RTW Product Development Associate
About The Position
The RTW Product Development Associate will be responsible for tracking all prototypes, samples, and pre-production items across multiple categories. This role ensures the timely receipt and organization of samples for various meetings and reviews. The associate will create and maintain sample tracking charts, update internal systems, and communicate daily with vendors regarding development timelines and revisions. They will also monitor approvals for lab dips, strike-offs, trims, and fabrics, and maintain seasonal development calendars to ensure deadlines are met. Key responsibilities include scheduling fit sessions and meetings, inputting style information into PLM or tracking systems, organizing digital assets, and partnering with Design, Tech, and Production teams to ensure smooth development progress. Additionally, the associate will assist with showroom and market preparations, collaborate with Quality Control on garment wash and design, create production handoff binders, audit care label instructions, and maintain proper margin targets with cost-effective options.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Fashion, Merchandising, Product Development, or related field
- 1–2 years of experience in product development, production, or a related role in the apparel industry focusing on Ready to Wear
- Strong understanding of product lifecycle and basic garment construction
- Experience with PLM systems or tracking tools (e.g., Excel, Illustrator, Google Suite)
- Highly organized and detail-oriented with ability to multitask and manage deadlines
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- A positive, can-do attitude and a collaborative work style
Responsibilities
- Track all prototypes- P1 and P2, SMS, and pre-production samples across multiple categories.
- Ensure timely receipt and organization of samples for fittings, reviews, and market meetings.
- Create and maintain sample tracking charts and update internal systems accordingly.
- Host and participate in weekly meetings with cross-functional partners- ensure agenda/topics is published in advance of meeting for effectiveness
- Communicate daily with overseas and domestic vendors on development timelines, sample requests, and revisions.
- Submit tech packs, artwork, and updates to vendors and follow up on pending developments.
- Monitor lab dips, strike-offs, trims, and fabric approvals and escalate delays when needed.
- Maintain seasonal development calendars and ensure all key deadlines are met.
- Schedule fit sessions, design reviews, and milestone meetings in coordination with cross-functional partners.
- Input and maintain accurate style information in PLM or internal tracking systems.
- Organize digital assets including reference images, fabric info, lab dips, and sample approvals.
- Partner closely with Design, Tech, and Production teams to keep development aligned and progressing.
- Assist with showroom and market preparations, including tagging, labeling, and organizing samples.
- Partner with Quality Control to ensure proper techniques/outcomes in regard to wash and design of garments.
- Create and maintain binder for proper production handoff
- Audit and/or check for compliance with all testing “care label” instructions
- Maintain proper margin targets with cost effective options.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
