Product Development Assistant in Los Angeles, California at Clare V.

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 Silver Lake/Frogtown area of Los Angeles and is actively led by Clare Vivier.

In this role, you will assist in the development process starting from raw material stage to sample management. You will be responsible for supporting the team in every aspect to meet seasonal milestones and maintaining integrity of product throughout the entire development process.

Specific Duties / Responsibilities:

Raw Materials and Trims

• Receive, process, and check in all incoming packages including leather skins, hardware, trims, and webbing; update material trackers with receipt details, shipping information, and article notes.
• Route new material submits to Design for approval and maintain accurate status tracking through the approval process.
• Swatch all incoming development materials to R&D approval standards and maintain organized reference binders including core leather, hardware, and color standard references.
• Coordinate outbound shipment of RM color standards to vendors and ensure in-house references are current.
• Prepare RM handoff binders for cross-functional use at key seasonal milestones.
• Monitor hardware, trim, and webbing inventory levels; coordinate with the Raw Materials Manager on reorders and replenishment as needed.

Sample Development and Management

• Help pull, label, and ship materials and trims to import vendors for sampling as needed.
• Track market sample status and provide seasonal updates to cross-functional partners
• Manage seasonal sample allocation to showrooms via the market sample log, including pulling complete sample sets for multiple showroom locations, supporting in-house photo shoots throughout the year, and managing sample check-in and check-out for both scheduled events and ad hoc internal team requests.
• Partner with Product Developers to maintain an organized archive system: ensure samples are properly organized by season, dropped styles are cleared out in a timely manner, and the warehouse archive remains accurate and accessible.
• Support sample sale preparation including swatch and quantity handoff coordination.

Workspace and Operations

• Maintain an organized and functional PD materials workspace in the warehouse, including hardware and trim shelves and sample inventory.
• Develop a strong working knowledge of the seasonal calendar and its impact on the raw material and sample coordinating process.
• Manage outgoing shipments for PD and R&D: create shipping labels, pack goods, and coordinate with UPS and other carriers as needed.
• Maintain organized market sample storage. Ensure market samples are being checked in and out properly at each stage.

Requirements

• 1-2 years’ experience working in Product Development role for an apparel and/or handbag/accessories company.
• Strong proficiency in Excel and Google Suites is required.
• Must be organized, detail oriented, and a great communicator.
• 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.
• PLM experience required. WFX experience a plus.
• Leather and handbag development experience preferred.

Physcial Requirements

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while working at a computer or reviewing materials
• Frequent movement throughout office and warehouse areas to organize, retrieve, and manage samples and materials
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to handle materials, samples, and office equipment
• Ability to visually inspect materials and samples with close attention to detail
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal teams and external ventors
• Ability tolift, carry, push, and/or move boxes, samples, and materials up to 30 pounds
• Ability to bend, reach, stoop and navigate office and warehouse environments as needed

Additional Information

• This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities
• Responsibilities may change based on business needs

Work Environment

• This role requires 5 days per week in-office at our Frogtown, Los Angeles studio
• Work is performed in a creative studio and office environment with frequent collaboration
• Regular attendance at photoshoots, events, and offsite activations will be required
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be needed based on events, campaigns, or content needs

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

Compensation & Perks

Pay range of $23 -$33/hour , 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.

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 accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need support during the application process, please contact us at alysadearborn@clarev.com.

Our company conducts background checks as part of the hiring process after a conditional offer has been made. A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify you from employment. We consider the nature of the offense, the time elapsed, and its relevance to the position.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

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