Associate Product Developer, retail/apparel [AQ-13627]

Our client, a globally recognized specialty retail brand, is seeking a driven and detail-oriented individual to join their Product Development team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in bringing innovative products to life, influencing the journey from initial design concept through to final production. As an integral part of the team, you will directly contribute to the creation of captivating retail offerings that delight customers and uphold the brand’s reputation for quality and style. Aquent is proud to partner with this industry leader to find talent that will make a significant impact.

About the Role

As an Associate Product Developer, you will be at the heart of product creation, coordinating the intricate dance between design intent and tangible execution. You’ll be an individual contributor, expertly managing development documents, tracking timelines, and ensuring seamless communication across various teams. This role offers the chance to support multiple product categories, providing a broad and impactful experience within a dynamic retail environment. You will collaborate closely with Design, Merchandising, Production, and Raw Materials teams, ensuring every product meets the highest standards and reaches the market efficiently.

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 Blitz, 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.

A Typical Day Might Include

Your day will be a blend of strategic coordination and hands-on execution. You’ll be ordering, managing, and meticulously tracking samples, ensuring they meet specifications. Expect to attend weekly cross-functional team meetings, responding to vendor emails, and leveraging your proficiency in reporting tools to keep projects on track. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative setting and enjoys seeing their efforts contribute directly to product success.

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.

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