Associate Product Specialist (Hybrid)

Location: New York, New York • Contract role • $32–40 per hour

About the role

Elevate product excellence and drive vendor compliance for a dynamic retail leader. As a key quality partner, you will lead the end-to-end execution of safety compliance, production integrity, and merchant alignment. You will turn complex regulatory guidelines into seamless operational standards, ensuring top-tier value across all merchandise streams.

Responsibilities

• Establish and execute rigorous quality control frameworks to ensure all merchandise meets federal safety, labeling, and brand standards.
• Partner with Merchants and external Vendors to establish quality requirements, optimize production workflows, and accelerate product speed-to-market.
• Direct the end-to-end sample inspection process from pre-production to final approval, resolving production bottlenecks through consultative channels.
• Conduct strategic market reviews and factory assessments to analyze competitor product mixes, build category knowledge, and educate cross-functional teams on best practices.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in production management, quality assurance, merchandising, or product development.
• Specialized expertise in federal safety regulations, product testing protocols, and compliance documentation.
• Proven track record of managing multi-channel vendor relationships, sample tracking systems, and cross-functional quality initiatives.
• Excellent communication skills, strong detail orientation, and proficiency in MS Excel and inventory management software.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
• AD&D and life insurance.
• Short-term disability coverage.
• 401K plan (all benefits based on eligibility).

Pay

$32–40 per hour, offered based on education, experience, location, job duties, and certifications.