Senior Manager, Product Development

How We LEAD

We are seeking a strategic and experienced Senior Manager of Product Development to lead the development and execution of artist merchandise collections across Live Events/Touring and eCommerce drops. This role serves as a senior leader within the Product Development team, owning complex, high-visibility artist programs from ideation through production handoff. You will work closely with Creative and key cross-functional partners to build commercially successful collections across printables, cut-and-sew apparel, and custom/domestic accessories.

How You'll CREATE

• Strategic Product Leadership
  Lead end-to-end development of major artist collections across tour and eCommerce channels.
  Partner with Creative at the concept stage to shape line architecture, product mix, and category expansion opportunities.
  Translate artist vision into commercially viable product assortments.
  Provide recommendations on category growth, fabrication strategy, and price tiering.

• Team Leadership & Oversight
  Manage and mentor Product Development Managers and/or Coordinators.
  Oversee workload allocation across artists and launches.
  Ensure team adherence to development timelines, process standards, and data accuracy.
  Elevate team capabilities through coaching and best practice implementation.

• Vendor Strategy & Sourcing
  Lead vendor sourcing strategy across domestic and international partners.
  Allocate programs based on capability, speed-to-market, margin targets, and quality performance.
  Negotiate costing, MOQs, and timelines at a senior level.
  Build long-term vendor partnerships to support scalable growth.

• Development Execution
  Oversee material selection, trims, construction details, and print techniques.
  Provide fit direction and oversee sample review and approvals.
  Ensure accuracy and completeness of tech packs and product specs within PLM.
  Monitor sample tracking and development progress across multiple concurrent launches.

• Timeline & Activation Management
  Own T&A calendars aligned to tour dates, album releases, and eCommerce drop schedules.
  Anticipate and mitigate risk related to launch timing.
  Ensure cross-functional alignment with Creative, Production, Planning, and Sales teams.

• Financial Ownership & Commercial Strategy
  Establish target costing across collections.
  Review P&Ls and ensure margin goals are met.
  Recommend retail pricing (RRP/MSRP) strategy based on market positioning and profitability targets.
  Identify cost engineering opportunities while preserving product integrity.

• Systems & Operational Excellence
  Maintain accurate and timely product data within PLM.
  Oversee ERP product setup inputs and ensure costing integrity.
  Support process improvements to drive scalability and efficiency.

• Quality & Production Handoff
  Set QA standards and provide direction to vendors.
  Ensure approved samples meet quality, fit, and construction expectations.
  Partner with Production to ensure seamless bulk transition.

Bring Your VIBE

• 5-7 years of experience in apparel and/or accessories product development.
• Experience in music merchandise, entertainment, streetwear, or drop-driven businesses preferred.
• Strong technical expertise across printables, cut-and-sew, and custom accessories.
• Demonstrated vendor sourcing and negotiation experience.
• Experience leading or mentoring team members.
• Strong financial acumen, including P&L review and pricing strategy.
• Proficiency in PLM systems and ERP platforms.
• Exceptional ability to manage multiple high-pressure launches simultaneously.
• A senior product developer who can balance creativity, speed, and margin.
• A leader who elevates both product and process.
• A strategic thinker who understands the business impact of development decisions.
• A strong cross-functional partner and communicator.
• Someone who thrives in the fast pace of tours, surprise drops, and cultural moments.

Perks

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Including 100% coverage for out-patient in-network mental health services.
• Fertility coverage for eligible medical plan participants.
• Wellbeing reimbursements for fitness classes, spa treatments, meal services, travel, and so much more (up to $720/year).
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement.
• 401(k) with 100% immediate vesting on the first 5% of your contributions, plus an additional UMG contribution.
• A variety of ways to prioritize much-needed time away from work including:
• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) for exempt employees.
• 3-weeks PTO for non-exempt employees.
• 2-weeks paid Winter Break.
• 10 Company Holidays (including Juneteenth and Wellbeing Day).
• Summer Fridays (between Memorial Day and Labor Day).

Disclaimer

This job description only provides an overview of job responsibilities that are subject to change. Universal Music Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are an E-Verify employer in Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah. Please note, UMG is not enrolled in E-Verify in California and New York, and cannot support employment of candidates whose employer must enroll in E-Verify, for example candidates on STEM-OPT. For more information, please click on the following links.

E-Verify Participation Poster: English / Spanish

E-Verify Right to Work Poster: English | Spanish