Product Development Assistant Manager

About the role

Veronica Beard is seeking a driven and passionate Product Development Assistant Manager to support the development of the ready-to-wear collection within the Soft Wovens category. Reporting directly to the Product Development Manager, this role will work closely with the Product Development and Design teams and collaborate with cross-functional partners throughout the development process. This position is based in our New York City office.

Responsibilities

• Support the Product Development Manager across all aspects of development, from initial tech pack handoff through production handoff.
• Independently manage the product development process for assigned factories, with support from the Product Development Manager as needed.
• Manage approximately 50% of seasonal soft wovens styles across multiple overseas factories, with a primary focus on ready-to-wear and additional VBJ product as assigned.
• Own seasonal sample-stage BOMs for assigned styles, ensuring all components, materials, colors, and development updates are complete and accurate.
• Coordinate tech pack handoffs and execute against seasonal deadlines established by the Product Development Manager.
• Maintain complete and accurate WIP information for assigned factories, including development status, sample tracking, material readiness, costing, and key milestone dates.
• Lead daily communication with overseas factories, proactively following up on outstanding items, troubleshooting development issues, and escalating risks or delays when necessary.
• Create and maintain factory line sheets to track proto and SMS development and ensure samples are delivered according to the seasonal calendar.
• Maintain and present assigned factory WIPs during weekly Product Development WIP meetings, clearly communicating status, risks, delays, and required next steps.
• Prepare for internal reviews and fittings throughout each season, ensuring all samples and supporting materials are organized and available.
• Actively participate in proto fittings, take detailed notes, capture action items, and assist in creating and maintaining the proto fit list.
• Partner closely with the Raw Materials, Fabric, and Trim teams to ensure materials are delivered in alignment with sample deadlines and troubleshoot material-related issues as needed.
• Work directly with domestic factories and patternmakers on approximately 5-10 styles per season, as needed.
• Track the receipt of proto costing and validate factory cost sheets against the corresponding samples, BOMs, and product details for accuracy.
• Ensure a complete handoff to Production at the end of each season, including reviewing BOMs and ensuring all changes made between SMS development and production are accurately reflected.
• Serve as a key partner to the Product Development Manager by monitoring overall team progress, identifying gaps or risks, and helping ensure seasonal deadlines and deliverables remain on track.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in the fashion industry, with direct experience in apparel product development.
• Experience communicating and working with overseas factories; experience with domestic factories is a plus.
• Experience with women's Soft Wovens product is preferred but not required.
• Strong knowledge of garment construction and fabric, with experience working across a range of silhouettes and product details.
• Understanding patternmaking and technical design is a plus.
• Proactive, highly organized, and detail-oriented, with the ability to think quickly and work with a strong sense of urgency.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, troubleshoot issues, and follow through in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Experience working in PLM is preferred.
• Experience with VibeIQ and/or Exenta is helpful but not required.
• Collaborative, adaptable, and eager to continue learning and growing within the role.

Pay

The base salary range for this role is between $70,000 and $75,000. The relevant base salary will vary depending on a wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to skill sets, experience, training, degrees, and certifications.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Short-term incentive program
• Clothing allowance
• Merchandise discounts