Product Development Associate

Chris Baily; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Chris Baily is seeking a meticulous Product Development Associate in New York, NY. The role supports the product development process from concept to retail launch, partnering with Design, Sourcing, Merchandising, Sales, and overseas factories to keep timelines on track and costs accurate.

You’ll manage samples, line sheets, and status trackers, and coordinate with buyers and internal teams to align assortments with market needs and trends.

Qualifications

• Strong Microsoft Excel skills and experience with product lifecycle management systems (PLM) is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in Product Development, Merchandising, Textile Design, Fashion Design, or related field preferred.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with ability to manage multiple product categories and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of multiple product categories from concept through production and retail launch.
• Maintain development calendars, charts, sample logs, and milestone trackers.
• Review and route prototypes, strike-offs, pre-production, and top-of-production samples.
• Coordinate daily with overseas partners to track sample status, approvals, and shipping timelines.
• Prepare samples, line sheets, cost information, and materials for customer meetings.
• Attend meetings, document feedback and approvals, and follow up on outstanding requests.

Skills

Microsoft Excel

Organizational skills

Written and verbal communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Overseas partner coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Product Development, Merchandising, Textile Design, Fashion Design, or related field

Tools

PLM

Job description

Product Development Associate

Below covers everything you need to know about what this opportunity entails, as well as what is expected from applicants.

Location: New York, NYSchedule: Full-time, hybrid—three days per week in our NYC showroom; two days remote

We are seeking a highly organized Product Development Associate to support the product development process from initial concept through retail launch. This role works closely with Design, Sourcing, Merchandising, Sales, overseas factory partners, and retail buyers to keep development on track, manage samples, maintain accurate product information, and identify market opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development of multiple product categories from concept through production and retail launch.
• Maintain development calendars, product development charts, sample logs, and key milestone trackers.
• Request, review, track, and route prototypes, strike-offs, pre-production, and top-of-production samples.
• Manage internal sample inventory and coordinate sample shipments to buyers, customer teams, and internal stakeholders.
• Prepare samples, line sheets, cost information, and other materials for customer meetings.
• Attend meetings, document buyer feedback and approvals, distribute recaps, and follow up on outstanding requests.
• Coordinate daily with overseas partners to track sample status, approvals, production readiness, and shipping timelines.
• Review and verify cost sheets, ensuring pricing and product information remain accurate and current from initial offer through final approval.
• Partner with Design, Merchandising, and Sales to align product assortments with customer needs, sales performance, and market trends.
• Track customer sales information and compile insights to support future product development decisions.
• Conduct competitive retail and market research, including store visits, competitor analysis, product photography, and presentation of findings to internal teams.
• Support the rollout and ongoing use of product development and personalized software systems.

Qualifications

• – years of experience in product development, merchandising, sourcing, design, textile production, or a related consumer goods field; home textiles, home fashion, apparel, or soft goods experience is preferred.
• Basic understanding of textile construction, yarns, fabric finishes, printing and dyeing techniques, and manufacturing processes.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills; experience with PLM or other product lifecycle management systems is a plus.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple product categories, seasons, accounts, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to coordinate effectively with overseas factories and cross-functional teams.
• Comfortable participating in customer meetings and communicating follow-up actions clearly and professionally.
• Bachelor’s degree in Product Development, Merchandising, Textile Design, Fashion Design, or a related field preferred.