Product Development Assistant, Almost Famous - NYC

Who We Are:

Steve Madden is a global fashion company known for its innovative, trend-driven footwear, accessories, and apparel. Founded in 1990 in Queens, New York, the company has grown from a footwear startup into a globally recognized fashion organization with a portfolio of leading brands, including Steve Madden, Kurt Geiger London, Dolce Vita, Betsey Johnson, Carvela, Blondo, and ATM.

With a presence in more than 80 countries, Steve Madden operates across wholesale, retail, e-commerce, licensing, and private label businesses. The company is driven by creativity, individuality, and a fast-paced entrepreneurial spirit, bringing fashion-forward products to consumers around the world.

General Summary:

The Product Development Assistant, Almost Famous is responsible for supporting daily product development activities, including sample coordination, tracking, reporting, and communication with internal teams and overseas factories. The role requires strong organizational and follow-up skills to ensure product development timelines, sample requests, and approvals are managed accurately and efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

Major Responsibilities:

• Manage sample tracking, requests, and approvals.
• Maintain accurate and updated product development and sample trackers, development charts, and internal records.
• Daily communication with internal departments (Design, Production, Sales) and overseas agents/factories.
• Review, log, and correct advertising and marketing samples; communicate updates to teams and overseas agents.
• Review samples, labels, and related documentation to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Assist with fabric swatches, color standards, lab dips, trims, and approval processes.
• Ship and track samples to buyers and international vendors.
• Coordinate and prepare samples for meetings, fittings, photoshoots, and seasonal market week setups.
• Support sample sourcing initiatives and product development activities.
• Organize and maintain the photo library for seasonal assortments.
• Organize and archive development samples and submit libraries.
• Follow up on outstanding sample requests, approvals, and development milestones and provide timely updates to the team.
• Assist with production setup and handoff to production teams.
• Provide general administrative and operational support to the Product Development team.
• Participate in special projects as needed.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Specific Job Skills:

• Excellent time management, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to juggle numerous tasks at once in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and follow-up skills with the ability to work effectively with internal teams and overseas partners.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize workload, and meet deadlines.
• Detail-oriented with a strong sense of accountability and follow-through.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work independently when needed.
• Knowledge and interest in the fashion industry and willingness to learn new skills, tools, and systems.
• Knowledge of the product development cycle and sample management process.
• Knowledge of color, textiles, fabrics, trims, and garment construction.
• Ability to track and maintain development samples, reports, and records with a high degree of accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Outlook, and Word.
• Basic proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator preferred.
• Familiarity with preparing samples for meetings, fittings, photoshoots, and presentations.

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Product Development, Apparel Design, or a related field preferred.
• 1-2 years of experience in fashion, apparel, accessories, or product development preferred.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to work accurately.
• Ability to take direction, work independently, and follow through on assignments.
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to learn.
• Basic knowledge of fabrics, garment construction, textiles, and apparel development preferred.