Senior Product Development Manager

SENIOR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Madhappy is a clothing brand for a community of optimists. Born in Los Angeles, 2017, the brand has built itself around an optimistic ideology, expressed through apparel, events, and experimental retail spaces around the world. Madhappy writes Local Optimist magazine, supports research and awareness in mental health through Madhappy Foundation.

About the job
We are looking to hire a full time Senior Product Development Manager for Madhappy.

In this position, you will be responsible for building out our network of vendors, domestic and international, for materials and factories across numerous garment categories (cut and sew, sweaters, wovens, denim, & outerwear). You will manage the development processes from initial creative concept all the way through to production handover. This role will report directly to our Vice President of Product Development & Production.

You will be a highly curious, autonomous, organized, soft skills pro with a keen eye for quality, design, cost, and timing. This individual will become the direct partner to Madhappy’s design, tech, and production teams in bringing our products to life.

You must be based in or willing to move to Los Angeles to be considered for this position.

Responsibilities
● Collaboration with Local and Off-shore suppliers on full development lifecycle of product including Print Development, Embroidery Strike offs, and other decorative techniques
● Sourcing Materials for Seasonal collections in alignment with Design inspiration
● Manage Lab Dip process and approvals in collaboration with Design team
● Maintain adherence to Development and Product Calendar, ensuring key milestone dates are met
● Own Pre-Costing for Domestic and Import styles as well as identifying price challenges and offering solutions
● Own Seasonal Line Reviews in collaboration with Design and Merchant teams for Buy Meetings
● Manage prototype & salesman development schedules through daily direct communication with vendors
● Maintain clear records and fabric & trim reference libraryIssue and track sample material orders
● Track and report PD budget/drops on a monthly basis and report at risk styles due to calendar timing
● Oversee and mentor product development assistant

Qualifications
● Minimum 6 years of experience in Import and Domestic Product Development
● Deep understanding of development process in alignment with the designer vision and brand integrity
● Experience troubleshooting issues with Factories as they arise on Development to ensure Calendar Deliverables are met
● Experience managing direct report in Product Development or Production
● Understanding of collection hand over requirements for production
● Experience with and understanding of technical details and characteristics across numerous fabrications and trims
● Expert in managing Import and Domestic Costing
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills
● Proven methods of finding efficiencies, building tools, and creating processes
● Skilled at using Excel, Google Docs and other database systems

Characteristics
● Be a great strategist, able to identify gaps and determine how to fill them
● Seek and create steps needed to execute goals
Have a critical mind and eye to flag potential issues
● Able to initiate conversations, negotiate, and influence multiple personalities with respect to their needs
● Highly independent but able to mentor and train team members
● Passion for the brand and mental health, a plus

Benefits
● 15 days PTO, and 9 days sick pay annually
● Paid holidaysHealth, dental, and vision insurance with 75% premium coverage by Madhappy
● Retirement plans available
● $600 quarterly health stipends
● Employee discount and early access to products

About Madhappy
Madhappy is a clothing brand for a community of optimists. Born in Los Angeles, 2017, the brand has built itself around an optimistic ideology, expressed through apparel, events, and experimental retail spaces around the world. Madhappy writes Local Optimist magazine, supports research and awareness in mental health through Madhappy Foundation.

About Local Optimist
Local Optimist is a space for radical discovery and connection. By focusing on open conversations and mindful exploration, we orient people with reliable, optimistic resources — available at any moment.

About The Madhappy Foundation
The Madhappy Foundation™ is non-profit organization, 501(c)(3) with a mission to improve mental health globally. Through The Madhappy Foundation™, 1% of proceeds from every sale benefit our efforts to raise awareness, fund research, and positively impact the mental health movement.

Learn more here.