Job Description

Department: Product Development

Reports To: SVP Sourcing and Import Production/Director of Product Development

Location: Burbank, CA
Work Setting: On-site, 5 days per week

Position Summary

The Product Development Manager Kids Category is responsible for leading the end-to-end product development process for Mad Engine Global's Kids apparel business across licensed, branded, and private label programs. This role partners closely with Design, Sales, Merchandising, Sourcing, and Production to develop innovative, high-quality products that meet retailer expectations, cost targets, and critical calendar deadlines. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in children's apparel, understands retailer compliance requirements, and thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end product development process for the Kids apparel category, from design handoff through production readiness.
• Partner with Design, Merchandising, and Sales to develop seasonal assortments that align with retailer strategies, customer trends, and licensing requirements.
• Manage development calendars, ensuring all samples, approvals, and submissions meet key milestones for major retailers including Walmart, Target, Kohl's, Costco, Sam's Club, and specialty accounts.
• Review and approve fabrics, trims, lab dips, print applications, wash developments, and pre-production samples to ensure quality, safety, and brand standards.
• Collaborate with Sourcing and Production to achieve target costing while maintaining quality, manufacturability, and on-time delivery.
• Work closely with overseas factories and vendors to monitor development progress, resolve issues, and ensure timely execution.
• Maintain BOMs, development trackers, sample logs, and PLM updates to ensure accurate product information and visibility across cross-functional teams.
• Lead cross-functional meetings including line reviews, sample reviews, costing discussions, and production handoffs.
• Identify development risks proactively and implement solutions to keep programs on schedule.
• Ensure all Kids products comply with CPSIA requirements and retailer-specific testing and compliance standards.
• Mentor and support Product Development Coordinators or Associates as the team grows.
• Drive continuous improvements in product development processes, communication, and operational efficiencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Product Development, Fashion Merchandising, Apparel Manufacturing, or a related field preferred.
• 7+ years of apparel product development experience, with significant experience in Kids apparel.
• Experience managing licensed, branded, and private label programs.
• Strong understanding of children's apparel construction, fit, fabrics, trims, embellishments, and garment manufacturing.
• Knowledge of CPSIA regulations and retailer compliance requirements for children's products.
• Experience working with major U.S. retailers such as Walmart, Target, Kohl's, Costco, Sam's Club, and specialty retailers.
• Proficiency with PLM systems, Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple development calendars simultaneously.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and vendor management skills.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams in a deadline-driven environment.

Key Competencies

• Product Development Leadership
• Kids Category Expertise
• Retail & Licensing Knowledge
• Vendor & Factory Management
• Costing & Margin Management
• Calendar & Project Management
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Quality & Compliance Focus
• Continuous Process Improvement
• Adaptability & Sense of Urgency