About Clare V. 

Clare V. is a line of accessible-luxury pieces born and based in sunny Los Angeles, California. Led by founder Clare Vivier, Clare V. is a distinctive reflection of Clare’s unique background, passions, and vision.  More than 10 years ago, Clare started making the types of bags she wanted, but couldn’t find anywhere.  As the brand grew, she proudly kept production local to Los Angeles, meanwhile forging partnerships with local and global organizations working to make a positive difference in the world. Today, Clare V. remains committed to conscious practices while creating collections that are bold yet enduring, elevated yet accessible, and irresistibly charming yet rooted in everyday practicality.   The brand headquarters is located in the Silverlake area of Los Angeles and is actively led by Clare Vivier.

Manage the Product Development team through entire development process from R&D to production handoff; meanwhile achieving design aesthetic, quality, and timeline goals. You are a dynamic leader that can navigate between the demands of design, suppliers, and other cross functional partners.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

SOURCING

• Works closely with Design Director, internal R&D and import factories on seasonal offering needs to provide options in materials, suppliers, and techniques.
• Sources alternate manufacturers and material suppliers to provide options in materials, products, and techniques as needed while building a tight factory partner base.
• Directs seasonal style allocation to factories ensure no one factory is overloaded.
• Manages factory relationships for the benefit of the brand and in line with the strategic sourcing plan.  
• Supports brand sourcing strategy lead by SVP of Production to onboard new full package suppliers. With the PD team, put together sampling materials and tech packs to vet new factories. Will also collaborate closely to define cost targets for these new initiatives.
• With Product Development team, reviews all prototypes and market samples to insure faithful execution to spec.   
• Ensures that all needed sample materials are purchased, scheduled, monitored, and inventoried.
• Through the Product Development team, manages the prototyping process including scheduling, monitoring, and reporting, flexing both factory and internal schedules to ensure productive milestone meetings and accurate execution to design.  
• Oversees the review and communication of style/material minimums, material costs, and lead times to Production and Planning as needed in development cycle for proper planning of production flow.
• Supports R&D with cost negotiations for all components and Costing Manager on finished goods costs based on margin plans and target retail structures. Reviews costing report prior to FDR meeting to drive conversations around margin challenges with key business leaders.
• Works closely with Cost Manager to finalize all costing once market samples are complete.

PRODUCT INTEGRITY  

• Governs the review of all components with an eye for quality, durability, and compliance.   
• Ensures that all components and constructions used are compliant for performance and restricted substances prior to production and overseeing the testing in development of any questionable materials.   

CALENDAR   

• Manages, and flexes calendar (annual and in-season) to ensure adherence of all deadlines associated with development of product.
• Firm understanding of prioritization and managing unexpected delays by resolving with cross-functional teams and upper management.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES   

• Manages monthly development expenses and weekly invoice processing to accounting.
• Communicates seasonal budget targets to PD team and tracks expenses accordingly.
• Manages team and cross functional relationships to ensure our product meets quality and cost requirements.
• Provides weekly reporting on development status to Department Head for all active seasons. At the end of the season provides a development hindsight to cross functional partners.
• International travel 2-3 times per year or as needed to fulfill the requirements of the role.
• Attention to coaching and building a team, provide clear goals for each team member and actively contribute to building a collaborative team environment.
• Works on other relevant projects as required by Department Head.

• BA/BS degree or equivalent life experience   
• Minimum 8-10 years’ experience in leather fashion accessories product development, sourcing, and/or production. With at least 4 years managing a team of 4+ direct reports.
• Experience working with both domestic and import factories.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal and negotiation skills   
• Strong math and collaborative skills.
• PLM experience required. 
• WFX experience a plus.
• Strong proficiency in Excel and Google Suite required.
• Ability to multi-task and manage competing priorities and can work with a strong sense of accuracy and urgency.
• Proficiency in reading and understanding tech packs and bill of material.
• Expert understanding of patternmaking and construction of handbags preferred.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 30 lbs.

Compensation & Perks:

Annual salary range of $150K - $185K, along with annual cost-of-living increases, end-of -year bonus opportunities, and generous employee discounts.  Plus, enjoy bi-annual product credits to keep you connected with the brand. 

Studio Life & Culture: 

This position is based out of our Frogtown Studio Offices, located in one of L.A.’s most vibrant and creative neighborhoods–known for its arts scene, local cafes, and laid-back riverside charm. 

For our studio-based team members, we foster a work environment that supports creativity, connection, and community.  Perks include:

• A fully stocked kitchen with healthy snacks and beverages
• Monthly catered lunches to bring the team together
• Quarterly team-building events, including meaningful volunteer outings throughout the Los Angeles community

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

We Care about your total well-being—both inside and outside of work. Our benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance to keep you and your family covered
• Flex Spending Accounts and Transportation Management Accounts
• Life and Long-term disability insurance for peace of mind
• Paid vacation, personal days, and sick time to help you recharge
• Guardian ancillary plans for added protection and flexibility
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential support for life's challenges
• 401(k) with company match to help you build a strong financial future

Clare V. is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds to apply. We believe that diverse perspectives make for stronger teams and better ideas. We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful workplace where everyone can thrive.

In compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws–including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)--we do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need support during the application process, please contact us at alysadearborn@clarev.com. 

Notice to California applicants: https://privacy.clarev.com/job-applicant-privacy-notice