Assistant Manager of Product Development (NYC)

Our Customer is an American worldwise clothing and accessories retailer, founded in 1969. Over the last 50 years, the company has grown from a single store to a global fashion business with seven brands. Their clothes are availabile in 90 countries worldwide through over 3,100 company-operated stores, almost 400 franchise stores, and e-commerce sites and is still growing.

We are seeking an Assistant Manager of Product Development on a contract basis to support their business needs. This role is on-site in New York City.

In this role, you are accountable for supporting the ideation, development, implementation, and execution of the production and vendor capability strategy, delivering value through effectively balancing innovation, quality, and cost. You will be able to operate in a highly matrixed global organization, forming part of the cross-functional product team (Design, Merchandising, Tech Design, Quality Assurance, Sustainability, Fabric Research and Development, and Global Sourcing). You will be able to execute with strong attention to detail to ensure the product pipeline meets key milestones to meet product-to-market (P2M) demands.

Responsibilities:

• Understand product development implications on merchandising and design-driven decisions across categories and vendor strategies
• Drive communication between brand teams and Asia-based product teams to ensure strategic alignment and responsiveness
• Partner cross-functionally to ensure financial targets are achieved by delivering on cost guidance
• Provide flash garment costing with accurate accounting of all cost components
• Manage and maintain Bills of Materials (BOM) within PLM systems to support product execution
• Communicate with Asia-based teams to identify and resolve product execution issues in a timely manner
• Monitor P2M calendar milestones and escalate risks impacting timelines
• Support seasonal strategies to manage fabric commitments and limit pre-line adoption exposure
• Execute category product development strategies aligned with production strategies and divisional goals
• Manage assigned categories in coordination with cross-functional teams and international sourcing partners

Skills and Qualifications:

• Experience in global product development or exposure to global product development processes
• Understanding of design, merchandising, vendor management, and category strategies
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate and mitigate P2M risks related to cost, suppliers, and timelines
• Experience in influencing and collaborating cross-functionally within matrixed environments
• Strong cultural awareness and ability to work effectively with international partners
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present data and insights clearly to support decision-making
• Demonstrated learning agility and openness to feedback
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced environments
• Experience working with PLM systems and product lifecycle documentation

We offer a competitive salary range for this position. Most candidates who join our team are hired at the median of this range, ensuring fair and equitable compensation based on experience and qualifications.

Contractor benefits are available through our 3rd Party Employer of Record (Availble upon completion of waiting period for eligible engagements) Benefits include: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k.

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.