Product Development Assistant -Off Price

Centric Brands Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 68,640 - 73,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision benefits

401(k) matching

Summer Fridays

Generous PTO

Employee discounts

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Centric Brands Inc. is seeking a detail‑oriented Product Development Assistant to support the development and execution of Salesman Samples (SMS) and seasonal lines for Joe’s Jeans and Hudson.

You will collaborate with Design, Merchandising, Production, and vendors to track progress, manage timelines, and ensure samples are delivered accurately and on schedule. The role requires strong organization, a proactive mindset, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced apparel environment.

Qualifications

• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Strong prioritization to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication with vendors and cross-functional teams
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, advanced Excel skills preferred
• Familiarity with PLM systems and sample tracking processes
• Experience managing samples, product development workflows, or apparel production is preferred

Responsibilities

• SMS Development & Vendor Management: track SMS styles, create trackers, issue POs, follow up with vendors, share calendars and due dates, ensure on-time delivery

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Vendor communication

Deadline prioritization

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About Us

Centric Brands is a leading lifestyle brand collective that designs, sources, markets and sells high quality products in multiple segments, including women’s, men’s and kid’s apparel, accessories, entertainment and beauty. Centric Brands is focused on our customers and our brands that will drive the company’s future growth. We are defined by innovation as we seize new opportunities and thrive in an environment informed by creativity and thinking that is both analytical and outside the box. Centric Brands reflects a team built on respect, for others and for the hard work it takes to achieve our goals and build our bright future together.

Assistant, Product Development

The Product Development Assistant supports the development and execution of Salesman Samples (SMS) and seasonal product lines for Joe’s Jeans and Hudson. This role partners closely with Design, Merchandising, Production, and external vendors to track sample development, manage timelines, coordinate logistics, and ensure samples are delivered accurately and on schedule. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative apparel environment.

Specific Responsibilities Would Include

SMS Development & Vendor Management

• Order and track all SMS (Salesman Sample) styles with vendors and maintain accurate Excel tracking reports.
• Create, maintain, and update sample trackers for all salesmen samples.
• Issue purchase orders to vendors for SMS requests.
• Proactively communicate and follow up with vendors to ensure on-time sample delivery.
• Communicate seasonal SMS development calendars, timelines, and key due dates to all vendors.
• Partner with Design, Product Development, and vendors to ensure sample yardage is booked and available for SMS development.
• Lead weekly SMS status meetings with Design and provide updates on sample progress.
• Collaborate cross-functionally and with vendors to identify creative solutions to improve sample execution and delivery timelines.

Sample Management & Logistics

• Ensure all samples are received, tracked, and available in-house for meetings and key milestones.
• Receive, log, organize, and maintain all incoming samples.
• Manage special sample requests and seasonal sample injections.
• Coordinate sample distribution to cross-functional teams, including packing, shipping, and communicating tracking information.
• Organize seasonal sample lines for Design, Wash, Marketing, and Sales teams, ensuring racks and sample presentations are meeting‑ready.
• Coordinate sample transfers and handoffs with vendors, internal sales teams, showrooms, and accounts.
• Maintain an organized sample closet, including seasonal sample rotation and inventory management.
• Assist in maintaining and organizing the fabric library.

Meeting Support & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Participate in and assist with preparation for internal assortment meetings involving Design, Product Development, Merchandising, and Production.
• Participate in and assist with adoption meetings involving Design, Product Development, Merchandising, Sales, and Production teams.
• Assist in preparation for key allocation meetings, including sample organization and supporting documentation.
• Support seasonal line management across Joe's Jeans and Hudson brands, including Men's and Women's Denim and RTW divisions.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned by management.

Our Best Fit Candidate Would Have

• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, with advanced Excel skills preferred.
• Familiarity with PLM systems and sample tracking processes.
• Strong communication and follow‑up skills when working with vendors and cross‑functional teams.
• Ability to problem‑solve and adapt quickly to changing business needs.
• Experience managing samples, product development workflows, or apparel production processes preferred.

In return, we provide an industry‑competitive salary, along with a comprehensive benefits plan (medical, dental, vision) that includes a matching 401(k), Summer Fridays, generous PTO, merchandise discounts, excellent career development opportunities, and a work environment that reflects our industry leadership. Our social impact program, Centric Cares, focuses on volunteerism to make a difference in communities we live and work in and our D&I committee is shaping the future of diversity, equity and inclusion at Centric Brands through workshops, resources and inspiring conversation.

Salary Range: $68,640 - $73,500

Centric Brands is an Equal Opportunity Employer