Associate Manager, Product Development

Rent the Runway • Brooklyn, NY

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

Rent the Runway is seeking an Associate Manager, Product Development for Exclusive Designs. The role independently manages the design and product development process from concept through warehouse for a tranche of brands, while supporting other areas of the product development office. The Associate Manager uses company data to partner with designers on customer-demand-driven assortments and oversees production with manufacturers. This is a developmental position that prepares the employee for a Product Development Manager role.

The position works closely with planning, data analytics, designers, vendors, suppliers, and cross-functional partners to develop successful designer and tastemaker collaborations, manage costs and samples, and support brand launches. The role also serves as a resource for Assistant, Product Development and keeps informed about changing business conditions, fashion and customer trends, supply-chain challenges, and sustainability initiatives.

The anticipated base salary is $64,400–$80,000. The position is also eligible for equity compensation. Rent the Runway describes the work arrangement as office-centric, with corporate employees and technical leaders having the option to work remotely on Fridays under company policies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum 3–4 years of product development skills experience.
• Very strong retail math skills and a strong understanding of financials, including OTB.
• Open and continuous communication; keep others informed and present information clearly and concisely.
• Excellent leadership, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and externally at many levels.
• Analytical skills and the ability to think creatively, strategically, and technically.
• Self-starter and team-player attitude; take ownership and initiative and excel in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
• Ability to lead by example with professionalism and a positive attitude.
• Collaborative, enthusiastic, and research-minded; able to use feedback constructively.
• Results- and deadline-oriented, with strong follow-through.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and Google Suite.
• Open to learning new systems.

Nice To Haves

• PLM experience.

Responsibilities

• Partner with planning, data analytics, and designers to own the development lifecycle for the assigned area and build successful designer and tastemaker collaborations.
• Collaborate with vendors to source styles in core fabrications and negotiate garment costs with suppliers to meet internal targets.
• Update and own style-level cost analyses and revisions based on prototype iterations until final style approval.
• Review development samples and monitor line development activities throughout the season.
• Attend all fittings and partner with the technical design team and suppliers to develop products that use data in decision-making.
• Support the Manager with materials for style-out and designer product reviews.
• Manage product-related issues, including sample delivery timing, style execution, and costing.
• Communicate PA/PO information to the Product Assistant and manage the accuracy and completeness of purchase order entry and tracking.
• Ensure the Product Assistant keeps PLM updated throughout the season.
• Monitor changes in the internal and external business environment and anticipate their impact on the business; proactively develop courses of action.
• Use systems, data, strategic thinking, and analysis to support sound business decisions and drive new ideas and results.
• Take initiative to explore and implement new opportunities and processes.
• Act as a go-to team resource for Assistant, Product Development.
• Work with Planning, Creative, Marketing, Operations, and Site Merchandising to drive business decisions and successful brand launches.

Benefits

• Paid time off, including vacation, paid bereavement, and family sick leave.
• Universal paid parental leave for both parents and a flexible return-to-work program.
• Paid sabbatical after five years of continuous service.
• Exclusive employee subscription and rental discounts.
• Health, vision, dental, flexible spending account (FSA), and dependent care benefits from day one of employment.
• 401(k) match.
• Company-wide events and outings.
• Equity compensation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level