Product Development Associate – Sweaters

Job Description We're seeking a Product Development Associate to join our global sourcing team. This role will oversee one product category, guiding it from concept through production while ensuring quality, cost, and timeline goals are met. You'll collaborate cross-functionally to deliver products that align with brand standards and market expectations. full-time onsite 5 days Key Responsibilities Category & Vendor Management Lead development and execution for the sweater category. Allocate styles to vendors and negotiate costs to meet financial targets. Manage and assess supplier capabilities, onboarding and training new vendors as needed. Ensure category alignment with seasonal strategies and vendor allocation guidelines. Monitor market, sourcing, and economic trends, applying insights to improve sourcing strategies. Product Development Collaborate with Design, Merchandising, Technical Services, Production QA, and suppliers at every stage of development. Source and develop seasonal fabrics, trims, and packaging that meet aesthetic, quality, and cost goals. Clearly communicate specifications to suppliers for accurate and timely sampling. Conduct strategic negotiations around cost, lead time, delivery, and quality terms. Maintain costing charts, troubleshoot delays, and present updates in seasonal meetings. Manage sample status tracking, ensuring timely delivery and resolving issues quickly. Support vendor showcases and innovation meetings, driving follow-up actions to meet calendar deadlines. Partner with Production to meet booking timelines and create core fabric platforms that reduce lead times. Costing Lead seasonal pre-costing activities and ensure all cost-related tasks are completed on time. Estimate and analyze product costs during development, setting and achieving target margins. Work with Merchandising and Design to address cost challenges and recommend alternative solutions. Pre-Production Proactively identify and communicate development or production delays to leadership and stakeholders. Oversee approval of samples and components to maintain production schedules. Ensure tech packs, patterns, and comments are released on time. Partner with Design/Merchandising to prevent or resolve potential production issues. Confirm all products meet cost, quality, and testing standards ahead of production. Reporting & Analysis Prepare accurate recaps for cost, allocations, and development status for seasonal meetings. Collaborate with leadership to resolve any open issues before deadlines. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Business, Product Development, Merchandising, or Design. Minimum 3 years of experience in supply chain or global sourcing within a related industry. Strong analytical skills, merchandising math, and financial acumen. Proficient in product development systems (e.g., Full Circle) and Microsoft Office. Knowledge of yarns, fabrics, garment fit, quality assurance, compliance, and trade policies. Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities. Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across teams. Keen eye for style and color.