Sample and Development Manager

Mad Engine Global LLC•Glendale, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sample & Development Manager is a critical point of ownership for managing and driving the end-to-end sample development process across domestic and import programs. This role serves as the primary liaison between internal teams and the core Disney partners, ensuring feedback is clearly understood, integrated, and executed. The ideal candidate is a strong coordinator, decisive leader, and apparel expert who can prioritize effectively, manage complexity, and move initiatives forward with confidence.

Requirements

Proven experience in apparel development, design, and sample management
Strong understanding of industry timelines, approvals, and production realities
Exceptional coordination, prioritization, and multitasking abilities
Confident communicator with the ability to influence, align, and drive action across teams
Demonstrated leadership skills and comfort making decisions in collaboration with cross-functional partners
Ability to assess feasibility, identify risks, and propose solutions proactively
Highly organized, dependable, and capable of operating with autonomy

Responsibilities

Own and manage the full sample process lifecycle, serving as the central point person for all sample-related coordination
Maintain daily communication with the core Disney team and lead or participate in joint meetings as needed
Actively listen to, analyze, and interpret Disney feedback, providing recommendations and integrating comments into actionable next steps
Drive execution by translating feedback into clear actions, timelines, and deliverables for internal teams
Partner closely with the VP, management team, and coordinators to ensure alignment, prioritization, and timely decision-making
Make informed decisions with the team, escalate risks or call-outs as needed, and secure approvals to keep projects moving
Evaluate feasibility by analyzing what is possible within timelines, cost, and production constraints
Lead and adapt to process changes, continuously improving efficiency and clarity across domestic and import workflows
Remove operational burden from leadership by independently managing the sample process and anticipating needs
Balance multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment