Product Development Associate (Apparel)

Karen Kane; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k with partial company match

Comprehensive healthcare, dental, and.

Life insurance with additional policy

Disability insurance (short-term &

Biometric health test

Sample sales access

Wellness program

Health & mindfulness webinars

Fitness challenges discounts

Theme park & local attraction tickets

Job summary

Karen Kane, Inc. in Los Angeles, CA is seeking a Product Development Associate to support Design, Technical Design, and Product Development teams through the product lifecycle. This role emphasizes organization, cross-functional collaboration, and hands-on development from concept to production.

You will manage tech packs, coordinate with vendors, track milestones, and contribute to fittings and line reviews while maintaining quality standards across collections.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of experience in apparel product development, technical design, production, or related field.
• Experience creating and maintaining detailed tech packs.
• Strong understanding of garment construction, fabrics, trims, and fit.

Responsibilities

• Support Design, Technical Design, and Product Development teams throughout all stages of the product development process.
• Create, update, and maintain technical packs (tech packs) with construction details, measurements, BOMs, colorways, and product specs.
• Track seasonal development calendars and help ensure key milestones are met.
• Communicate with domestic and overseas vendors regarding sample status, development updates, fabrics, trims, and construction details.
• Manage sample tracking from initial development through production approval.
• Review incoming samples for accuracy, construction, fit, and overall quality before fittings.
• Assist with sourcing fabrics, trims, washes, and garment treatments.
• Prepare samples and product information for fittings, line reviews, and seasonal meetings.
• Update PLM and internal systems with accurate product information and development changes.
• Collaborate with Production, Merchandising, and Technical Design to troubleshoot development issues.
• Maintain organized sample, fabric, and trim libraries.
• Participate in competitive shopping, trend research, and market analysis as needed.
• Assist with special projects and seasonal initiatives across the product team.

Skills

Organized

Detail-oriented

Communication

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or related

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Microsoft Excel

PLM systems

Job description

As our product assortment continues to grow, we are looking to add a Product Development Associate to support our Design, Technical Design, and Product Development teams throughout the product lifecycle.

This role is ideal for a highly organized, detail-oriented individual who enjoys working cross-functionally to bring collections from concept through production. The Product Development Associate will work closely with designers, technical designers, production, and overseas vendors to ensure products are developed efficiently while maintaining our quality and aesthetic standards.

Position is based in Los Angeles, CA.

Job Responsibilities Include:

• Support the Design, Technical Design, and Product Development teams throughout all stages of the product development process.
• Create, update, and maintain technical packs (tech packs), including construction details, measurements, BOMs, colorways, and product specifications.
• Track seasonal development calendars and help ensure key milestones are met.
• Communicate daily with domestic and overseas vendors regarding sample status, development updates, fabrics, trims, and construction details.
• Manage sample tracking from initial development through production approval.
• Review incoming samples for accuracy, construction, fit, and overall quality before fittings.
• Assist with sourcing fabrics, trims, washes, and garment treatments.
• Prepare samples and product information for fittings, line reviews, and seasonal meetings.
• Update PLM and internal systems with accurate product information and development changes.
• Collaborate with Production, Merchandising, and Technical Design to troubleshoot development issues and ensure smooth execution.
• Maintain organized sample, fabric, and trim libraries.
• Participate in competitive shopping, trend research, and market analysis as needed.
• Assist with special projects and seasonal initiatives across the product team.

Candidate Requirements:

• 2-5 years of experience in apparel product development, technical design, production, or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Production, Fashion Merchandising, or a related discipline preferred.
• Experience creating and maintaining detailed tech packs.
• Strong understanding of garment construction, fabrics, trims, and fit.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work within seasonal deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Microsoft Excel.
• Experience working with PLM systems is preferred.
• Experience working with overseas factories and vendors is a plus.

We're Looking For Someone Who Is:

• Organized, proactive, and solutions-oriented.
• Passionate about contemporary women's apparel.
• Comfortable working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
• Detail-driven with strong follow-through.
• Curious and eager to learn while taking ownership of assigned projects.
• A team player who enjoys supporting cross-functional partners and contributing to successful product launches.
• 401k plan with partial company match
• Comprehensive healthcare, dental, and vision plan
• Life insurance with additional voluntary life insurance policy
• Voluntary short-term and long-term disability policies
• Voluntary free annual biometric health test
• Access to company sample sales
• Company-sponsored Wellness program
• Access to free monthly health & mindfulness webinars
• Seasonal monetary awards for participation in company Fitness Challenges
• Partial healthcare-subsidized fitness membership to 10,000 gym locations across the country
• Company-subsidized discounts to theme parks & local attractions, including Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, Universal Studios, Legoland, Six Flags, Sea World, and Southern California sports teams; discounts to brands including Vitamix, Sonos, and others

You'll become part of a collaborative team dedicated to creating thoughtfully designed women's apparel. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with Design, Technical Design, Product Development, and Production while gaining exposure to every stage of the product development process and contributing to beautiful, high-quality collections.