Handbag Product Developer— CV HQ, Los Angeles, CA; Silverlake

TITLE:

Handbag Product Developer

REPORTS TO:

Director of Product Development

Clare V. is a line of accessible-luxury pieces born and based in sunny Los Angeles, California. Led by founder Clare Vivier, Clare V. is a distinctive reflection of Clare’s unique background, passions, and vision. More than 10 years ago, Clare started making the types of bags she wanted, but couldn’t find anywhere. As the brand grew, she proudly kept production local to Los Angeles, meanwhile forging partnerships with local and global organizations working to make a positive difference in the world.

Today, Clare V. remains committed to conscious practices while creating collections that are bold yet enduring, elevated yet accessible, and irresistibly charming yet rooted in everyday practicality. The brand headquarters is located in the Silverlake area of Los Angeles and is actively led by Clare Vivier.

This is a full-time on-site role for a Handbag Product Developer at Clare V.'s Studio in Los Angeles, CA. The Handbag Product Developer will facilitate the development process encompassing sourcing, sample execution, achieving design aesthetic, quality, and timeline goals.

• Work closely with Design and Tech-Design to ensure all tech packs are handed over on time with proper construction, accurate BOM, and feasibility for production with cost effectiveness in mind
• Collaborate with Design to build tech packs within WFX for seasonal sampling
• Launch seasonal material sourcing with suppliers/ vendors and manage material booking for sampling needs
• Process accurate sample requests and allocation of materials and trims to factories/ service providers for all stages in sampling. Work alongside R+D Manager for CV nominated materials
• Manage and negotiate on the costing of products. Understand MOQ restrictions, leadtimes, and surcharges to be able to develop within target costing framework
• Lead weekly calls or in person meetings with factories, agents, and suppliers.
• Daily follow up with all factories to provide sample status
• Create and maintain a seasonal development tracker
• Manage all vendor sourced materials + trims and components in sampling accuracy and approval ready for production pass off
• Partner with the factories to calculate average yields for each new style/material. This includes requesting patterning reports and adding the yield to the BOM. Suggest alternative cutting or placement techniques to improve material yields and consumption
• Work within WFX system /Cost Manager to audit all BOMs and cost sheets to ensure accuracy before the BOM handoff meeting
• Validate and submit all seasonal sample invoices to accounting in a timely manner
• Review development samples, notate any necessary changes in costing and specifications
• Daily follow up and communication with factories on ETAs to track development samples and maintain a seasonal, collab and counter development tracker
• Organize internal wear testing for new development and analyze feedback to improve the product
• Identify and test for specific monogram able styles / vendor sourced materials
• Lead seasonal handover presentation to production team for styles managed; ensure all details are ready at time of handoff including finalized tech packs, thread colors, strike off approvals, costing, detail sheets, etc.
• Manage personal and vendor workflow to hit calendar deadlines throughout the season
• Solid understanding of Development Calendar and able to manage and achieve major milestones
• Travel to overseas factories 1-2 times a year or as needed. Domestic factory visits on a weekly basis
• Responsible for passing accurate samples and communicating changes to marketing team for photo and ecomm shoots
• Take part in training and managing the PD assistant on sample management and delegating tasks as needed

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or related field
• 5-6 years experience working in Product Development role for an apparel and/or handbag/accessories company
• Experience working with leather
• Leather handbag development experience preferred
• Organized, great communicator and detail oriented
• PLM experience required. WFX experience is a plus
• Strong…