Associate Product Developer, retail/apparel [212274]

Are you ready to make a tangible impact on products that captivate millions? This is your chance to join a leading retail brand through Aquent, where your contributions will directly shape the journey from initial concept to market-ready offerings, bringing innovative and stylish products to customers worldwide.

About Our Partner

Aquent is proud to partner with a globally recognized specialty retail brand that is a true industry leader, constantly shaping trends and delighting customers across the globe. This dynamic company is dedicated to bringing innovative products to life, maintaining an unwavering reputation for unparalleled quality and distinctive style. Joining this team means contributing to a legacy of success and directly influencing the evolution of captivating retail experiences.

About the Opportunity

Step into a pivotal role at the heart of product creation, where your expertise will bridge the crucial gap between visionary design and flawless execution. This is a dynamic opportunity to contribute significantly to multiple product categories, gaining broad and impactful experience within a fast-paced retail environment. As an individual contributor, you will expertly manage essential development documents, meticulously track timelines, and ensure seamless communication across diverse teams. You’ll collaborate closely with design, merchandising, production, and raw materials experts, ensuring every product not only meets the highest standards but also reaches the market efficiently. Your days will be a vibrant blend of strategic coordination and hands-on execution, from meticulously tracking samples to attending critical cross-functional meetings and leveraging powerful reporting tools to keep every project on track. This role offers an incredible platform to see your efforts directly contribute to the success of products that truly delight customers.

What You’ll Do

• Drive the end-to-end development of new products, guiding them from initial design concepts through to final sample approvals.
• Actively participate in critical milestone meetings, including tech pack pass-off, color review, line review, and details discussions.
• Facilitate the tech pack pass-off process at the category level, collaborating with design teams and regional offices to expertly address development inquiries.
• Initiate and meticulously manage requests for prototype and all color samples with vendors and regional offices.
• Monitor and proactively track the readiness of color samples and prototypes, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to schedules.
• Conduct thorough inspections of samples for accuracy, working proactively with vendors and regional partners to swiftly resolve any quality concerns.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive seasonal development trackers to ensure complete project visibility and transparent progress reporting.
• Manage all Bills of Material (BOMs) with precision within the product lifecycle management system.
• Communicate effectively and promptly with the vendor base regarding any changes to BOMs or color components throughout the entire development cycle.
• Proactively troubleshoot and resolve development challenges related to construction, production execution, and sample tracking.
• Compile essential data and generate insightful reports to support cross-functional risk assessment and weekly product readiness meetings.

What You’ll Bring

To thrive in this role, you will need a blend of foundational knowledge, practical experience, and essential soft skills:

• A Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field, or equivalent practical experience that demonstrates a strong understanding of the industry.
• 1 to 3 years of relevant professional experience; recent graduates with at least 6 months of work experience or a pertinent internship are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Exceptional attention to detail and robust organizational skills, coupled with a proven track record of consistent follow-through on tasks and projects.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, enabling effective engagement with diverse internal teams and external partners.
• Proficiency in standard office software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating effectively with design and/or merchandising teams.
• Experience working with overseas suppliers, agents, or offices, showcasing an understanding of global supply chains.
• A flexible and adaptable mindset, capable of navigating change with ease, and a true commitment to being a collaborative team player.

Even Better If You Have

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

Who You Are

The ideal candidate for this environment possesses a positive attitude, an outgoing and collaborative spirit, and the ability to remain calm and adaptable, especially during high-volume periods. Strong communicators who can articulate ideas clearly and concisely are highly valued and truly thrive within this dynamic 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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