Product Development & Raw Materials Assistant:
The Product Development & Raw Materials Assistant supports the Product Development, Sourcing, and Raw Materials team throughout the development cycle of swimwear collections. This role is responsible for coordinating fabric and trim development, maintaining material libraries, tracking submissions, managing sample flow, and ensuring accurate communication between internal teams and overseas vendors. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and interested in learning the technical aspects of swimwear product development, fabric construction, and sourcing.
Key Responsibilities :
Raw Materials & Fabric Development
• Support the Raw Materials & Sourcing Manager throughout the product development and pre-production process.
• Receive, organize, log, and distribute daily fabric, trim, color, and sample packages from overseas vendors and mills.
• Maintain and organize fabric, trim, print, and color libraries to ensure easy reference for current and future developments.
• Track all fabric and trim submissions, approvals, and comments throughout the development cycle.
• Request and maintain raw material costing information from suppliers.
• Create and maintain seasonal fabric and trim development trackers.
• Assist with researching and sourcing new swimwear fabrics, textures, trims, and innovative materials.
• Maintain records of approved qualities, colors, constructions, and vendor capabilities.
• Ability to stand, sort, organize, and manage physical sample libraries.
• Assist Product Development team with sample tracking
• Prepare development packages and material kits for overseas factories and vendors.
• Organize seasonal development, sample racks, and presentation materials.
• Assist with entering and maintaining product development information within company systems and spreadsheets.
Vendor & Factory Communication
• Follow up with overseas offices, mills, and factories regarding development timelines, submissions, and corrections.
• Ensure comments and approvals are communicated accurately and in a timely manner.
• Monitor development calendars and proactively identify potential delays.
• Help coordinate sample shipments and maintain tracking records.
• Support cross-functional communication between Design, Technical Design, Merchandising, Production, and Sourcing teams.
Administrative & Organizational Responsibilities
• Maintain accurate filing systems for all development documentation.
• Ensure historical development records are properly archived and easily accessible.
• Update seasonal trackers, WIPs, sample logs, and development calendars.
• Assist with preparation for internal meetings, line reviews, and seasonal presentations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support product development and sourcing operations.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Fashion Design, Textile Development, Product Development, Apparel Merchandising, or related field.
• 1–2 years of experience in apparel, swimwear, sourcing, textiles, or product development preferred. Internship experience considered.
• Basic understanding of garment construction, patternmaking, and apparel development processes.
• Knowledge of swimwear fabrics, knit constructions, stretch materials, and performance textiles is a plus.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and eager to learn.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable working with overseas vendors across multiple time zones.
Skills :
• Proficient in Microsoft & Adobe.
• Ability to create and maintain spreadsheets, trackers, and development calendars.
• Passion for swimwear, activewear, and fashion product development.
• Strong sense of urgency and ability to work within short development timelines.
• Ability to recognize quality, construction, fit, and color issues and communicate corrections clearly.
• Team-oriented with a positive attitude and willingness to support multiple departments.
• Interest in textile innovation, sustainability, and emerging swimwear trends.
Education: