Director of Product Development

About Clare V.

Clare V. is a line of accessible‑luxury pieces born and based in sunny Los Angeles, California. Founded by Clare Vivier, the brand reflects her unique background, passions, and vision. Over the past decade, Clare has produced bags she wanted, kept production local to Los Angeles, and forged partnerships with local and global organizations to make a positive difference. 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 headquarters is located in Silverlake, Los Angeles, and the company is actively led by Clare Vivier.

Manage the Product Development team through the entire development process from R&D to production handoff; achieve design aesthetic, quality, and timeline goals. You are a dynamic leader navigating between the demands of design, suppliers, and cross‑functional partners.

Sourcing

• Work closely with Design Director, internal R&D, and import factories to provide options in materials, suppliers, and techniques.
• Source alternate manufacturers and material suppliers, building a tight factory partner base.
• Direct seasonal style allocation to factories to prevent overload.
• Manage factory relationships in line with the strategic sourcing plan.
• Support the brand sourcing strategy led by the SVP of Production to onboard new suppliers.
• Review prototypes and market samples with the product development team to ensure fidelity to spec.
• Purchase, schedule, monitor, and inventory all necessary sample materials.
• Manage the prototyping process, flexing factory and internal schedules to meet milestones.
• Review and communicate style/material minimums, costs, and lead times to production and planning.
• Negotiate costs with R&D and cost manager for finished goods.
• Finalize costing once market samples are complete.

Product Integrity

• Govern the review of all components for quality, durability, and compliance.
• Ensure all components are compliant for performance and restricted substances before production.

Calendar

• Manage and flex the annual and in‑season calendar to ensure adherence to all development deadlines.
• Resolve unexpected delays by collaborating with cross‑functional teams and upper management.

Additional Responsibilities

• Manage monthly development expenses and week‑by‑week invoice processing.
• Communicate seasonal budget targets to the product development team and track expenses.
• Build a collaborative team environment through coaching and clear goals.
• Provide weekly status reports to the department head and end‑of‑season hindsight reports.
• International travel as required (2–3 times per year).
• Work on other relevant projects as assigned.

• BA/BS degree or equivalent life experience.
• 8–10 years of experience in leather fashion accessories product development, sourcing, and/or production, with at least 4 years managing a team of 4+ direct reports.
• Experience with domestic and import factories.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, negotiation, math, and collaborative skills.
• PLM experience required.
• WFX experience a plus.
• Proficiency in Excel and Google Suite.
• Ability to multi‑task, manage competing priorities, and work with accuracy and urgency.
• Proficiency in reading tech packs and bill of materials.
• Expert understanding of pattern making and construction of handbags preferred.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 30 lbs.

Annual salary range of $150K – $185K, annual cost‑of‑living increases, end‑of‑year bonus opportunities, generous employee discounts, and bi‑annual product credits.

This position is based out of our Frogtown Studio Offices in a vibrant neighborhood known for its arts scene and laid‑back riverside charm. Perks include a fully stocked kitchen, monthly catered lunches, and quarterly team‑building events and volunteer outings.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flex spending accounts and transportation management accounts.
• Life and long‑term disability insurance.
• Paid vacation, personal days, and sick time.
• Guardian ancillary…