Associate Manager, Product Development - Women's Apparel at Reformation

Vernon, CAFull-timeSupply ChainPosted about 2 months ago

About the Role

Who We Are: Being naked is the #1 most sustainable option. We're #2. Since 2009, we've been on a mission to bring sustainable fashion to everyone. Named one of <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/91235976/brands-that-matter-2024">Fast Company’s Brands That Matter</a> and winning a <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/reformation_we-won-the-award-for-best-carbon-footprint-activity-7069721913526255617-Fz9M/">Best Carbon Footprint</a> award, we have big goals like being <a href="https://www.thereformation.com/sustainability/climate-positive-roadmap.html?srsltid=AfmBOorhdm3aft0gzf4GzVF8U8qS_eZIefxpuPmL2UPkMg2hjMzTla6f">Climate Positive by 2025</a>, <a href="https://www.thereformation.com/circularity.html">Circular by 2030</a>, and pushing the whole industry forward along the way. Our work has gotten love in <a href="https://www.drapersonline.com/insight/analysis/reformations-award-winning-circularity-ambitions">Drapers</a> and <a href="https://sourcingjournal.com/sustainability/sustainability-news/reformation-sustainability-rivet-it-girl-los-angeles-spending-sensitivity-recycling-ref-529521/">Sourcing Journal</a>, and <a href="https://time.com/7023465/hali-borenstein/">TIME</a> wrote about how great our CEO, Hali Borenstein, is. Basically, we're saving the Earth and looking damn good doing it. We're a global brand with 50+ stores (and counting) around the world, and our own <a href="https://www.thereformation.com/sustainability/we-are-reformation.html">sustainable factory in LA</a>. We innovate across categories like <a href="https://wwd.com/accessories-news/handbags/reformation-accessories-expansion-shoes-bags-1236447322/">accessories</a>, <a href="https://www.elle.com/fashion/shopping/a60229509/reformation-swimwear-launch-2024/">swimwear</a>, and <a href="https://hypebae.com/2025/4/reformation-good-in-bed-pyjama-collection-campaign">sleepwear</a>, and we reach millions of people with campaigns like <a href="https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/laura-harrier-reformation">this</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EsJTIttah8">this</a> and <a href="https://www.elle.com/fashion/a46873554/monica-lewinsky-reformation-voting-campaign-interview-2024/">this</a>.  None of this work is possible without the incredible people behind it. We're a mission-based company that invests in an inclusive culture, so we can innovate together and ensure everyone has the space to grow, thrive, and belong. And starting right now, we want to do all that with you.   Work Location/ Schedule: 5 days, M-F On-Site at Vernon office  The Role: As Associate Manager, Product Development, you'll own the full product development journey from first concept to production hand-off. You'll be the driving force that keeps projects moving on time, on margin, and on quality, while partnering closely with cross-functional teams and vendors to bring standout products to life. This role is built for someone who thrives on ownership and accountability. You're proactive by nature, sharp on the details, and energized by a fast-paced, data & metrics-driven environment where no two days look the same. You'll operate as an individual contributor with real autonomy, balancing speed to market, margin goals, and product excellence at every step. If you love solving problems before they become problems and communicating with clarity across every stakeholder, this is your role.   <h4>Key Responsibilities</h4> <h5>Product Lifecycle Management & Execution</h5> <ul> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">Own and drive the full apparel product development process, ensuring milestones are met across Product Development, Technical Design, and Production.</li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">Track and proactively manage all development-related deliverables, including BOM accuracy, sample tracking, and approvals, to ensure styles are on schedule.</li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">Ensure vendor scorecard KPIs (lead time, on-time development, and quality) are consistently met by holding vendors accountable and escalating issues as needed.</li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">Lead exception management with vendors, analyzing root causes of delays and implementing solutions instead of merely reporting late timelines.</li> </ul> <h5>Vendor & Cost Management</h5> <ul> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">Have a strong understanding of product cost structure and cost levers to support effective vendor negotiations, ensuring target margins and calendar timelines are met.</li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">Manage cost sheets and ensure all pricing is updated accurately and on time, with justification for any cost increases or variances.</li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">Partner with vendors to resolve costing and lead time challenges, ensuring strategic alignment between business needs and vendor capabilities.</li> </ul> <h5>Cross-Functional Communication & Accountability</h5> <ul> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">Maintain real-time, accurate updates in all tracking systems (ERP, BOMs, WIPs) with full transparency for cross-functional partners.</li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">Drive proactive and concise communication across teams (Design, Merchandising, Materials, Technical Design, Purchasing, Production) to ensure seamless execution.</li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">Anticipate risks, clearly articulate challenges, and provide well-thought-out solutions when presenting updates to leadership.</li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">Hold all teams accountable for deliverables by ensuring there is always clear next-step ownership, reducing unnecessary delays.</li> </ul> <h5>Process Adherence & Continuous Improvement</h5> <ul> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">Demonstrate a strong understanding of all company systems and SOPs, adhering to structured processes without deviation.</li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">Ensure all BOMs are correctly maintained in the shared system, with no missing data, inconsistencies, or offline tracking that could create gaps for cross-functional teams.</li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">Attend daily fittings, capturing clear and actionable notes while following up without delay to ensure feedback is executed accurately.</li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">Partner with the Production team weekly to confirm styles are production-ready and aligned with the factory’s capabilities.