Product Development Associate
Location: New York, NY
Schedule: Full-time, hybrid—three days per week in our NYC showroom; two days remote
We are seeking a highly organized Product Development Associate to support the product development process from initial concept through retail launch. This role works closely with Design, Sourcing, Merchandising, Sales, overseas factory partners, and retail buyers to keep development on track, manage samples, maintain accurate product information, and identify market opportunities.
Key Responsibilities:- Support the development of multiple product categories from concept through production and retail launch.
- Maintain development calendars, product development charts, sample logs, and key milestone trackers.
- Request, review, track, and route prototypes, strike-offs, pre-production, and top-of-production samples.
- Manage internal sample inventory and coordinate sample shipments to buyers, customer teams, and internal stakeholders.
- Prepare samples, line sheets, cost information, and other materials for customer meetings.
- Attend meetings, document buyer feedback and approvals, distribute recaps, and follow up on outstanding requests.
- Coordinate daily with overseas partners to track sample status, approvals, production readiness, and shipping timelines.
- Review and verify cost sheets, ensuring pricing and product information remain accurate and current from initial offer through final approval.
- Partner with Design, Merchandising, and Sales to align product assortments with customer needs, sales performance, and market trends.
- Track customer sales information and compile insights to support future product development decisions.
- Conduct competitive retail and market research, including store visits, competitor analysis, product photography, and presentation of findings to internal teams.
- Support the rollout and ongoing use of product development and personalized software systems.
Qualifications:- – years of experience in product development, merchandising, sourcing, design, textile production, or a related consumer goods field; home textiles, home fashion, apparel, or soft goods experience is preferred.
- Basic understanding of textile construction, yarns, fabric finishes, printing and dyeing techniques, and manufacturing processes.
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills; experience with PLM or other product lifecycle management systems is a plus.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple product categories, seasons, accounts, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to coordinate effectively with overseas factories and cross-functional teams.
- Comfortable participating in customer meetings and communicating follow-up actions clearly and professionally.
- Bachelor’s degree in Product Development, Merchandising, Textile Design, Fashion Design, or a related field preferred.
