Product Development Specialist

General Summary

The Product Development Manager, Almost Famous is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end development of apparel products from concept through production. This position supports the Wholesale apparel business.

The responsibilities described below are considered essential functions of the role. This position is based in our NYC office and requires working on-site.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner closely with the Director of Product Development to execute seasonal strategies from concept through bulk production
• Partner with Director of Product Development to lead color approval process, reviewing lab dips, strike-offs, and bulk submissions to ensure consistency with brand standards
• Manage and track all sample requests (proto to TOP), ensuring alignment with development calendar and on-time delivery
• Coordinate with design and overseas vendors to initiate and follow through on sample development
• Review incoming samples for quality, construction, and aesthetic, escalating issues and proposing solutions
• Maintain and update WIP reports to track sample status, approvals, and outstanding requests
• Communicate daily with overseas factories to send detailed comments and feedback on samples and production approvals
• Able to manage multiple projects and deadlines with support and resources as needed
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned
  
  

Specific Job Skills

Essential duties include

• Partner with Director of Product Development to lead color approval process, reviewing lab dips, strike-offs, and bulk submissions to ensure consistency with brand standards
• Maintain and update WIP reports to track sample status, approvals, and outstanding requests
• Communicate daily with overseas factories to send detailed comments and feedback on samples and production approvals
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising, Product Development, or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in apparel product development
• Strong knowledge of garment construction, fabrics, and washes
• Experience working with overseas factories
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel and Adobe Suite (Photoshop and Illustrator)
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to manage multiple categories simultaneously
  
  

The expected base salary for this position ranges from $75,000-$80,000. Ranges are based on various factors such as relevant skillset, training, years of experience related to the current job description, education, and our organizational structure. In addition to the base salary, Steve Madden offers a competitive benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, 401K, paid holidays, a generous paid time-off policy, and career opportunities within a dynamic team.