Product Development Associate

Fourth Floor; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Fourth Floor, a fast-growing apparel company in NYC, is seeking a Product Development Associate to support the end-to-end product lifecycle from concept to delivery. You will collaborate with Product Development, Production, Design, and Merchandising teams to review tech packs, manage costing, coordinate sourcing and sample development, and ensure on-time delivery while maintaining quality standards.

Strong organizational and communication skills are essential to balance multiple priorities and

Qualifications

• Knowledge of fabrics, trims, garment construction, and production processes.
• Understanding of costing, negotiations, testing, quality standards, and production timelines.
• Strong communication, organization, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Product Development, Production, Design, and Merchandising teams throughout the product lifecycle.
• Review tech packs and prototype needs to support sample development.
• Conduct preliminary costing and identify material alternatives to meet target costs and margins.
• Coordinate sourcing, sample tracking, lab dips, strike-offs, and artwork approvals.
• Communicate development comments and updates to suppliers, factories, and internal teams.
• Manage costing from initial estimates through final approval while supporting IMU targets.
• Track development and production timelines, identify risks, and resolve issues to ensure on-time delivery.
• Participate in fittings, testing, WIP meetings, and quality reviews to maintain product standards.
• Partner with suppliers and QC teams to address quality concerns and ensure products meet company requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve lead times, efficiency, and overall product execution.

Skills

Fabrics and production

Costing and procurement

Communication and organization

Microsoft Office

Adobe Illustrator

Multitasking and detail orientation

Collaborative/problem-solving

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Illustrator

Job description

Our client, a fast growing Apparel Company, is looking for a Product Development Associate to join their team in NYC!

Responsibilities

• Partner with Product Development, Production, Design, and Merchandising teams throughout the product lifecycle.
• Review tech packs and prototype needs to support accurate sample development.
• Conduct preliminary costing and identify material alternatives to meet target costs and margins.
• Coordinate sourcing, sample tracking, lab dips, strike-offs, and artwork approvals.
• Communicate development comments and updates to suppliers, factories, and internal teams.
• Manage costing from initial estimates through final approval while supporting IMU targets.
• Track development and production timelines, identify risks, and resolve issues to ensure on-time delivery.
• Participate in fittings, testing, WIP meetings, and quality reviews to maintain product standards.
• Partner with suppliers and QC teams to address quality concerns and ensure products meet company requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve lead times, efficiency, and overall product execution.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of fabrics, trims, garment construction, and production processes.
• Understanding of costing, negotiations, testing, quality standards, and production timelines.
• Strong communication, organization, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; Adobe Illustrator is a plus.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain strong attention to detail.
• Collaborative, proactive, and solutions-oriented approach.

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