Assistant, Product Development, Footwear & Accessories

ragbone; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

rag & bone is seeking a motivated Product Development Assistant to support our Footwear and Accessories team. You will contribute to end-to-end development from concept through production, working across sample management, materials coordination, and data handling with cross-functional partners.

This role is ideal for someone early in their career who wants hands-on experience in development, costing, and supplier coordination within a fast-paced fashion brand based in New York.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years in product development, production, or related field; footwear or accessories background preferred.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with PLM systems is a plus.
• Clear and proactive communication and follow-up skills.
• A genuine interest in footwear and accessories product creation.

Responsibilities

• Track all sample stages, including Proto, SMS, TOP, PR, and Wear Test, and maintain logs.
• Coordinate sample shipments between vendors, internal teams, and material suppliers.
• Assist in sample reviews by organizing samples and taking notes.
• Maintain and organize material libraries (leathers, fabrics, trims, hardware).
• Coordinate color standards to factories; order Pantones and color standards as needed.
• Assist the Manager with material developments, approvals, submissions, and costing updates.
• Manage all DHL shipments: labels, pickups, tracking, and logs.
• Troubleshoot shipment delays with vendors and carriers.
• Create and maintain styles in PLM with accurate product details; keep BOMs, specs, costing current.
• Support data entry, updates, and reporting across development systems; assist with licensing.
• Process and track development-related invoices and support budget tracking.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Excel proficiency

Clear communication

Multitasking

Footwear knowledge

Team collaboration

Product development

Tools

PLM systems

Job description

About rag & bone

From our origins in New York in 2002, rag & bone was founded on a belief of uncompromising ideals: a commitment to doing things the right way, not the easy way. To making things that are as original as they are timeless. To being true to ourselves, even when that truth sets us apart from the mainstream.

We still believe in the same principles we started with the easy elegance of classic British tailoring, the authenticity of American workwear, and the originality of our home city, New York. As New Yorkers, community and authenticity have become synonymous with our brand. An inclusive environment at rag & bone upholds our original values by encouraging employee connection and empowering each individual to have a voice on policy, process and collaboration for a more equitable future.

Job Summary:

rag & bone is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Product Development Assistant to support our Footwear and Accessories team. This role is ideal for someone early in their product development career who is eager to learn the end-to-end development process, from concept through production. You will play an important supporting role across sample management, materials coordination, logistics, and data management, working closely with cross-functional partners to keep development running smoothly and on schedule.

Responsibilities:

• Track all sample stages, including Proto, SMS, TOP, PR, and Wear Test, and maintain accurate, up-to-date logs, including unpacking and checking in samples
• Coordinate sample shipments between vendors, internal teams, and material suppliers
• Assist in sample reviews by organizing samples in advance and taking detailed notes
• Maintain and organize material libraries, including leathers, fabrics, trims, and hardware
• Coordinate distribution of color standards to factories and suppliers, and order Pantones and color standards as needed
• Assist the Manager with material developments, approvals, and submissions, and support material costing updates
• Manage all incoming and outgoing DHL shipments, including creating labels, scheduling pickups, and tracking deliveries
• Maintain shipment logs, ensure timely distribution of samples to internal teams, and troubleshoot shipment delays with vendors and carriers
• Create and maintain styles in system with accurate product details, and ensure all BOMs, specs, and costing information are kept current in the PLM system
• Support data entry, updates, and reporting across development systems, and assist with licensing setup and seasonal product knowledge
• Process and track development-related invoices and sample charges, and support budget tracking for development costs

Requirements:

• 1-3 years of experience in product development, production, or a related field; footwear or accessories background preferred
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with PLM systems is a plus
• Clear and proactive communication and follow-up skills
• A genuine interest in footwear and accessories product creation

Our in-office policy is in office, 4 days a week.

Salary: The target salary for this role is between $60,000 and $65,000 based on candidates' experience and expectations.

rag & bone is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer. No employee or applicant is discriminated against because of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.