Senior Product Development Associate

Senior Product Development Associate

We’re looking for a highly organized, proactive Senior Associate to support domestic apparel product development from sampling through production. This person will manage sample yardage, trim requests, Recut PP processes, PLM/PIM data integrity, and sample readiness while serving as a key cross-functional partner.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own sample yardage, trim requests, and Recut PP processes end to end.
• Drive on-time fit sample completion and adherence to development timelines.
• Track priorities and milestones across assigned styles, proactively identifying risks and delays.
• Partner with Design, Merchandising, Pattern Makers, Sample Room, R&D, Purchasing, and Production.
• Maintain accurate PLM (Centric), PIM, BOMs, development status, and shared trackers.
• Prepare for and support fittings, ensuring materials, trims, and updates are accurate.
• Own sample readiness and review processes.
• Support PD and Production meetings with clear status updates and risk flags.
• Partner with R&D and Purchasing on deadstock materials and trims.
• Complete time-sensitive order placement and material follow-ups.
• Maintain detailed documentation throughout all development stages.
• Identify process inefficiencies and support improvements to workflows and tools.
• Manage artwork execution between Design and external print houses.
• Coordinate sample movement, file transfers, and vendor scheduling.
• Provide clear technical direction to ensure design comments are executed correctly.

Qualifications:

• 3–5 years of product development, production, and/or sourcing experience within fashion or apparel.
• Strong understanding of trims and woven fabrics.
• Experience maintaining fabric and trim libraries.
• Strong knowledge of development and production timelines, from sampling through delivery.
• Experience with vendor communication and follow-up.
• Strong data-entry and tracker-management skills.
• Working knowledge of PLM systems, POs, and BOMs.
• Highly organized with excellent follow-through and attention to detail.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Clear, concise, and direct communication style.
• Self-starter who thrives with autonomy.
• Ability to proactively solve for risks and delays.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs., including samples and incoming shipments.

Required Systems and Skills:

• Centric PLM and PIM
• POs and BOMs
• Google Suite and Microsoft Office
• Sample, trim, and yardage tracking
• Fabric and trim knowledge
• Vendor communication
• Product development tracking and documentation

What Makes a Strong Candidate:

• Proactively solves for risks and delays rather than simply flagging them.
• Precise, fast, and consistent with high-integrity data entry.
• Comfortable managing multiple moving pieces in a fast-paced environment.
• Calm, reliable, and solutions-oriented under pressure.
• Genuinely self-directed and able to work autonomously.
• Strong cross-functional communicator with consistent follow-through.