Product Development Associate

About Clare V.

Clare V. is a Los Angeles-based accessible luxury brand known for pieces that balance style, practicality, and a refined but approachable aesthetic. Founded by Clare Vivier, the company began with bags designed to fill a personal need and has since grown while keeping production local to Los Angeles and maintaining a focus on responsible, thoughtful practices. The brand’s headquarters are located in the Atwater Village/Frogtown area of Los Angeles.

Role Overview

The Associate Product Developer helps move products from early concept to final production. This position works closely with Design, Technical Design, Product Development, and outside vendors to keep samples, materials, costs, quality, and timelines aligned with the brand’s goals.

The role is centered on seasonal sampling, material sourcing, tracking development progress, coordinating with factories, and making sure each milestone is completed accurately and on time. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-focused, collaborative, and motivated to build a career in product development and handbag manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development and Sampling

• Assist with product development from the concept stage through production while working under the guidance of the Senior Product Development Manager.
• Work alongside Design and Technical Design to ensure tech packs are accurate, timely, and suitable for production.
• Help build and update tech packs in WFX for seasonal development and sampling.
• Handle sample requests and coordinate the distribution of materials and trims to factories and service providers during development.
• Evaluate development samples and relay changes needed to costing, specifications, and construction details.
• Coordinate internal wear testing and help review feedback to improve how products perform.
• Track seasonal samples and keep development calendars and milestone deadlines current.

Sourcing and Vendor Coordination

• Start seasonal material sourcing activities with suppliers and vendors.
• Manage material bookings to support sampling and seasonal development needs.
• Stay in contact with factories, agents, and suppliers regarding sample progress, expected arrival dates, and development updates.
• Run weekly meetings and calls with factory and vendor partners when assigned.
• Build knowledge of minimum order quantities, lead times, surcharges, and sourcing factors for assigned products.
• Oversee vendor-supplied materials, trims, and components to support accurate development and production readiness.

Costing and Development Tracking

• Create and maintain seasonal trackers and status reports for development.
• Work with factories to calculate material yields and improve material usage and efficiency.
• Review bills of materials and cost sheets in WFX to confirm accuracy before development milestones and production handoff.
• Keep product records and development information accurate throughout the process.
• Help prepare development information needed for production handoff meetings.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Collaborate with Design, Technical Design, Product Development, Production, Marketing, and external partners throughout the development cycle.
• Support seasonal handoff presentations to Production by ensuring all development details are complete and correct.
• Share approved sample updates and product changes with Marketing and Ecommerce for photography and product launch planning.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with internal teams and outside partners.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Merchandising, Product Development, or a closely related discipline.
• 2 to 5 years of experience in product development, merchandising, buying, or a similar area.
• Working knowledge of the fashion product development process.
• Strong organizational ability and excellent attention to detail.
• Comfort working on multiple priorities and meeting deadlines in a fast-moving environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Google Workspace.
• Ability to interpret tech packs, bills of materials, measurements, and product specifications.
• Ability to measure products accurately using both metric and imperial systems.
• Self-starter mindset with curiosity and a willingness to learn.
• Collaborative approach and solid problem-solving skills.
• Preferred: experience working with overseas factories and vendors.
• Preferred: familiarity with costing, sourcing, or manufacturing processes.
• Preferred: exposure to PLM systems or product tracking tools.
• Preferred: WFX experience.
• Preferred: basic understanding of handbag construction, materials, and development workflows.
• Preferred: experience in fashion, accessories, or consumer products.
• Physical requirements include extended computer-based work, frequent movement through office, warehouse, showroom, and sample storage spaces, regular handling of samples and tools, close visual inspection of product details, lifting or moving items up to 30 pounds, and occasional travel to vendor, factory, or production partner locations.
• Reasonable accommodation may be provided to support individuals with disabilities in performing essential job functions.
• This posting describes the general scope of the role and may not list every duty or qualification.
• Responsibilities may change with or without notice depending on business needs.

Work Environment

This is an in-office position requiring five days per week at the Frogtown studio in Los Angeles. The setting is a creative office and studio environment with frequent collaboration.

Studio Life and Culture

The Frogtown studio is located in one of Los Angeles’ most creative neighborhoods, known for its arts community, local cafes, and relaxed riverside atmosphere. The company aims to create a workplace that supports creativity, connection, and community.

Perks and Benefits

• Fully stocked kitchen with healthy snacks and beverages.
• Monthly catered lunches.
• Quarterly team-building activities, including volunteer outings in the Los Angeles community.
• Annual cost-of-living increases.
• End-of-year bonus opportunities.
• Generous employee discounts.
• Bi-annual product credits.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Transportation Management Accounts.
• Life and long-term disability insurance.
• Paid vacation, personal days, summer Friday afternoons off when work is complete, and sick time.
• Guardian ancillary plans.
• Employee Assistance Program for confidential support.
• 401(k) with company match.

Equal Opportunity and Hiring Process

The company welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and is committed to an inclusive, respectful workplace. Hiring decisions are made without discrimination based on protected characteristics under applicable federal, state, and local laws, including California FEHA.

Applicants needing support during the hiring process may request reasonable accommodation. Background checks are conducted after a conditional offer, and a conviction will not automatically prevent employment; the company evaluates the nature of the offense, how much time has passed, and its relevance to the role.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Notice to California applicants: a job applicant privacy notice is available from the employer.

Compensation

The salary range is $70,000 to $80,000 per year, along with the additional benefits listed above.