Product Development Assistant

Are you passionate about bringing product from concept to reality? We’re looking for a highly organized, detail-driven Product Development Assistant to join our fast-paced team and play a key role in turning creative ideas into market-ready collections.

In this role, you’ll be at the center of the product lifecycle, collaborating with Design, Fabric, and Production teams to track development from artwork to final sample. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on exposure across the full development process while working closely with leadership.

• Partner closely with the Product Development Manager to support daily development initiatives across PD, Fabric, and Design.

• Create and maintain seasonal WIP (Work in Progress) trackers, ensuring real-time visibility into artwork, fabric, and sample status.

• Manage sample tracking from initial concept through final approval, entering all development details into the PLM system.

• Oversee print development workflow — from artwork to fabric execution.

• Assist in creating and managing M3 color codes within the system.

• Coordinate print artwork approvals with studio and CAD teams alongside the VP of Design.

• Manage seasonal artwork invoices and ensure adherence to budget.

• Review incoming samples and trim submissions, ensuring approvals are documented and organized.

• Request and track duplicate sales samples in preparation for market across various sales offices.

• Maintain and curate the seasonal sample library, organizing and archiving garments for future design reference and sample sales.

• 1–2 years of experience in the apparel or fashion industry.

• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and ability to prioritize in a deadline-driven environment.

• A proactive, hands-on mindset with the ability to manage multiple moving pieces at once.

• Foundational knowledge of fabrics, garment construction, and factory operations.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with PLM systems is a plus

The expected base salary for this position ranges from $24.00-26.00 per hour. Ranges are based on various factors such as relevant skillset, training, years of experience related to the current job description, education, and our organizational structure. In addition to the base salary, Steve Madden offers a competitive benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, 401K, paid holidays, a generous paid time-off policy, and career opportunities within a dynamic team.