Jr. Associate Product Developer
The Jr. Associate Product Developer at Confidential Client supports the product development process from concept through production, ensuring garments meet aesthetic, quality, and cost goals. This entry-level role involves vendor communication, sample tracking, and coordination across design, tech, and buying teams, providing hands‑on experience in fashion product lifecycle management within a dynamic, collaborative environment.
About CareerTakes
CareerTakes is a next-generation AI recruiting platform that connects early-career talent with real roles at established companies across regulated industries.
👉 Important disclosure: CareerTakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, a confidential client in the PR, Advertising & Marketing / Fashion Retail industry.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the CareerTakes platform.
Role Overview
This is an entry-level, full-time Junior Product Developer opportunity supporting product development for an owned-brand fashion business. The role focuses on executing product from concept to production, supporting sample and vendor communication, maintaining product data, and helping ensure styles meet quality, aesthetic and cost requirements. This position is ideal for early-career candidates with experience or education in fashion design, merchandising, or product development who want hands-on exposure to tech packs, fittings, costing basics, and vendor coordination.
What You’ll Do
- Support product development from concept through production under guidance of senior developers
- Communicate regularly with manufacturers and vendors on specifications, timelines, quality and approvals
- Assist with tech packs, cost sheets, WIP reports and sample tracking
- Coordinate approvals for wash, trims, colors and trims between design and vendors
- Attend fittings and follow up on sample status to keep the development calendar on track
- Maintain accurate product data across internal systems (PLM / tracking tools)
- Participate in product allocation and vendor performance tracking
- Conduct basic trend and market research to support merchandising and design decisions
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Tech, Buying and Merchandising teams
- Provide administrative and organizational support to ensure timely follow-up on product milestones
What We’re Looking For (Key Skills & Competencies)
- Understanding of the apparel product development lifecycle and garment construction
- Strong interest in fashion, apparel design, merchandising or production
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Google Workspace; familiarity with PLM or product tracking tools a plus
- Basic knowledge of Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop is beneficial
- Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail
- Ability to multitask, prioritize and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Clear written and verbal communication skills; experience communicating with overseas vendors a plus
- Proactive, team-oriented attitude and eagerness to learn
Minimum & Preferred Qualifications
- Minimum:
- Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Merchandising, Product Development, or related field
- ~2 years of entry-level experience in buying, merchandising, or product development (internships and relevant coursework count)
- Demonstrated initiative and desire to grow technical product development skills
- Preferred:
- Experience working with overseas vendors and basic costing knowledge
- Familiarity with PLM, tech pack creation, or product tracking systems
Compensation & Additional Details
- Hourly range listed: $25.00 - $28.00 per hour
- For hires assigned to California, a reasonable estimate of the base salary range is $70,000 to $75,000 per year. Actual compensation will depend on factors such as experience, skills, location, and applicable state/local requirements.
- Employment type: Full-time
- This position is with a confidential client; CareerTakes is acting as the third-party recruiter supporting this hire.
How to Apply / Next Steps
- Submit your application through the CareerTakes platform.
- If contacted, be prepared to discuss relevant coursework, internship or work experience in product development, examples of tech packs or sample work (if available), and your familiarity with Excel and any PLM tools.
- After applying, monitor your inbox (and spam folder) for communications from the recruiting team or application system.
Keywords for Candidate Searches
- Junior Product Developer
- Product Development
- Apparel / Fashion Product Developer
- Tech packs
- Sample tracking
- Vendor communication
- PLM
- Merchandising
- Garment construction
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
CareerTakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.