Assistant Product Development Manager Apparel/Jewelry

Cato Corporation; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company located in Charlotte, NC is seeking an experienced Assistant Product Development Manager to support the Product Manager in managing the assigned category. Key responsibilities include overseeing the product approval process, ensuring timely delivery of products, and maintaining communication with vendors and internal teams. Candidates should possess a four-year degree and have exposure to retail or textile industries. Excellent organizational and communication skills are essential for this position.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent required for the Assistant Product Development Manager position.
• Experience in retail or textile industry through education or hands-on experience.

Responsibilities

• Support Product Manager in category management.
• Manage product approval process including logging lab dips and advising vendors.
• Ensure on-time delivery by tracking styles on order.
• Communicate with vendors and Cato overseas offices.
• Attend fit sessions and direct necessary corrections.
• Build relationships with Cross Functional Team.
• Maintain FLEX PLM and production files.

Skills

Detail oriented

Excellent written communication

Excellent verbal communication

Organization

Task management

Education

Four-year college degree or equivalent

Job description

Charlotte, NC 28273

Cato is seeking an experienced Assistant Product Development Manager to join its Product Development department.

JOB SUMMARY

Support Product Manager in the management of assigned category.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the approval process for all products purchased in area of responsibility. This includes logging in lab dips, reviewing strike off comments with CFT and advising vendor, reviewing trims, bulk prints, PP samples, and TOP samples etc.
• Track progress of all styles on order to ensure production/delivery is on time. This includes monitoring WIPS and shipment reports etc.
• Timely, clear and concise e‑mail/communications with vendors and/or Cato overseas offices as well as CFT.
• Attend fit sessions and direct comments to appropriate parties if corrections are needed.
• Build and maintain relationships with Cross Functional Team (CFT)
• Maintain FLEX PLM for styles in category.
• Maintain production files for styles in category.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Four‑year college degree or equivalent.
• Exposure to retail or textile industry. This can be through fields of study or practical experience.

SKILLS REQUIRED

• Detail oriented/highly organized.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate clearly and succinctly with overseas vendors and Cato counterparts in Asia.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work with multiple cross functional partners.

The Cato Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, age, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.