Associate Product Lead

Position Overview

Our client is looking for an Associate Product Developer to play a key role in the design-to-production process. This position collaborates closely with Design, Production and Merchandising to bring new products to life, ensuring they meet the brand’s standards for quality, cost, and timing. As an integral part of the product development cycle, this role focuses on owning the development of innovative and on-trend products and managing samples and seasonal TNAs.

• Full-time position, located in Charleston, SC.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally for vendor and factory visits.

• Product Development Lifecycle Management:
  • Track and monitor product TNAs from the initial concept stage to final production based off of Merchandising Buyplan needs.
  • Manage product timelines with vendors, ensuring TNA deadlines are met for all phases of development.
  • Support the preparation of tech packs, ensuring all product details are clearly documented.
  • Maintain Product Development internal documents to ensure organization across all tools.
  • Source seasonal and future raw materials, trims etc. to build the future pipeline process.
  • Collaborate with the Product team on new specs as it relates to fabric & fit consistency.
• Product Development Support:
  • Assist in the creation and development of new product lines from concept to final production, ensuring development alignment with design vision and seasonal trends.
  • Collaborate with the Product team to understand the creative vision and convert it into viable product solutions.
  • Participate in fabric, trim, and color selection with Design and Merchandising teams.
  • Assist in creating and maintaining accurate product specifications, including fabric and material details, measurements, construction methods, and quality standards.
  • Collaborate with the Product Team to address any fit, construction, or quality issues during the sampling phase.
• In-Season Development Optimization:
  • Support quality control by helping with the resolution of any issues during production, ensuring finished products meet brand standards.
  • Work with Ops Manager to audit in season shipments for product consistency.
• Sample Management:
  • Coordinate with vendors to ensure accurate specifications are followed, resolving any issues during the sampling process.
  • Oversee the development of prototypes and samples. Organize and track sample approvals to ensure feedback is communicated clearly and promptly to vendors.
• Cross-Departmental
  
  Collaboration:
  • Work with the production and sourcing teams to ensure that products are produced within FOB/AUC targets and meet quality and lead-time expectations.
  • Communicate with vendors and suppliers to track the status of samples resulting in TNA deadlines being met.
  • Assist Merchandising team by providing updates to development status and product knowledge.
• Market Research & Trend Analysis:
  • Stay updated on current Men’s apparel trends, materials, and production techniques, contributing to the development of innovative product offerings.
  • Participate in trend and competitive analysis to help guide product decisions.

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience:
  • 2-5 years of experience in product development, design, or production within the apparel industry.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  • Experience with creating and maintaining tech packs.
  • Familiarity with product development software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, PLM systems) is a plus.
  • Strong understanding of fabric types, and trims.
  • Knowledge of garment construction, raw materials, and apparel production processes.
• Soft Skills:
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work under tight deadlines.
  • Team-oriented with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
  • Proactive, adaptable, and enthusiastic about learning and contributing to the development of new products.
  • Creative problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Competitive compensation and benefits package (health insurance, 401k matching).
• 28 company holidays with unlimited vacation days.
• Travel opportunities for team offsites.
• To be part of a high-energy, innovative, and collaborative team who s passionate about redefining denim.
• Opportunity to make a direct impact on a growing, customer-centric company with a national retail presence.