Senior Manager, Product Development - Santa Monica, 90404

Senior Manager, Product Development - Santa Monica, 90404, United States of America

Famehouse, a division of UMG, is the preeminent leader in D2C solutions in music, defining & delivering the industry’s best-in-class service to connect artists with their fans. Established & headquartered in Philly, Famehouse powers D2C for UMG’s labels, artists, and Bravado, along with a select roster of 3rd party clients. Our success & culture is fueled by collaboration—both within FH and with our partners. We are passionate about the impact of D2C & merchandise for artists, providing a full-service solution to grow an artist’s owned business including strategy, creative, storefront merchandising, fulfillment, customer service, technology, and more.

How we LEAD:

We are seeking a strategic and experienced Senior Manager of Product Development to lead the development and execution of artist merchandise collections across Live Events/Touring and eCommerce drops.

This role serves as a senior leader within the Product Development team, owning complex, high-visibility artist programs from ideation through production handoff. You will work closely with Creative and key cross-functional partners to build commercially successful collections across printables, cut-and-sew apparel, and custom/domestic accessories.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical development expertise with financial acumen, vendor strategy experience, and the ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, activation-driven music environment.

How you'll CREATE:

Strategic Product Leadership

• Lead end-to-end development of major artist collections across tour and eCommerce channels.
• Partner with Creative at the concept stage to shape line architecture, product mix, and category expansion opportunities.
• Translate artist vision into commercially viable product assortments.
• Provide recommendations on category growth, fabrication strategy, and price tiering.

Team Leadership & Oversight

• Manage and mentor Product Development Managers and/or Coordinators.
• Oversee workload allocation across artists and launches.
• Ensure team adherence to development timelines, process standards, and data accuracy.
• Elevate team capabilities through coaching and best practice implementation.

Vendor Strategy & Sourcing

• Lead vendor sourcing strategy across domestic and international partners.
• Allocate programs based on capability, speed-to-market, margin targets, and quality performance.
• Negotiate costing, MOQs, and timelines at a senior level.
• Build long-term vendor partnerships to support scalable growth.

Development Execution

• Oversee material selection, trims, construction details, and print techniques.
• Provide fit direction and oversee sample review and approvals.
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of tech packs and product specs within PLM.
• Monitor sample tracking and development progress across multiple concurrent launches.

Timeline & Activation Management

• Own T&A calendars aligned to tour dates, album releases, and eCommerce drop schedules.
• Anticipate and mitigate risk related to launch timing.
• Ensure cross-functional alignment with Creative, Production, Planning, and Sales teams.

Financial Ownership & Commercial Strategy

• Establish target costing across collections.
• Review P&Ls and ensure margin goals are met.
• Recommend retail pricing (RRP/MSRP) strategy based on market positioning and profitability targets.
• Identify cost engineering opportunities while preserving product integrity.

Systems & Operational Excellence

• Maintain accurate and timely product data within PLM.
• Oversee ERP product setup inputs and ensure costing integrity.
• Support process improvements to drive scalability and efficiency.

Quality & Production Handoff

• Set QA standards and provide direction to vendors.
• Ensure approved samples meet quality, fit, and construction expectations.
• Partner with Production to ensure seamless bulk transition.

Bring your VIBE:

• 5-7 years of experience in apparel and/or accessories product development.
• Experience in music merchandise, entertainment, streetwear, or drop-driven businesses preferred.
• Strong technical expertise across printables, cut-and-sew, and custom accessories.
• Demonstrated vendor sourcing and negotiation experience.
• Experience leading or mentoring team members.
• Strong financial acumen, including P&L review and pricing strategy.
• Proficiency in PLM systems and ERP platforms.
• Exceptional ability to manage multiple high-pressure launches simultaneously.
• A senior product developer who can balance creativity, speed, and margin.
• A leader who elevates both product and process.
• A strategic thinker who understands the business impact of development decisions.
• A strong cross-functional partner and communicator.
• Someone who thrives in the fast pace of tours, surprise drops, and cultural moments.