Product Development Associate

Job Overview:

The Product Development associate is responsible for overseeing the entire product lifecycle from design hand-off thru production. This role involves managing timelines, coordinating with vendors, and requires excellent project management skills.

This role works closely with the design, merchandising, production and sales.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Project Management:

• Facilitate and execute the product development lifecycle to ensure key milestones on product calendar are adhered to
• Manage and track all design submits and samples from initial development to top of production
• Manage product development timelines specific to wholesale channels, ensuring adherence to strict deadlines for product approvals and coordinating with internal teams to meet partner requirements
• Proactively identify potential risks/challenges and provide effective solutions to keep development timelines on track

1. Collaboration and Communication:

• Work closely with designers, cross-functional partners, and overseas vendors to ensure product deadlines are adhered to
• Work closely with tech design and designers to ensure new product development meets intended design
• Participate in fit sessions and provide feedback to ensure garments meet the brand’s fit, function, and aesthetic requirements
• Participate in product line review meetings with cross-functional team members including design, merchandising, and sales, to ensure alignment on product development goals and timelines
• Support sales team in preparing for go-to-market meetings by ensuring samples are executed correctly and on-time
• Communicate specific retailer requirements to vendors such as labeling, ticketing, and packaging instructions
• Assist in reviewing and checking tech packs for accuracy
• Review design submits with strong attention to detail
• Ensure accuracy in comments and approvals on design

Data Integrity and Maintenance

• Create and manage product development trackers to monitor the progress of each product from conception to final approval, ensuring alignment with production deadlines
• Assist in creating visual aids for sales team using Adobe Illustrator in preparation for market meetings
• Create and manage item setups ensuring product information is entered and maintained accurately

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, or a related field
• 5 professional years of experience in apparel product development, preferably in childrenswear
• Experience managing product lifecycle from concept to production in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Exceptional project management skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines and manage multiple developments simultaneously
• Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to analyze issues, generate solutions, and evaluate outcomes
• Experience working with overseas vendors
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite: Excel and PowerPoint
• Basic knowledge of Adobe Illustrator is a plus

Attributes:

• Strategic thinker
• Strong problem-solving capabilities
• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy
• Sense of urgency, accuracy and responsibility
• Collaborative team player
• Agile in a thriving fast-paced environment with the ability to manage multiple priorities