Product Development Associate, Women's Apparel

J.McLaughlin; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan with company match

Generous paid time off and holidays

Clothing allowance and discounts

Discretionary bonus opportunities

Job summary

A leading apparel company based in New York is seeking a Product Development Associate to support the development of seasonal collections for women's apparel. This role involves coordinating sample development, managing timelines, and collaborating with various teams. Ideal candidates will have 2–4 years of experience in product development, excellent organizational skills, and a strong interest in the apparel production process. The position offers a hybrid work schedule and comprehensive benefits including medical coverage and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of product development experience in apparel.
• Understanding of product development processes, garment construction, and fabrication.
• Strong interest in product development and the apparel production process.

Responsibilities

• Support the product development lifecycle from concept to production approval.
• Assist in managing seasonal development calendars and milestone tracking.
• Coordinate sample development to ensure timely delivery.

Skills

Product development experience in apparel

Organizational skills

Cross-functional communication

Problem-solving abilities

Proficiency in PLM systems

Microsoft Office skills

Job description

We are seeking a Product Development Associate to join our Product Development team, reporting to the Manager of Product Development. This role supports the development and execution of seasonal collections for our Women’s apparel categories from concept through production readiness while maintaining the brand’s standards for quality, fit, and consistency. This position partners closely with Design, Merchandising, Technical Design, Raw Materials, and Production to help translate creative concepts into commercially viable products while supporting a collaborative, high‑performing, and values‑driven workplace. This position is primarily based in our Greenpoint, Brooklyn office and follows a hybrid schedule, dependent on role and business needs.

Essential Functions

• Support the product development lifecycle from concept handoff through production approval.
• Assist in managing seasonal development calendars and milestone tracking to ensure deadlines are met.
• Coordinate sample development across all stages (proto, fit, and pre‑production) to ensure timely delivery and feedback.
• Help identify potential development risks and escalate issues to support on‑time delivery.
• Partner with Raw Materials and Sourcing teams to track cost targets and maintain visibility throughout development.
• Own the costing calculation and be responsible for meeting margin goal.
• Serve as a key point of coordination between Design, Technical Design, Raw Materials, Sourcing, and Production.
• Help translate design concepts into clear development requirements for vendors.
• Communicate with overseas vendors to track sample status, timelines, and development updates.
• Ensure vendors are meeting sampling timelines and development expectations.
• Collaborate with Technical Design to help maintain product intent through the development process.
• Assist in evaluating construction feasibility and recommend improvements where appropriate.
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date product data in PLM systems.
• Participate in fittings, line reviews, and cross‑functional meetings to support the seasonal development process.
• Support process improvements and organizational initiatives across the product development lifecycle.
• Occasional travel to vendors, factories, or other business locations may be required.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support vendor communication and performance tracking throughout the development process.
• Assist with preparation for milestone meetings, fittings, and line reviews.
• Contribute to maintaining organized development documentation and records.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

What We Are Looking For

• 2–4 years of product development experience in apparel.
• Understanding of product development processes and best practices, garment construction, fit, grading, and fabrication.
• Experience supporting development across multiple apparel categories preferred.
• Exposure to outerwear, tailoring, or bottoms is a plus.
• Experience working with overseas vendors or factories preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Effective cross‑functional communication and collaboration skills.
• Detail‑oriented with strong problem‑solving abilities.
• Proficiency in PLM systems and Microsoft Office.
• Strong interest in product development and the apparel production process.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, working on a computer, standing and bending.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to access and navigate various departments at the organization's facilities.

Benefits At a Glance

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match (eligibility based on hours worked)
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays
• Hybrid or flexible work environment (role‑dependent)
• Company‑paid life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional Critical Illness and Accident insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Clothing allowance and generous discounts on J.McLaughlin merchandise
• Discretionary bonus opportunities (role‑dependent)
• Employee referral incentives and commuter benefits

Pay Transparency & Disclaimer

$70,000 - $80,000 depending on experience, skills, and qualifications. Compensation and benefits may vary based on role, location, and eligibility. J.McLaughlin reserves the right to modify compensation and benefit programs at any time, in accordance with applicable laws.

Equal Opportunity

J.McLaughlin is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.