Manager, Product Development, Accessories, Handbags, & SLG at alexanderwang

Position Title: Manager, Product Development, Accessories, Handbags, and SLG

Summary

As the Manager, Product Development, Accessories, Handbags, and SLG, you will drive the development process for handbag and small leather goods (SLG) collections from concept through production handoff. You will partner with design, sourcing, and production teams to build seasonal lines that meet cost, quality, and construction standards, while managing prototype and sample development timelines. You will translate design intent into technically sound, market-ready product, working cross-functionally to solve construction and material challenges throughout the development calendar. This role requires close day-to-day management of the development process and hands-on problem-solving with internal and external partners.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to

• Own the development calendar for handbags and small leather goods (SLG), ensuring seasonal milestones are met from concept through production handoff.
• Partner with design teams to translate creative concepts into technically feasible, cost-effective handbag and SLG products.
• Manage prototype and sample development cycles, reviewing fit, construction, and function at each stage to keep collections on track.
• Collaborate with sourcing and production partners to select materials, hardware, and components that meet quality, cost, and construction standards.
• Review and approve technical packages, including specs, BOMs, and construction details, to ensure accuracy before handoff to production.
• Coordinate fittings and sample reviews with design and merchandising teams, incorporating feedback into revised prototypes.
• Identify and resolve construction, material, and costing issues during development, escalating to the Director as needed.
• Track development costs against target margins, flagging risks and proposing adjustments to meet financial goals.
• Communicate development status, timelines, and risks to cross-functional partners, including design, merchandising, and production.
• Build and maintain relationships with factories and vendors to support sample turnaround, quality, and development needs.
• Travel internationally to manufacturing partners, as needed, to review samples, resolve development issues, and support factory capability assessments.
• Support seasonal hindsight and process-improvement reviews to refine development practices for handbags and SLG.
• Partner with the Director on development strategy for new product categories, materials, and construction techniques.
• Ensure development documentation, calendars, and specs are accurate and up to date across internal systems.
• Coordinate with quality and compliance teams to confirm products meet global market testing standards prior to production release.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer M/D/F/V

In compliance with the New York City salary transparency requirements, the potential salary for this position is from $110,000 to $140,000, which represents a range commensurate with experience, knowledge, and skills required.

Requirements

• 5+ years of handbag and small leather goods product development experience.
• Experience working with manufacturing partners across Asia and Europe.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of handbag and SLG construction, materials, hardware, and costing.
• Understanding of technical packages, BOMs, and specification development for leather goods.
• Effective cross-functional collaborator who can manage multiple product lines and calendars simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Outlook; experience with RLM or similar PLM systems preferred.
• AI fluency — comfort using AI tools to accelerate everyday work such as tech pack review, calendar tracking, vendor correspondence, and reporting, with sound judgment about when to rely on them and when to verify.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to:

• Clothing allowance & discounted merchandise
• Healthcare (medical/dental/vision) coverage
• Flexible spending account (FSA) & Commuter benefits
• 401(k) savings plan with employer match
• Summer Fridays