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Merchandise Product Development Jobs in California

SENIOR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Madhappy is a clothing brand for a community of optimists. Born ... Merchant teams for Buy Meetings Manage prototype & salesman development schedules through daily ...

Product Developer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

This entry-level, full-time position is ideal for candidates with a background in design, merchandising, or fashion product development who are eager to grow their technical and operational skills ...

Showing results 41-60

Merchandise Product Development information

See California salary details

$16

$27

$54

How much do merchandise product development jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for merchandise product development in California is $27.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.79 and $26.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a merchandise product development?

A Merchandise Product Development job involves creating, designing, and managing products from concept to production for retail or wholesale markets. Professionals in this role work closely with designers, merchandising teams, suppliers, and manufacturers to ensure products meet quality, cost, and brand standards. They analyze trends, source materials, oversee prototypes, and collaborate on production timelines. This role requires a blend of creativity, business acumen, and technical knowledge to bring successful products to market.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in merchandise product development, and why are they important?

To excel in Merchandise Product Development, a strong background in product design, trend analysis, and supply chain management—often supported by a degree in fashion, merchandising, or business—is essential. Familiarity with tools like Adobe Creative Suite, PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) software, and Excel is highly advantageous. Strong project management, communication, and creative problem-solving skills help professionals stand out. These competencies are crucial for successfully developing, launching, and managing merchandise that aligns with brand goals and market demands.

What is a typical day like for someone working in merchandise product development?

A typical day in Merchandise Product Development often involves collaborating with cross-functional teams such as design, production, marketing, and sales to oversee the creation and launch of new products. You might spend time researching market trends, reviewing prototypes or samples, coordinating with suppliers, and ensuring product specifications meet quality and cost requirements. Strong project management is key, as you will likely juggle multiple projects at various stages. The work is fast-paced and dynamic, offering a blend of creative and analytical tasks and frequent opportunities for professional growth.

What are popular job titles related to Merchandise Product Development jobs in California? For Merchandise Product Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Merchandise Product Development jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Merchandise Product Development jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Merchandise Product Development job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,947 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Senior Product Development Manager

Madhappy

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

SENIOR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Madhappy is a clothing brand for a community of optimists. Born in Los Angeles, 2017, the brand has built itself around an optimistic ideology, expressed through apparel, events, and experimental retail spaces around the world. Madhappy writes Local Optimist magazine, supports research and awareness in mental health through Madhappy Foundation.

About the job
We are looking to hire a full time Senior Product Development Manager for Madhappy.

In this position, you will be responsible for building out our network of vendors, domestic and international, for materials and factories across numerous garment categories (cut and sew, sweaters, wovens, denim, & outerwear). You will manage the development processes from initial creative concept all the way through to production handover. This role will report directly to our Vice President of Product Development & Production.

You will be a highly curious, autonomous, organized, soft skills pro with a keen eye for quality, design, cost, and timing. This individual will become the direct partner to Madhappy's design, tech, and production teams in bringing our products to life.

You must be based in or willing to move to Los Angeles to be considered for this position.

Responsibilities
Collaboration with Local and Off-shore suppliers on full development lifecycle of product including Print Development, Embroidery Strike offs, and other decorative techniques
Sourcing Materials for Seasonal collections in alignment with Design inspiration 
Manage Lab Dip process and approvals in collaboration with Design team 
Maintain adherence to Development and Product Calendar, ensuring key milestone dates are met
Own Pre-Costing for Domestic and Import styles as well as identifying price challenges and offering solutions
Own Seasonal Line Reviews in collaboration with Design and Merchant teams for Buy Meetings
Manage prototype & salesman development schedules through daily direct communication with vendors
Maintain clear records and fabric & trim reference libraryIssue and track sample material orders
Track and report PD budget/drops on a monthly basis and report at risk styles due to calendar timing
Oversee and mentor product development assistant


Qualifications
Minimum 6 years of experience in Import and Domestic Product Development
Deep understanding of development process in alignment with the designer vision and brand integrity 
Experience troubleshooting issues with Factories as they arise on Development to ensure Calendar Deliverables are met 
Experience managing direct report in Product Development or Production 
Understanding of collection hand over requirements for production
Experience with and understanding of technical details and characteristics across numerous fabrications and trims
Expert in managing Import and Domestic Costing 
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proven methods of finding efficiencies, building tools, and creating processes
Skilled at using Excel, Google Docs  and other database systems

Characteristics
Be a great strategist, able to identify gaps and determine how to fill them
Seek and create steps needed to execute goals
Have a critical mind and eye to flag potential issues
Able to initiate conversations, negotiate, and influence multiple personalities with respect to their needs
Highly independent but able to mentor and train team members
Passion for the brand and mental health, a plus

Benefits
15 days PTO, and 9 days sick pay annually
Paid holidaysHealth, dental, and vision insurance with 75% premium coverage by Madhappy
Retirement plans available
$600 quarterly health stipends
Employee discount and early access to products
$95,000 - $125,000 a year
About Madhappy
Madhappy is a clothing brand for a community of optimists. Born in Los Angeles, 2017, the brand has built itself around an optimistic ideology, expressed through apparel, events, and experimental retail spaces around the world. Madhappy writes Local Optimist magazine, supports research and awareness in mental health through Madhappy Foundation.

About Local Optimist
Local Optimist is a space for radical discovery and connection. By focusing on open conversations and mindful exploration, we orient people with reliable, optimistic resources - available at any moment.

About The Madhappy Foundation
The Madhappy Foundation is non-profit organization, 501(c)(3) with a mission to improve mental health globally. Through The Madhappy Foundation, 1% of proceeds from every sale benefit our efforts to raise awareness, fund research, and positively impact the mental health movement.

Learn more here.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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