Manager, Merchandise Product Development (Apparel / Lifestyle)

Manager Of Merchandise Product Developers

As a Manager of Merchandise Product Developers, you will ensure the implementation of the product development steps, encompassing category and creative design, vendor selection and management, and quality execution. You will collaborate closely with Brand, PDS, and ATI teams, ensuring effective communication and financial accountability. Your role involves driving innovation within specific categories to align with the Brand's vision, while also providing leadership and development to direct reports. Your expertise will be pivotal in delivering exceptional products that support our strategic goals.

Major responsibilities include :

• Product development process implementation : Ensures all aspects of product development steps are achieved and product is delivered and ready for point of purchase (including managing art-to-product, sample creation, fit sessions / paint master / tooling, where applicable, social and safety compliance and quality). Oversees coordination between vendors, suppliers, and Product Design & Development, Brand Team and ATI to facilitate kickoffs, submittals, and approvals executed on time. Coordinate and lead Category Line Reviews with the team, presenting to senior leaders to support the global development milestone calendar.
• Category & creative design : Oversees the development and adherence to calendar timelines and production schedules for specific categories. Drives both seasonal and long-term plans based on a comprehensive understanding of past and present product performance and market trends. Ensures key milestone meetings with Brand Management and Product Design & Development teams are effectively executed.
• Vendor selection & management : Drives business model (direct to factory or vendor) and vendor selection, with input and feedback from other team members. Works cross functionally with Product Design & Development leaders to ensure teams have production ready tech packs and control drawings provided to vendor. Monitors production work in progress and oversees vendor management. Ensures timely communication with internal and external parties occurs.
• Sourcing & quality execution : Ensures collaboration occurs with MPD and product sourcing team to manage both international and domestic vendors. Oversees strategic negotiations to reduce costs, tariffs, and minimum order quantities, while optimizing the flow of goods. Reviews competitor analysis, benchmarks industry standards, and focuses on practical trends, product innovation, and market dynamics to ensure quality execution.
• Partnership and communication : Proactively fosters positive and efficient communication with partners, PDS, Creative, Planning & Operations, vendors, leaders, team members, and IP partners to resolve challenges and achieve objectives.
• Financial ownership & cost savings : Responsible for specific category performance to include per cap, COG, and inventory goals. Responsible for team hitting delivery dates to ensure these goals are met. Responsible for team exploring all options for cost savings.
• Leadership : Responsible for actively training, mentoring and developing their teams and have a strong influence on peers and partners.

Education : Bachelor's degree is required. Experience : 7+ years. Required experience in retail product development / buying; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Your talent, skills, and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package. Universal Orlando is an equal opportunity employer. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & 2025 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. EOE