Senior Manager, CMF Development

 Position Overview

We are looking for a Senior Manager, Color, Material & Finish (CMF) Development to join the Stanley 1913 brand. This position reports to the Director of CMF Studio. The role includes leading as a player-coach and leading the entire CMF Development and Production Art process across Softgoods and Hardgoods categories.

This leader collaborates across departments including CMF Design, Industrial Design & Innovation, Product Management, and Supply Chain to transform creative vision into scalable, production-ready results. You will be accountable for operational excellence, process optimization, and team leadership, ensuring CMF consistency, innovation, and quality throughout the product portfolio.

This is a hybrid role based in Seattle, WA.

What You’ll Do

CMF Development Leadership & Execution

• Lead end-to-end CMF Development and Production Art execution across product categories, ensuring alignment with brand standards, creative intent, and product strategy.
• Drive the translation of CMF Build intent into manufacturable solutions across Inline, Express Lane, Partnerships, and Collaborations.
• Establish clear development plans, sample strategies, and quality standards to ensure product integrity and timely delivery.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partner closely with CMF Build, Product Management, Innovation, and Supply Chain to enable seamless integration across the product lifecycle.
• Act as a central link among creative, technical, and operational groups, guaranteeing clarity, alignment, and accountability.
• Maintain strong communication with vendors, suppliers, and factory partners throughout development.

Process, Tools & Operational Excellence

• Own CMF Development workflows, timelines, and deliverables—driving visibility, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Lead and support improvements to PLM systems, digital color workflows, and CMF toolsets.
• Ensure accurate BOM creation, development tracking, and documentation within PLM.

Sampling, Quality & Risk Management

• Coordinate sample development, reviews, and approvals—proactively identifying risks and driving solutions.
• Establish feedback loops across Build, Product, and Supply Chain to ensure alignment and mitigate production risks.
• Lead sample organization, archiving, and seasonal tracking.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of CMF Developers and Production Artists.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance culture within the CMF Studio.
• Set clear priorities, manage workloads, and align the team to both near-term deliverables and long-term strategy.

Additional Responsibilities

• Drive training, communication, and adoption of CMF standards and guidelines.
• Support go-to-market calendar alignment and readiness of CMF deliverables.
• Travel to APAC for on-site development activities (approximately 2x annually).

Who You Are

Experience & Expertise

• 10+ years of experience in CMF Development within global product development and manufacturing environments.
• 5+ years of people leadership experience, including team development and performance management.
• Expertise across both Hardgoods and Softgoods CMF Development.
• Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional development programs from concept through production.

Technical & Functional Skills

• Deep knowledge of materials, finishes, decoration techniques, and on-product artwork application.
• Strong proficiency in PLM systems and digital color management (including spectral data interpretation).
• Experience with sample planning, BOM creation, and factory communication.
• Familiarity with softgoods construction methods is a plus.

Ways of Working

• Strategic problem solver with a strong balance of creative, technical, and operational perspective.
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple projects, timelines, and collaborators simultaneously.
• Skilled at problem-solving, decision-making, and navigating ambiguity in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communicator with the ability to influence across functions and levels.

Leadership & Approach

• Collaborative “player-coach” who leads by example while developing others.
• Customer-centered with a deep knowledge of brand, product, and supply chain elements.
• Comfortable operating in a test-and-learn environment with evolving systems and processes.

Additional Requirements

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint).
• Outstanding color acuity (Farnsworth Munsell Hue Test required).
• Ability to travel as needed.

Application Instructions

Please include a link to an online portfolio representing recent, relevant work.

LI-Hybrid

Stanley 1913 is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Stanley 1913 is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please reach out to [email protected]. 

Stanley 1913 is a total rewards company, which includes rewards beyond base salary. At Stanley 1913, full-time employees are eligible for an annual bonus, based on company and individual results. In addition, we offer a variety of employee benefits, personalized time off, 14-Paid holidays, dental, vision, 401(k), and much more.