Senior Director, Product Development at Universal Music Group

New York, New York, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Music, Entertainment, MerchandisingIndustries

Requirements

Tenured Product Development (PD) & sourcing experience across multiple product categories, including Apparel, Hardline, and Softline Accessories
Ability to establish and maintain partner relationships with current vendor base and source new suppliers
Expertise in competitive pricing, new ideation, quick turn times, quality control, and on-time deliveries
Experience directing Technical Design and Creative Teams
Proficiency in time and action management, schedule adherence, and milestone monitoring
Skills in negotiating, cost engineering products, and P&L analysis to meet margin targets
Knowledge of trade tools for trend updates, new product opportunities, and factory sourcing/expansion
Ability to manage supplier product integrity, compliance, and risk assessment
Collaborative experience with cross-functional teams, Artist Management, Brand Management, and external partners

Responsibilities

Develop/source new and existing fabric, trims, washes/dyes vendors for upcoming development
Develop and maintain libraries for Fabric and Wash developments
Leverage trade tools to stay updated with trends, foresee new product opportunities, and identify/expand factories
Direct Technical Design Team and Creative Team to ensure complete technical packages for development
Initiate time and action calendars and drive activity with cross-functional teams and Artist Management to stay on schedule
Manage pre-production/development timelines, review reports, and recommend solutions to exceptions
Manage development process details, sampling submits, and communicate Design/FIT comments to vendors
Collaborate with Brand Management and Creative teams to develop executable production assortments
Negotiate and cost engineer products with vendors, aligning with retail price points and margin requirements
Manage overall pricing, P&L analysis with finance, and ensure margin targets for new products/categories
Initiate weekly development touch bases and cross-functional meetings for order issues
Develop and manage process workflow improvements
Work with Production counterparts to align development with production deadlines
Manage supplier product integrity, order specifications (dye lots, wash effects, hand feel, shade bands), and provide risk assessments
Collaborate with Compliance team to ensure products meet Global requirements
Handle ecommerce product setup details and work with Store Management for fabrication, SKUs, and design details

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Product DevelopmentSourcingVendor ManagementApparelAccessoriesQuality ControlTrend ForecastingTechnical DesignFabric DevelopmentWash DevelopmentArtist Management

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the reporting structure for the Senior Director, Product Development role?

This position reports directly to the VP of Product Development.

Is this a remote position or does it require office work?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What salary or compensation is offered for this role?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What key skills and experience are required for this position?

The role requires tenured product development and sourcing experience across Apparel, Hardline, and Softline Accessories, with skills in establishing vendor relationships, negotiating competitive pricing, quality control, trend forecasting, and managing development timelines and technical packages.

What makes a strong candidate for this Senior Director role?

Strong candidates will have extensive experience in product development and sourcing for merchandise, the ability to build vendor relationships, manage cross-functional teams including Technical Design and Creative, and drive strategies focused on trends, pricing, and on-time delivery.

Universal Music Group

Global music recording, publishing, and distribution

About Universal Music Group

Universal Music Group (UMG) operates as a major player in the global music industry, engaging in recording, publishing, and distribution across over 60 countries. The company works with a wide range of clients, from famous artists like Elton John and Taylor Swift to new and independent musicians. UMG's operations include selling physical and digital music, streaming services, licensing music for various media, and organizing live performances. The company signs artists to contracts, produces their music, and manages their publishing rights, while also offering marketing and promotional services to help artists expand their reach. UMG generates revenue through multiple channels, including music sales, streaming subscriptions, licensing fees, live performances, and merchandise. This diverse approach allows UMG to maintain its leadership position in the music market by providing comprehensive support to artists and capitalizing on various revenue opportunities.

Santa Monica, CaliforniaHeadquarters

1934Year Founded

$3,890.9MTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

Consumer Goods, EntertainmentIndustries

10,001+Employees

Benefits

Competitive Salary

401k

Flexible PTO

Medical, dental, visiion insurance

Student Loan Repayment Assistance & Tuition Reimbursement

Well-Being Allowance

Risks

Legal battle with Drake over 'pay-for-play' could harm UMG's reputation.

Downtown Music acquisition may face regulatory scrutiny, delaying expansion plans.

AI partnership with Amazon may not fully address evolving AI content challenges.

Differentiation

UMG leads the music industry with a diverse global presence in 60+ countries.

UMG's artist-centric streaming model enhances engagement and revenue for musicians.

UMG's strategic partnerships, like with Amazon, bolster innovation and content protection.

Upsides

UMG's acquisition of Downtown Music boosts its independent music sector presence.

Partnership with KLAY Vision positions UMG as a leader in AI-driven music innovation.

Collaboration with WPP enhances UMG's marketing capabilities and global reach.

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