Product Development Associate

Clare V. • Los Angeles, CA

4d • $70,000 - $80,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Product Developer supports the product development process from concept through production, partnering closely with Design, Technical Design, Product Development, and external vendors to achieve design intent, quality standards, cost objectives, and development timelines. This role is responsible for coordinating seasonal sampling, sourcing materials, managing development trackers, supporting factory communication, and ensuring development milestones are achieved. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, collaborative, and eager to grow within product development and handbag manufacturing.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Merchandising, Product Development, or related field
• 2–5 years of experience in product development, merchandising, buying, or related field
• Understanding of the fashion product development process
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Google Workspace
• Ability to read and understand tech packs, BOMs, measurements, and product specifications
• Ability to measure products accurately using both metric and imperial measurement systems
• Strong initiative, curiosity, and willingness to learn
• Team-oriented mindset with strong problem-solving abilities

Nice To Haves

• Experience communicating with overseas factories and vendors
• Knowledge of costing, sourcing, or manufacturing processes
• Experience with PLM systems or product tracking software
• WFX experience preferred
• Basic understanding of handbag construction, materials, and development processes
• Experience working within fashion, accessories, or consumer products industries

Responsibilities

• Support product development from concept through production under the direction of the Senior Product Development Manager
• Partner closely with Design and Technical Design teams to ensure tech packs are completed accurately, on time, and production feasible
• Collaborate with Design to create and maintain tech packs within WFX for seasonal development and sampling
• Process sample requests and coordinate allocation of materials and trims to factories and service providers throughout the development cycle
• Review development samples and communicate necessary changes to costing, specifications, and construction details
• Organize internal wear testing and assist with analyzing feedback to improve product performance
• Support seasonal sample tracking and maintain development calendars and milestone deadlines
• Launch seasonal material sourcing initiatives with suppliers and vendors
• Manage material bookings to support seasonal development and sampling needs
• Maintain communication with factories, agents, and suppliers regarding sample status, ETAs, and development updates
• Lead weekly meetings and calls with factory and vendor partners as assigned
• Develop an understanding of MOQs, lead times, surcharges, and sourcing considerations for assigned products
• Manage vendor-sourced materials, trims, and components to ensure development accuracy and production readiness
• Create and maintain seasonal development trackers and status reports
• Partner with factories to calculate material yields and improve material utilization and efficiency
• Audit BOMs and cost sheets within WFX to ensure accuracy prior to development milestones and production handoff
• Assist in maintaining accurate development records and product information throughout the development process
• Support preparation of development information required for production handoff meetings
• Partner with Design, Technical Design, Product Development, Production, Marketing, and external vendors throughout the development process
• Support seasonal handoff presentations to Production teams, ensuring all required development details are complete and accurate
• Communicate approved sample updates and product changes to Marketing and Ecommerce teams for photography and product launches
• Maintain positive and collaborative relationships with internal teams and external partners

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Transportation Management Accounts
• Life and Long-term disability insurance
• Paid vacation
• Personal days
• Friday afternoons off in the Summer if your work is complete
• Sick time
• Guardian ancillary plans
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(k) with company match
• Annual cost-of-living increases
• End-of-year bonus opportunities
• Generous employee discounts
• Bi-annual product credits

What This Job Offers

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