Position Summary
The Costing and Product Development Coordinator supports the end-to-end product lifecycle for both private label clients and in-house brands, with a primary focus on accurate costing, product feasibility, and development execution. This role partners closely with design, sourcing, production, and sales teams, as well as domestic and overseas vendors, to ensure products are developed on time, on cost, and in alignment with quality and margin targets.
Key Responsibilities
Costing & Financial Analysis
- Develop, analyze, and maintain initial, revised, and final cost sheets for apparel products across multiple categories
- Ensure accuracy of fabric, trim, labor, wash, freight, duty, and overhead costs
- Collaborate with sourcing and vendors to negotiate costs while maintaining quality and margin goals
- Track cost changes throughout development and communicate impacts clearly to internal stakeholders
- Support margin reconciliation and profitability analysis for private label programs and in-house brands
Product Development Coordination
- Manage the product development process from concept through production approval
- Create and maintain development calendars, ensuring milestones are met
- Coordinate proto, SMS, fit, and production samples with vendors and internal teams
- Track and communicate revisions, comments, and approvals across departments
Vendor & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Serve as a primary point of contact between internal teams and vendors during production
- Communicate design intent, construction details, and costing requirements clearly
- Partner with design, technical design, production, and quality teams to ensure feasibility
- Support private label client presentations with costing, timeline, and development details
Systems & Data Management
- Maintain accurate product data in PLM, ERP, or costing systems
- Organize and archive samples, approvals, and related development documentation
- Generate reports related to costing, development status, and vendor performance
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising, Apparel Design, Product Development, or related field preferred
- 2–5 years of experience in apparel product development, costing, or sourcing
- Experience working with private label clients and/or in-house brands strongly preferred
Technical Knowledge
- Strong understanding of apparel construction, materials, and manufacturing processes
- Working knowledge of domestic and overseas production (Asia experience a plus)
- Familiarity with PLM systems, Excel (including formulas and cost modeling), and costing tools
Skills & Competencies
- Strong analytical and numerical skills with high attention to detail
- Excellent organizational and time-management abilities
- Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple styles, brands, and timelines simultaneously
- Proactive problem-solver with a collaborative mindset
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Preferred Attributes
- Experience across multiple product categories (woven, knits, denim, outerwear, etc.)
- Understanding of fabric sourcing, trims, and sustainability considerations
- Client-facing experience supporting presentations and line reviews
