Associate Product Development Manager Jobs in California

Associate Manager, Product Development - Sportswear

ABOUT THE COMPANY:

True Religion is an urban casual lifestyle brand focused on high-quality denim, activewear, accessories, and more-for men, women, and kids. Founded in 2002, we shook up the Los Angeles denim scene by re-engineering the classic five-pocket jean with our signature Super T Stitch and iconic horseshoe detailing-now synonymous with bold, unapologetic style and the True Religion legacy. Driven by a relentless commitment to craftsmanship, we design with one goal in mind: to stand out from the crowd. We don't just create denim-we give it attitude, authenticity, and individuality.

THE PURPOSE:

The Associate Manager, Product Development - Sportswear Chase/SMU plays an essential role in keeping True Religion's development process moving with accuracy and intention. Working closely with the Product Development Manager and a wide cross-functional team, this person is responsible for the day-to-day coordination that turns design concepts into production-ready product-tracking milestones, managing vendor communication, driving approvals, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks. It's a role that requires both sharp organizational instincts and genuine care for the craft, and the right candidate will find real ownership and growth opportunity here.

THE ROLE (what you are accountable for):

• Support end-to-end product development execution for the Sportswear category, coordinating across Design, Merchandising, Technical Design, and vendor partners to keep milestones on track against the GTM calendar.
• Maintain and update WIP reports and development tracking tools, providing accurate visibility into key milestones, open approvals, and potential bottlenecks-flagging risks to the Product Development Manager before they become issues.
• Manage sample tracking across all stages-preparing initial briefs, coordinating seasonal style communication to vendors, and proactively driving garment and component submits to keep the approval process moving.
• Support material development workflows including lab dips, strike-offs, washes, and samples, ensuring all submits are tracked, communicated, and resolved in alignment with the development calendar.
• Assist in managing the fabric library-digital and physical-ensuring all records are accurate, current, and organized to support development efficiency and quality control.
• Communicate proactively with vendors on development progress, open items, and timelines; participate in vendor meetings and support follow-through on action items and feedback.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to support time and action calendar management, helping track internal and external deadlines and escalating conflicts or delays in a timely manner.
• Help monitor and communicate product cost throughout the development pipeline, supporting the team in identifying opportunities to hit cost targets without compromising quality or aesthetic intent.
• Assist in executing sourcing strategies and ensuring collections reflect the brand's pricing structure and strategic objectives, in partnership with the Director, Design, Merchandising, Planning, and Production.

YOU ARE:

You bring a strong combination of product development know-how and an instinct for keeping things organized and moving. You are comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment, take ownership of your work, and approach challenges with both rigor and creativity. You're the kind of person who notices what's slipping before anyone asks, communicates clearly across teams and time zones, and takes genuine pride in the quality of what you help bring to life. You're early in your leadership journey but already showing what it looks like to own a process and drive it to completion.

REQUIRED MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:

• 3-5 years of experience in product development, sourcing, or production within the apparel or related consumer goods industry
• Working knowledge of garment construction, fabric properties, costing fundamentals, and product development cycle timelines
• Demonstrated experience managing sample tracking, approval workflows, and development milestones against a seasonal calendar
• Experience communicating and coordinating with overseas vendors across multiple time zones
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; comfortable working within PLM or product development tracking systems
• Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills across internal teams and external vendor partners

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working with sportswear or activewear categories, with familiarity in fabric printing and surface applications
• Exposure to sourcing strategy or vendor development conversations, even in a supporting capacity
• Experience with Full Circle or other apparel PLM systems
• Background working cross-functionally in a branded lifestyle or fashion environment

ADDITIONAL ROLE INFORMATION:

• Compensation: The anticipated base salary range for this role is $75,000 - $85,000. This is a full-time, exempt position. This range represents the low and high ends of the expected base salary range for this role based on the applicable location. True Religion reasonably expects to pay within this range in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including relevant experience, skills, knowledge, and internal equity.
• Perks: We offer a mix of benefits and perks to support our employees at work and beyond, including health benefits, a 401(k) with employer match, merchandise discounts, commuter benefits, wellness & employee assistance programs, and more.
• Work Model: This role is based in El Segundo, CA and follows a hybrid work model, with an expectation of in-office presence on designated days to support collaboration and business needs.
• Employment Eligibility: Employment with True Religion is contingent upon meeting applicable employment eligibility requirements.