Paul Benlian
Pasadena,CA
Summary
Product development leader with 35+ years of experience driving end-to-end apparel execution across Mens, Woman's and kids categories. Proven ability to scale brands to $15M+ in annual revenue through disciplined sourcing strategy, vendor optimization, trend analysis and commercially aligned assortment planning. Extensive expertise in global factory management, cost engineering, compliance oversight and on-time seasonal delivery for major U.S. and international retailers.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Product Development
Miramar Consulting Group Inc.
Los Angeles, CA
01.2011 - Current
- Lead concept-to-production development for apparel brands 15+ Million distributed through Nordstrom, Macy’s, Dillard’s, Stitch Fix, Tilly’s, Hot Topic, Guess, Journeys and Fashion Nova.
- Built and manage global vendor base across China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Mexico and USA; negotiate FOB, MOQs and delivery terms to protect margin targets.
- Drive seasonal line architecture, costing strategy and sample approval process from tech packs through bulk production.
- Implemented compliance standards and QA checkpoints to improve timely delivery and product consistency.
VP Merchandising and Product Development
Pamatex Inc.
Commerce, CA
01.2004 - 01.2011
- Scaled young men’s business to $15M+ annually through structured sourcing, cost engineering and retail-aligned assortment planning.
- Managed private label programs for Alfani, American Rag, Epic Threads, Kohl’s (Helix) Forever 21, The Buckle, Fred Meyer, and Costco.
- Directed overseas wash and fabric development programs in India and China to achieve target aesthetics at competitive costs.
- Negotiated with factories to improve costing transparency and margin performance.
- Analyzed market trends to inform inventory management and optimize product assortments.
- Led vendor negotiations to secure favorable terms and improve supply chain efficiency.
Senior Director, Product Development
Boarding Pass
New York, NY
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Developed and sourced young men’s assortments for Proffitt’s, produced in India.
- Collaborated directly with retail buyers on margin strategy, pricing architecture and seasonal resets.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive business plans aligning with organizational goals and market trends.
Senior Merchandiser / Product Development
YMLA
Los Angeles, CA
01.1997 - 01.2002
- Helped grow revenue from ~$15M to ~$32M through sourcing optimization and private label expansion.
- Managed Asia-based sourcing network across China, Korea and Taiwan; standardized development calendars and QA processes.
Education
Associate of Arts - Fashion Design
Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
Los AngelesPsychology & Sociology
California State University, Fullerton
Skills
- End-to-End Product Lifecycle Management
- Global Sourcing (Asia, LATAM, USA)
- Vendor Negotiation & Cost Control
- Margin Optimization & Pricing Architecture
- Fabric / Wash / Trim Development
- Private Label & Wholesale Programs
- Time & Action Calendars
- QA & Retail Compliance
- Cross-Functional Leadership
Languages
English
Arabic
Armenian
Timeline
Director of Product Development
Miramar Consulting Group Inc.
01.2011 - Current
VP Merchandising and Product Development
Pamatex Inc.
01.2004 - 01.2011
Senior Director, Product Development
Boarding Pass
01.2002 - 01.2004
Senior Merchandiser / Product Development
YMLA
01.1997 - 01.2002
Psychology & Sociology
California State University, Fullerton
Associate of Arts - Fashion Design
Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising