Product Development Associate

Product Development Associate

The Product Development Associate will support the end-to-end development process from design handoff through production, ensuring product execution aligns with design intent, quality standards, and timeline expectations. This role serves as a key bridge between Design, Technical Design, and Production, helping bring collections to life through strong organization, communication, problem-solving, and attention to detail.

Development & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Support the development process from initial concept through production pass-off
• Partner closely with Design, Technical Design, and Production to communicate and execute all style updates throughout development
• Identify and develop design elements, trims, or construction details that may not be feasible for production, and flag for review with proposed alternatives
• Track and manage style progress from development through production, proactively flagging risks or delays

Product Development Execution

• Own and maintain ERP (RLM) style entry, ensuring all required fields are complete and accurate for tech and sales deadlines
• Communicate closely and consistently with production and tech teams regarding style/line updates, trim updates, pattern updates to ensure smooth process from design through production
• Build, maintain, and continuously update BOMs, ensuring all details are clear, accurate, and aligned with current development
• Ensure correct suppliers are listed
• Ensure all fields are filled-in
• Set up RMIDs with visibility on printed BOMs
• Maintain consistent trim categorization (Self, Combo, Lining, Fusible, Trim 1, Trim 2, etc.)
• Manage color development, including color matching, approvals, and system updates

Sampling & Development Ownership

• Own the development process for all styles, including domestic production, ensuring consistency with domestic workflows
• Work with design & tech on overseas production, as needed
• Track proto and sample development through sample pass-off to tech
• Counter-source materials as needed and maintain BOM accuracy to tech pass-off
• Participate in design fittings as needed, ensuring all updates are communicated for next iterations
• Product Development for Knitwear & Overseas Manufacturing
• Work with Designers for early stages of all overseas styles
• Review and approve final BOM
• Measure, inspect and fit samples from proto to TOP
• Note taking in fittings
• Production fit comments PPS and TOP
• Bulk yarn swatch approvals and ensuring bulk yarns match to SMS

Sourcing & Materials Management

• Identify and source trims and materials in alignment with design intent and production feasibility
• Execute fabric inquiries, lab dips, approval, and final sample POs
• Support fabric and trim sourcing in partnership with Design and Production
• Attend vendor meetings as needed with a focus on development execution

Sample Management

• Own and manage duplicate samples for Sales and Merchandising needs
• Ensure sample readiness and accuracy to support market and selling initiatives
• Oversee sewing and cutting room workflow, scheduling, and daily coordination
• Aid in pattern development through execution of custom orders

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of experience in Product Development, Production, Design, or a related apparel role
• Strong understanding of garment construction, development processes, fabrics, and trims
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Detail-oriented with excellent follow-through and problem-solving ability
• Experience working with BOMs, color development, and sample tracking
• Proficiency in RLM or similar ERP systems preferred
• Familiarity with domestic and overseas development processes preferred
• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator and Microsoft Excel
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment