Production & Product Development Manager
Position Summary
We are seeking an organized, proactive, and detail-oriented Production & Product Development Manager to oversee all domestic production for our Swim and Denim categories while supporting the product development process for our imported Swim and Jewelry collections.
Reporting directly to the Senior Production Manager, this role serves as the day-to-day liaison between Design, Technical Design, Merchandising, vendors, and factories to ensure products move seamlessly from development through production. As the Senior Production Manager works remotely, this position plays a critical role in maintaining organization, communication, and execution across the product lifecycle at our Los Angeles headquarters.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys managing multiple priorities simultaneously, and is passionate about bringing quality products to market on time.
Responsibilities
Domestic Production Management (Swim & Denim)
- Own the end-to-end production process for domestic Swim and Denim programs.
- Manage production timelines from approved samples through bulk production.
- Partner with domestic factories to monitor work-in-progress (WIP), delivery dates, and production status.
- Issue, maintain, and reconcile purchase orders and production tracking reports.
- Troubleshoot production challenges and communicate solutions proactively.
- Ensure all approvals are completed prior to production release.
- Coordinate with Logistics and cross-functional teams to ensure on-time deliveries.
- Maintain accurate production calendars and communicate key milestone updates.
Support the Senior Production Manager with all aspects of import product development, including:
- Managing the sourcing of fabrics, trims, hardware, and packaging.
- Tracking Prototype (Proto) samples through Salesman Sample (SMS) development.
- Coordinating SMS handoff to Creative Production for seasonal and campaign photoshoots.
- Maintaining development trackers, calendars, and PLM documentation.
- Preparing development recap reports and communicating action items to cross-functional teams.
- Following up with vendors and internal partners to ensure seasonal milestones and deadlines are met.
- Assisting with sample management, approvals, and development organization throughout the product lifecycle.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Serve as the primary in-office production contact for Design, Merchandising, Technical Design, Operations, and Logistics.
- Attend fittings, development meetings, and cross-functional milestone meetings as needed.
- Maintain organized sample libraries, approval records, and development documentation.
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, communication, and operational efficiency.
- Escalate potential production risks or delays early while providing recommended solutions.
Qualifications
- 4–7 years of experience in apparel production and/or product development.
- Experience managing domestic apparel production is required.
- Experience supporting overseas product development is preferred.
- Background in Swimwear, Denim, Accessories, or Jewelry is strongly preferred.
- Strong understanding of garment construction, production timelines, and product development processes.
- Experience managing Prototype (Proto), Salesman Sample (SMS), and Pre-Production Sample (PPS) approvals.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems.
- Experience working within a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system is preferred.
- Excellent organizational, project management, and time-management skills.
- Strong communication skills with domestic and overseas vendors and cross-functional teams.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Detail-oriented with exceptional follow-through and problem-solving abilities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with both domestic and overseas manufacturing partners.
- Experience supporting multiple product categories simultaneously.
- Experience with ERP implementation, integration, or system administration.
- Familiarity with apparel sourcing, costing, and vendor management.
What We're Looking For
The ideal candidate is highly organized, resourceful, and proactive, with a natural ability to anticipate next steps and keep complex projects moving forward. This individual enjoys collaborating across teams, building strong vendor relationships, and serving as the operational backbone of both product development and production.
Working closely with the Senior Production Manager, this role will ensure domestic production and seasonal product development remain on schedule while acting as the primary on-site production partner for the Los Angeles office.