Product Development Associate

About the role

Helmut Lang is seeking a motivated Product Development Associate to support the end‑to‑end sample development process, from design hand‑off through prototype and sales sample delivery. The role works closely with design, merchandising, production and technical teams to ensure timely and accurate product development.

Key responsibilities

• Assist in managing the full sample development cycle and calendar, including design pass‑off, prototype development and sales sample delivery.
• Create and maintain daily work‑in‑progress tracking charts for domestic and overseas sample development.
• Support pre‑costing activities, send cut‑room CMs, update yields and assist in cost‑sheet creation and analysis.
• Maintain and finalize collection Bills of Materials (BOMs) for accurate costing and production hand‑off.
• Coordinate with in‑house cut and sample rooms as well as external contractors to develop samples.
• Monitor pattern‑maker workflow, update due dates and prioritize tasks.
• Communicate daily with overseas suppliers on development trials, prototype and SMS status.
• Track fabric and trim orders, notify factories of shipments and deliveries.
• Assist in product testing, evaluating material and style risks, and manage dry‑cleaning or wear tests with Tech and Production teams.
• Manage weekly fit schedules, enforce seasonal development calendar dates and relay sample updates to cross‑functional teams.
• Process supplier requests and invoices for the department.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least 4 years of experience in product development or production.
• Independent, self‑motivated and detail‑oriented.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize and multitask in a busy office environment.
• Proactive problem‑solver and strong collaborator with cross‑functional partners.
• Understanding of development costing processes.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.

Required skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.

What we offer

• Competitive salary range of $73,000‑$76,000 per year.