Product Development Assistant Manager

Veronica Beard•New York, NY

22d•$70,000 - $75,000•Onsite

About The Position

Veronica Beard is seeking a driven and passionate Product Development Assistant Manager to support the development of the ready-to-wear collection within the Soft Wovens category. Reporting directly to the Product Development Manager, this role will work closely with the Product Development and Design teams and collaborate with cross-functional partners throughout the development process. This position is based in our New York City office.

Requirements

5+ years of experience in the fashion industry, with direct experience in apparel product development.
Experience communicating and working with overseas factories; experience with domestic factories is a plus.
Strong knowledge of garment construction and fabric, with experience working across a range of silhouettes and product details.
Proactive, highly organized, and detail-oriented, with the ability to think quickly and work with a strong sense of urgency.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, troubleshoot issues, and follow through in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
Collaborative, adaptable, and eager to continue learning and growing within the role.

Nice To Haves

Experience with women's Soft Wovens product is preferred but not required.
Understanding patternmaking and technical design is a plus.
Experience working in PLM is preferred.
Experience with VibeIQ and/or Exenta is helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

Support the Product Development Manager across all aspects of development, from initial tech pack handoff through production handoff.
Independently manage the product development process for assigned factories, with support from the Product Development Manager as needed.
Manage approximately 50% of seasonal soft wovens styles across multiple overseas factories, with a primary focus on ready-to-wear and additional VBJ product as assigned.
Own seasonal sample-stage BOMs for assigned styles, ensuring all components, materials, colors, and development updates are complete and accurate.
Coordinate tech pack handoffs and execute against seasonal deadlines established by the Product Development Manager.
Maintain complete and accurate WIP information for assigned factories, including development status, sample tracking, material readiness, costing, and key milestone dates.
Lead daily communication with overseas factories, proactively following up on outstanding items, troubleshooting development issues, and escalating risks or delays when necessary.
Create and maintain factory line sheets to track proto and SMS development and ensure samples are delivered according to the seasonal calendar.
Maintain and present assigned factory WIPs during weekly Product Development WIP meetings, clearly communicating status, risks, delays, and required next steps.
Prepare for internal reviews and fittings throughout each season, ensuring all samples and supporting materials are organized and available.
Actively participate in proto fittings, take detailed notes, capture action items, and assist in creating and maintaining the proto fit list.
Partner closely with the Raw Materials, Fabric, and Trim teams to ensure materials are delivered in alignment with sample deadlines and troubleshoot material-related issues as needed.
Work directly with domestic factories and patternmakers on approximately 5-10 styles per season, as needed.
Track the receipt of proto costing and validate factory cost sheets against the corresponding samples, BOMs, and product details for accuracy.
Ensure a complete handoff to Production at the end of each season, including reviewing BOMs and ensuring all changes made between SMS development and production are accurately reflected.
Serve as a key partner to the Product Development Manager by monitoring overall team progress, identifying gaps or risks, and helping ensure seasonal deadlines and deliverables remain on track.