Product Development Coordinator

Aquent; New York (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquent is seeking a detail-oriented Sampling Coordinator to drive end-to-end sampling for key product categories. You will manage sample yardage, PLM entries, and vendor communications, ensuring accuracy and on-time delivery to support product development decisions.

Join a collaborative team, liaise with Design, Product Development, and Marketing, and contribute to leadership dashboards and readiness reporting for milestones.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in product development or related field or equivalent practical experience.
• 1–3 years of relevant professional experience.
• Strong problem-solving and results-driven communication with business partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; proficient with Word, Excel, Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the sampling process and ensure timely delivery of product representations.
• Process vendor and supplier invoices for sample yardage and costs.
• Own sampling requirements for designated product categories and ensure timely receipt of garment samples.
• Maintain communication with vendors to align with the production calendar.
• Act as liaison between Design, Product Development, Raw Materials, Print and Color, Marketing and Merchandising and external partners.
• Participate in weekly cross-functional meetings to align on assortment and priorities.

Skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Collaboration

Prioritization

Self-motivation

Education

Bachelor's degree in product development or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

PLM systems

Centric PLM

Job description

Aquent is partnering with a leading global brand, renowned for its innovative and inspiring product lines, to find exceptional talent. This is an incredible opportunity to join a dynamic team that shapes the future of fashion and consumer experience. We are seeking a passionate and detail-oriented individual to play a pivotal role in bringing cutting‑edge designs to life, directly impacting the product development lifecycle from concept to creation.

About the Role

Step into a critical role where your organizational prowess and keen eye for detail will drive the end‑to‑end sampling process for exciting product categories. As a key contributor, you will be the central point for all sampling needs, ensuring the accurate and timely representation of new assortments. Your work will directly support crucial business decision‑making and creative initiatives, making a tangible impact on product quality and market readiness. This is your chance to shine in a collaborative environment, connecting cross‑functional teams and external partners to deliver exceptional results.

What You’ll Do

You will be instrumental in coordinating the sampling process, ensuring seamless execution and timely delivery of essential product representations. Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing the ordering of sample yardage at both greige and color levels to facilitate accurate color samples within the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system.
• Processing vendor and supplier invoices for all sample yardage and sample‑making costs, ensuring financial accuracy.
• Taking full ownership of all sampling‑related requirements for designated product categories, guaranteeing the precise and prompt receipt of garment samples.
• Cultivating and maintaining strong communication channels with vendors and suppliers to ensure strict adherence to the brand’s production calendar.
• Serving as a vital liaison between diverse internal teams, including Design, Product Development, Raw Materials, Print and Color, Marketing, and Merchandising, as well as external vendor and supplier partners.
• Actively participating in weekly cross‑functional meetings to gain insights into product assortment and business priorities, representing all sampling‑related topics.
• Generating and publishing seasonal sample yardage cost and readiness reports for leadership and business stakeholders.
• Keeping the seasonal sample tracker meticulously updated, providing critical readiness reporting to teams in preparation for key milestone meetings.
• Contributing to the development of leadership dashboards by providing essential headlines and metrics ahead of crucial milestone discussions.
• Proactively observing business processes to anticipate potential needs and identify areas for continuous improvement.
• Effectively prioritizing your workload based on business needs and requirements, adeptly managing competing deliverables and priorities.

What You’ll Bring

Must‑Haves:

• Bachelor’s degree in product development or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 1 – 3 years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated strong, consistent problem‑solving abilities and a track record of result‑driven communication with business partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, coupled with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Solid understanding of the product lifecycle, particularly within a retail environment.
• Exceptional organizational skills, with a strong commitment to collaboration and interpersonal communication.
• Basic knowledge of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.
• Self‑motivated, goal‑oriented, and capable of working effectively both independently and as a team player, fostering a collaborative environment.
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.

Nice‑to‑Haves:

• Experience with and/or basic knowledge of fabrics.
• Familiarity with Centric PLM software.
• Basic knowledge of garment construction.
• A positive attitude and outgoing personality that contributes to a vibrant team culture.