Product Development Coordinator (Freelance)- APPAREL
Onsite NYC 4-5 days a week
Pay: 30-33/hr DOE
We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Product Development Coordinator (Freelance) to support the end-to-end development of consumer products within a fast-paced retail and consumer goods environment. This role will work closely with cross-functional teams including design, merchandising, sourcing, production, and marketing to help bring innovative products from concept to market on time and within quality and cost parameters.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate day-to-day product development activities across multiple categories and seasonal collections.
- Track product lifecycle milestones from concept, design, and prototyping through approvals, production handoff, and launch.
- Maintain and update product development calendars, tracking tools, and line lists to ensure deadlines are met.
- Assist in preparing product briefs, specification sheets, and technical packages in partnership with design and merchandising.
- Facilitate sample requests, shipments, and approvals, ensuring accurate labeling, documentation, and timely follow-up.
- Communicate with vendors and suppliers to obtain samples, pricing, lead times, and technical details as needed.
- Support fit sessions, product review meetings, and line reviews by preparing samples, organizing materials, and recording notes and feedback.
- Monitor product quality issues and coordinate resolution with sourcing, quality, and production teams.
- Compile and maintain accurate product data (materials, trims, colors, costs, dimensions, etc.) in internal systems.
- Assist with competitive product research, trend tracking, and benchmark analyses to inform product decisions.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Product Development, Merchandising, Fashion, Business, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
- 1–3 years of experience in product development, merchandising, or production coordination within retail, apparel, beauty, or consumer goods. Intimates Experience a PLUS
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, categories, and deadlines simultaneously.
- Excellent attention to detail, data accuracy, and follow-through.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace; experience with PLM or PDM systems is a plus.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional and vendor interactions.
- Comfort working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with shifting priorities.
- Ability to work independently as a freelancer while maintaining strong collaboration with internal teams.
This freelance role is ideal for a resourceful product development professional who enjoys coordinating details, working cross-functionally, and helping deliver best-in-class consumer products to market efficiently and accurately.
