.
• Collaborate with overseas partners to resolve production challenges.
• Lead development meetings and provide status updates to leadership.

Skills

Garment construction

Fabric development

Costing & margins

Vendor management

Leadership

Excel

Negotiation

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Production software

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.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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.
• Costing: 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.

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

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

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.

COMPETENCIES AND TECHNICAL SKILLS REQUIRED

• 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.

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