Product Development Manager, Leathergoods and Accessories

Overview

The Product Development Manager will manage the development of Veronica Beard's leather goods accessory collections, translating Design's creative vision into products that meet the brand's aesthetic, quality, cost, and delivery requirements.

Partnering closely with Design, Materials, Technical Design, Merchandising, and Production, this role will oversee day-to-day development from initial concept through production readiness. The ideal candidate combines a strong eye for product with technical knowledge, commercial awareness, and the organizational skills to keep seasonal development on track.

Responsibilities

Product Development & Execution

• Manage seasonal product development in alignment with Design direction, category needs, and development calendars.
• Coordinate complete development packages, ensuring specifications, materials, construction details, and sample requirements are clearly communicated to factories.
• Manage prototype and sales sample development, consolidating feedback and tracking revisions through approval.
• Work with Design and factories to resolve construction and material challenges while preserving design intent.

Vendor Management & Accountability

• Manage day-to-day communication with global development and manufacturing partners.
• Track sample accuracy, development progress, costing submissions, and delivery commitments.
• Work with factories to resolve development issues and escalate risks with clear recommendations.
• Partner with Materials and Production to ensure suppliers and factories are aligned on product requirements and approved standards.

Development Calendar & Cross-Functional Alignment

• Maintain seasonal development calendars and track milestones from initial concept through handoff to Production.
• Coordinate sample requests, reviews, approvals, and sales sample deliveries against key calendar dates.
• Ensure design revisions and assortment decisions are accurately reflected in development records and vendor instructions.
• Flag potential delays early and coordinate next steps with internal teams and factories.

Costing & Commercialization

• Manage finished goods costing and negotiate pricing within established category targets.
• Review cost breakdowns, material consumption, labor, tooling, and minimum order quantities to validate pricing.
• Partner with Design, Materials, and factories to identify cost engineering opportunities that maintain the intended aesthetic and customer value.
• Track the cost impact of revisions and ensure final pricing reflects approved product specifications.

Quality & Production Readiness

• Partner with Technical Design, Materials, and Production to confirm construction, fit, functionality, and performance requirements.
• Coordinate required testing and follow up on corrective actions before production handoff.
• Maintain accurate specifications, bills of materials, approved samples, and development comments in PLM.
• Complete a clear, timely handoff to Production and support the resolution of development-related issues during pre-production.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in product development within contemporary accessories.
• Strong working knowledge of product construction, materials, manufacturing processes, and quality standards within the relevant categories.
• Experience managing global factory relationships and developing products from concept through production readiness.
• Strong costing and negotiation skills, with an understanding of material consumption, minimums, and manufacturing lead times.
• Experience managing seasonal development calendars and multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in PLM systems and Microsoft Excel; familiarity with ERP systems preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and consistent follow-through.
• A collaborative approach and a strong understanding of Veronica Beard's aesthetic and customer.

Pay and benefits

The base salary range for this role is between $ 90,000 and $ 100,000. The relevant base salary will vary depending on wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to, skill sets, experience, training, degrees, and certifications. The base salary is just one component of our total compensation offerings, which consist of a comprehensive benefits package as well as a short-term incentive program, clothing allowance, and merchandise discounts

At Veronica Beard, we are committed to creating and maintaining a workplace where every single employee can thrive and feel valued. As a company, we firmly believe that there is strength in diversity. We seek to recruit talent from a variety of perspectives and backgrounds and are actively seeking candidates with a dedication to advancing equity, inclusion, and racial and social justice in their work.