Associate Product Developer, retail/apparel

Aquent is proud to partner with a globally recognized specialty retail brand that is shaping trends and delighting customers worldwide. This industry leader is on a mission to bring innovative products to life, maintaining a reputation for unparalleled quality and style. As an integral part of their Product Development team, you will have the unique opportunity to directly influence the journey from initial design concept to final production, seeing your efforts translate into captivating retail offerings that resonate with millions. This is your chance to make a significant impact, contributing to the brand's continued success and evolution.

About the Role

Step into the heart of product creation as a key contributor, where your expertise will bridge the gap between visionary design and tangible execution. This dynamic role places you at the forefront of bringing exciting new offerings to market, supporting multiple product categories and gaining broad, impactful experience within a fast-paced retail environment. You'll be an individual contributor, expertly managing development documents, meticulously tracking timelines, and ensuring seamless communication across diverse teams. Collaborating closely with Design, Merchandising, Production, and Raw Materials teams, you will ensure every product meets the highest standards and reaches the market efficiently. Your day will be a blend of strategic coordination and hands-on execution, meticulously tracking samples, attending critical cross-functional meetings, and leveraging reporting tools to keep projects on track. This is an incredible opportunity to see your efforts directly contribute to the success of captivating products that delight customers.

What You'll Do

• Support the end-to-end development of new products, from initial design concepts through to final sample approvals.
• Actively participate in key milestone meetings, including tech pack pass-off, color review, line review, and details meetings.
• Facilitate tech pack pass-off at the category level, collaborating with Design and regional offices to address development inquiries.
• Initiate and manage requests for prototype and all color samples with vendors and regional offices.
• Monitor and track the readiness of color samples and prototypes, ensuring timely delivery.
• Inspect samples for accuracy and work proactively with vendors and regional partners to resolve any quality concerns.
• Develop and maintain seasonal development trackers to ensure project visibility and progress.
• Manage all Bills of Material (BOMs) within the product lifecycle management system.
• Communicate effectively with the vendor base regarding any changes to BOMs or color components throughout the development cycle.
• Proactively troubleshoot development challenges related to construction, production execution, and sample tracking.
• Compile essential data and reporting to support cross-functional risk assessment and weekly product readiness meetings.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in business or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 1 to 3 years of related professional experience; recent graduates with at least 6 months of work experience or a relevant internship are encouraged to apply.
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational skills with a proven track record of consistent follow-through.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, capable of engaging effectively with diverse teams and external partners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Experience collaborating with Design and/or Merchandising teams.
• Experience working with overseas suppliers, agents, or offices.
• A flexible and adaptable mindset, able to navigate change with ease, and a true team player.

Bonus Points

• Working knowledge of product lifecycle management (PLM) systems.
• Basic understanding of accessories development, sourcing, and costing processes.
• Prior product development or accessories product experience.

Who Succeeds Here

Individuals with a positive attitude, an outgoing and collaborative spirit, and the ability to remain calm and adaptable during high-volume periods truly thrive in this environment. Strong communicators who can articulate ideas clearly and concisely are highly valued on this team.

About Aquent Talent:

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits!

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.