Associate Director, Product Development Operations

We are UMG, the Universal Music Group. We are the world’s leading music company. In everything we do, we are committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship. We own and operate a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising, and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. We identify and develop recording artists and songwriters, and we produce, distribute and promote the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music to delight and entertain fans around the world.

Famehouse, a division of UMG, is the preeminent leader in D2C solutions in music, defining & delivering the industry’s best-in-class service to connect artists with their fans. Established & headquartered in Philly, Famehouse powers D2C for UMG’s labels, artists, and Bravado, along with a select roster of 3rd party clients. Our success & culture is fueled by collaboration—both within FH and with our partners. We are passionate about the impact of D2C & merchandise for artists, providing a full-service solution to grow an artist’s owned business including strategy, creative, storefront merchandising, fulfillment, customer service, technology, and more.

How We LEAD

We are seeking a highly organized and systems-minded Associate Director of Product Development Operations to support Famehosue and the growing music merchandise business across eCommerce, live events/touring, and retail channels.

This role is ideal for someone with strong product development experience who thrives in building structure, optimizing workflows, and creating scalable processes. You will serve as the operational backbone of the Product Development team — ensuring timelines are met, systems are effective, communication flows cross-functionally, and team feedback is continuously integrated into how we work.

In a fast-paced environment driven by artist drops, tour launches, and retail deadlines, this role ensures that creative ideas translate into well-executed, on-time product delivery.

How You'll CREATE

• Product Development Operations Leadership
• Own and optimize product development workflows across eComm, live event, and retail channels.
• Implement scalable systems and tools to support rapid drops, tour merchandise, and retail production calendars.
• Identify process gaps and proactively implement solutions to improve efficiency and visibility.
• Establish clear SOPs across sampling, approvals, production handoffs, and launch readiness.
• Cross-Functional Alignment
• Act as the operational bridge between Product Development, Creative, Sales, Sourcing, Planning, and Production teams.
• Ensure internal milestones are clearly communicated and adhered to across departments.
• Facilitate cross-functional meetings to drive accountability and alignment.
• Systems & Process Implementation
• Lead implementation and optimization of PLM, project management tools, or other operational systems.
• Ensure data accuracy across product specs, costing, timelines, and approvals.
• Develop dashboards and reporting to provide visibility into development status and risks.
• Incorporate team feedback to continuously refine and improve operational processes.
• Team Support & Operational Excellence
• Support the Product Development team in prioritization and workload management.
• Create structure that allows creative and development teams to focus on innovation while ensuring operational rigor.
• Champion a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
  
  

Bring Your VIBE

• 8-10 years of experience in product development, production, or sourcing within apparel and/or accessories.
• Experience in music merchandise, entertainment, streetwear, or fast-paced drop-based businesses strongly preferred.
• Strong operational mindset with a track record of implementing or improving systems and workflows.
• Experience managing T&A calendars and complex, overlapping launch schedules.
• Familiarity with PLM systems, ERP tools, or project management platforms.
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority launches simultaneously.
• Highly collaborative, solution-oriented, and process-driven.
• A product development expert who prefers building structure over owning design.
• Someone who thrives in operational leadership and process optimization.
• A cross-functional connector who ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
• A calm, systems-driven leader in high-pressure drop and tour environments.
  
  

Perks Playlist

Join an entrepreneurial, global organization where authenticity, boldness, creativity, connection, drive, and insight aren’t just values—they’re how we work every day. Here are some of the ways we support you along the way (and just a few of the benefits we offer):

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Including 100% coverage for out-patient in-network mental health services
• Fertility coverage for eligible medical plan participants
• Wellbeing reimbursements for fitness classes, spa treatments, meal services, travel, and so much more (up to $720/year)
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement
• 401(k) with 100% immediate vesting on the first 5% of your contributions, plus an additional UMG contribution
  
  

A variety of ways to prioritize much-needed time away from work including:

• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) for exempt employees
• 3-weeks PTO for non-exempt employees
• 2-weeks paid Winter Break
• 10 Company Holidays (including Juneteenth and Wellbeing Day)
• Summer Fridays (between Memorial Day and Labor Day)
• Generous paid parental leave for every type of parent
  
  

Check out our full overview of benefits on the Perks Playlist page of the career site.

Disclaimer: This job description only provides an overview of job responsibilities that are subject to change.

Universal Music Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an E-Verify employer in Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah.

For more information, please click on the following links.

E-Verify Participation Poster: English / Spanish

E-Verify Right to Work Poster: English | Spanish

Job Category

Merchandising

Salary Range

$81,000- $174,808

The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include, as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. All candidates are encouraged to apply.