Overview
Product Development Associate Jobs in New York, NY at Lela Rose
Title: Product Development Associate
Company: Lela Rose
Location: New York, NY
Product Development Associate
The Product Development Associate will support the end-to-end development process from design handoff through production, ensuring product execution aligns with design intent, quality standards, and timeline expectations. This role serves as a key bridge between Design, Technical Design, and Production, helping bring collections to life through strong organization, communication, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
Development & Cross-Functional Coordination
- Support the development process from initial concept through production pass-off
- Partner closely with Design, Technical Design, and Production to communicate and execute all style updates throughout development
- Identify and develop design elements, trims, or construction details that may not be feasible for production, and flag for review with proposed alternatives
- Track and manage style progress from development through production, proactively flagging risks or delays
Product Development Execution
- Own and maintain ERP (RLM) style entry, ensuring all required fields are complete and accurate for tech and sales deadlines
- Communicate closely and consistently with production and tech teams regarding style/line updates, trim updates, pattern updates to ensure smooth process from design through production
- Build, maintain, and continuously update BOMs, ensuring all details are clear, accurate, and aligned with current development
- Ensure correct suppliers are listed
- Ensure all fields are filled-in
- Set up RMIDs with visibility on printed BOMs
- Maintain consistent trim categorization (Self, Combo, Lining, Fusible, Trim 1, Trim 2, etc.)
- Manage color development, including color matching, approvals, and system updates
Sampling & Development Ownership
- Own the development process for all styles, including domestic production, ensuring consistency with domestic workflows
- Work with design & tech on overseas production, as needed
- Track proto and sample development through sample pass-off to tech
- Counter-source materials as needed and maintain BOM accuracy to tech pass-off
- Participate in design fittings as needed, ensuring all updates are communicated for next iterations
- Product Development for Knitwear & Overseas Manufacturing
- Work with Designers for early stages of all overseas styles
- Review and approve final BOM
- Measure, inspect and fit samples from proto to TOP
- Note taking in fittings
- Production fit comments PPS and TOP
- Bulk yarn swatch approvals and ensuring bulk yarns match to SMS
Sourcing & Materials Management
- Identify and source trims and materials in alignment with design intent and production feasibility
- Execute fabric inquiries, lab dips, approval, and final sample POs
- Support fabric and trim sourcing in partnership with Design and Production
- Attend vendor meetings as needed with a focus on development execution
Sample Management
- Own and manage duplicate samples for Sales and Merchandising needs
- Ensure sample readiness and accuracy to support market and selling initiatives
- Oversee sewing and cutting room workflow, scheduling, and daily coordination
- Aid in pattern development through execution of custom orders
Qualifications
- 2–4 years of experience in Product Development, Production, Design, or a related apparel role
- Strong understanding of garment construction, development processes, fabrics, and trims
- Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
- Detail-oriented with excellent follow-through and problem-solving ability
- Experience working with BOMs, color development, and sample tracking
- Proficiency in RLM or similar ERP systems preferred
- Familiarity with domestic and overseas development processes preferred
- Proficient in Adobe Illustrator and Microsoft Excel
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment
