Assistant, Product Development

Centric Brands is a leading lifestyle brand collective that designs, sources, markets and sells high quality products in multiple segments, including women’s, men’s and kid’s apparel, accessories, entertainment and beauty. Centric Brands is focused on our customers and our brands that will drive the company’s future growth. We are defined by innovation as we seize new opportunities and thrive in an environment informed by creativity and thinking that is both analytical and outside the box. Centric Brands reflects a team built on respect, for others and for the hard work it takes to achieve our goals and build our bright future together.

Production/Product Development

From sourcing raw materials to manufacturing, order placement, pricing, quality control and getting the finished product where it needs to be, our production/product development team is responsible for ensuring we keep our standards high and our business profitable at every step of the journey. If you are a focused, results-driven, tenacious and highly flexible team player, we’ll give you every opportunity to build a rewarding career with one of the world’s foremost major lifestyle brand collectives.

The Product Development Assistant supports the Designer(s) in the seasonal design development process, from concept to delivery, by creating and Maintaining FlexPLM tech packs for styles being developed by designer and ensuring the timely execution of each stage in the process. The Product Development Assistant should have extensive Knowledge of FlexPLM System in order to trouble shoot issues and be able to suggest solutions to improve system and processes associated with the system.

Strategy & Innovation

• Create and update FlexPLM files for all styles being developed by designer including model details, fabrication and colorways, trims and packaging.
• Maintain FlexPLM when changes are made and communicate such changes to the appropriate teams.
• Works with designers and acts as lead to other design assistants to improve process flow and trouble shoot issues as they arise.
• Communicate knit downs, handlooms, lab dips design comments back to mill/vendor.
• Assist design team in making fabric cards/ presentation boards/color palettes or other selling tools for the showroom.
• Maintain color library and order colors.
• Attend style review meetings with Design teams to understand vision / concepts prior to initiating the tech pack process.
• Assist and take direction from Designer(s) and Senior Designer(s) for preliminary design research, including competitive analysis; pull fabrics, develop concepts, assemble presentation boards for meetings, prepare mock-ups, color-ups, inspirational photos.

Operations & Results

• Maintain product development logs, line sheets, boards and design archives library; maintain designs in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system or shared drives.
• Track design schedule to ensure timely execution of product development calendar.
• Support Designer(s) in creating Illustrator sketches; assist in preparation of specification sheets; prepare designs for line review; prepare line sheets and update as necessary.
• Support 3D initiatives by participating in block creation for all product categories.
• Research and coordinate raw materials and trims for approval; maintain fabric/trim library.
• Review lab dips with Designer(s) and Senior Designer(s); coordinate print and graphics where appropriate; observe and assist with fit process; keep detailed notes.

Customers & Relationships

• Follow-up with internal customers and partners including technical design and production; facilitate interoffice communication.
• Provide support to the Technical Developer during style review meetings by taking accurate notes on style, stitching and embellishment details for all product categories.
• Provide organizational support to the Design Operations team by maintaining digital and physical reference materials.
• Build collaborative relationships with vendors and internal customers.

Leadership & Teams

• Contribute positively to team dynamic and manage up where necessary.

• Proficiency and expertise in FlexPLM systems is priority for this position.
• Superior organizational skills and excellent communication skills; team oriented.
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines, highly detail oriented, meticulous and creative.
• Ability to work in a fast pace, high performance environment while maintaining a high level of accuracy and accountability.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design or related field.
• 1-3 years related experience and/or training in apparel.
• Comprehensive understanding of the entire Product Development cycle and all milestones.
• Basic knowledge of garment construction, pattern making, silhouettes, color ways, sewing techniques, seam classifications, fabrication and trim.

In return, we provide an industry-competitive salary, along with a comprehensive benefits plan (medical, dental, vision) that includes a matching 401(k), Summer Fridays, generous PTO, merchandise discounts, excellent career development opportunities, and a work environment that reflects our industry leadership. Our social impact program, Centric Cares, focuses on volunteerism to make a difference in communities we live and work in and our D&I committee is shaping the future of diversity, equity and inclusion at Centric Brands though workshops, resources and inspiring conversation.

Salary Range: $55,000 - $60,000

At Centric Brands, we believe our people are our greatest asset, and we seek to structure competitive compensation offers to ensure that we are able to attract and retain the best talent. Our job postings include an annual base salary range at the time of employment. The stated base salary range represents our good faith estimate as to what candidates are likely to expect, and we tailor our offers within the range based on several factors, including the selected candidate's educational and professional experience, industry knowledge, location, technical and communication skills, and other factors that may prove relevant during the selection process. Base salary is a part of a total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include commission earnings, annual bonus and other Centric Brands sponsored benefit programs.

Be part of our growing community by getting involved with groups, teams and initiatives like Be Green, Be Giving, and Be Celebrated.

Centric Brands is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Please note that Centric Brands will only reach out to interview, make an offer of employment or conduct onboarding activities for candidates who have applied through our careers site. When interviewing for a position, the candidate experience will include live interaction, such as a video conference or telephone call, with a Recruiter and/or company employee(s). We will never ask for any money or payments from applicants at any point in the recruitment process. Be aware of suspicious recruitment activity. If you think you are a victim of an employment scam, you may contact your local law enforcement agency and/or visit the Federal Trade Commission website here: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams.

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