Sample and Development Manager

Overview

Job Title: Sample and Development Manager

Department: Design

Location: Glendale, CA – In office

Reports To: SVP of Sales Theme Parks

Position Summary

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.

• 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

• 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

Mad Engine is a global apparel company that creates licensed and private-label products for top retailers worldwide. Known for its creative approach and strong brand partnerships, Mad Engine delivers trend-forward, quality apparel across a wide range of categories.