</li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">Take ownership of all sample-related logistics, including tracking ETAs and ensuring samples are ready for fittings and approvals.</li> </ul> <h5>Management & Business Acumen</h5> <ul> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">Plan, prioritize, and manage workload effectively, ensuring all deadlines are met without requiring excessive oversight.</li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">Understand and work towards department financial goals, including top-line revenue and inventory objectives.</li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">Exhibit a high level of ownership, following instructions precisely and ensuring tasks are completed the first time without repeated reminders.</li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">Proactively surface opportunities for process improvement, vendor performance enhancement, and cost optimization.</li> </ul> <h5>Special Projects & Strategic Support</h5> <ul> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">Support new vendor sourcing and onboarding to strengthen the supply base and improve cost and lead time efficiencies.</li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">Take initiative in contributing to department objectives beyond day-to-day execution, supporting leadership in driving strategic initiatives.</li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">Actively participate in business-critical meetings, demonstrating preparedness and contributing solutions rather than observations.</li> </ul> <h4>Key Performance Expectations</h4> <ul> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">Zero tolerance for missed deadlines without proactive communication and a clear resolution plan.</li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">Full compliance with data integrity and system updates—no offline tracking or incomplete information.</li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">Effective cost management that contribute to margin improvement and lead time efficiency.</li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">Strong vendor management with accountability for performance improvement, not just status updates.</li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">Clear, concise, and action-driven communication across all teams, minimizing unnecessary back-and-forth.</li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">Demonstrated ability to manage workload independently, escalating only when necessary and providing solutions along with concerns.</li> </ul>   Compensation: At Reformation, we believe in transparency and equity when it comes to compensation. For this role, the anticipated base salary range is $80,000 - 90,000  + 5% bonus eligibility, depending on a variety of factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, skills, qualifications, and internal compensation equity. This role may also be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus based on a range of factors, including company performance, department goals, and individual contributions. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and are determined at the company’s discretion. Please note that compensation decisions are made thoughtfully and may vary from the listed range to reflect individual circumstances and evolving business needs. Our total rewards package also includes benefits, perks, and opportunities for growth that contribute to overall compensation.   Benefits & Perks: <ul> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">Eligible employees get employer-sponsored private medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as commuter benefits to help support your travel to and from work.</li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">We offer competitive paid time off policies including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays for eligible employees. </li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">We offer retirement planning support for eligible employees, including the option to invest in Environmental Social Governance-aligned (fancy way to say sustainable) funds. </li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">We’re a mission-based company with offices in LA, NYC and London, as well as a global retail team, which means you’ll get to collaborate with people all around the world.</li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">You’ll get access to fertility care support through <a href="https://www.get-carrot.com/">Carrot</a>, and up to a $5,000 USD reimbursement for related fertility expenses after 1 year of employment.</li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">We care about the causes our employees care about so we donate to community efforts on a yearly basis. </li> <li style="font-size: 10pt;">We offer a clothing discount, culture events (like our annual Ref Values week and Volunteer Time Off), you know, all the meaningful and fun stuff!</li> </ul> Reformation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the world we want to live in. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status—in accordance with applicable international, federal, state, and local laws. If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know. We’re here to ensure you have what you need to show up as your best self. Still don’t know if you should apply? We get it—<a href="https://hbr.org/2014/08/why-women-dont-apply-for-jobs-unless-theyre-100-qualified">studies</a> show that many women and individuals from historically underrepresented communities hold back from applying unless they meet every single requirement. At Reformation, we’re all about growth, not gatekeeping. If you’re passionate about the role and excited about making fashion more sustainable, we’d love to hear from you. If this role doesn’t totally excite you, consider applying to our <a href="https://www.thereformation.com/career-listing.html?gh_jid=6749039">general application.</a> <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hWg36l-u6_OemKlE5PHwz3eXqPmZlP2P/view?usp=sharing">CRPA Notice found here</a> Want some more?! -<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/eshachhabra/2019/02/21/why-this-la-fashion-brand-went-carbon-neutral-and-wants-customers-to-as-well/#4563df3e37e6"> </a><a href="https://www.thereformation.com/sustainability.html">Sustainability</a>, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/eshachhabra/2019/02/21/why-this-la-fashion-brand-went-carbon-neutral-and-wants-customers-to-as-well/#4563df3e37e6">Forbes</a>,<a href="https://media.thereformation.com/image/upload/v1645463347/pdfs/Reformation_2021%20Benchmark%20Assessment%20Report_January_2022.pdf"> </a><a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/90815341/reformation-doubling-down-sustainability">Fast Company</a>

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