Product Development Assistant, Accessories

Job Description

Job Description

Why J.McLaughlin?

Founded on the Upper East Side of New York City by brothers Jay and Kevin McLaughlin, J.McLaughlin was built on a simple idea: great style feels personal.

From a single neighborhood shop to nearly 200 stores nationwide, we have always believed in being local and loyal—to our customers, our communities, and one another. Today, nearly 1,000 employees bring the brand to life across the country, from Maine to Maui.

For over 20 years, our corporate home has been in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, where creativity, craftsmanship, and collaboration continue to shape our next chapter.

Giving back is part of who we are. We support the communities we serve through local partnerships, charitable initiatives, and a belief that businesses should leave places better than they found them.

Overview

We are seeking a Product Development Assistant to join our Product Development team. This role supports the development and execution of seasonal collections for our Accessories categories from concept through production readiness while maintaining the brand’s standards for quality, fit, and consistency.

This position partners closely with Design, Production and vendor partners while contributing to a collaborative, high-performing, and values-driven workplace.

This position is primarily based in our Greenpoint, Brooklyn office and follows a hybrid schedule, dependent on role and business needs.

About the role

Essential Functions

• Support the product development lifecycle from concept handoff through production approval.
• Assist in managing seasonal development calendars and milestone tracking to ensure deadlines are met.
• Coordinate sample development across all stages (proto, fit, and pre-production) to ensure timely delivery and feedback.
• Help identify potential development risks and escalate issues to support on-time delivery.
• Partner with Raw Materials and Sourcing teams to track cost targets and maintain visibility throughout development.
• Own the costing calculation and responsible for meeting margin goal.
• Serve as a key point of coordination between Design, Technical Design, Raw Materials, Sourcing, and Production.
• Help translate design concepts into clear development requirements for vendors.
• Communicate with overseas vendors to track sample status, timelines, and development updates.
• Ensure vendors are meeting sampling timelines and development expectations.
• Collaborate with Technical Design to help maintain product intent through the development process.
• Assist in evaluating construction feasibility and recommend improvements where appropriate.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date product data in PLM systems.
• Participate in fittings, line reviews, and cross-functional meetings to support the seasonal development process.
• Support process improvements and organizational initiatives across the product development lifecycle.
• Occasional travel to vendors, factories, or other business locations may be required.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support vendor communication and performance tracking throughout the development process.
• Assist with preparation for milestone meetings, fittings, and line reviews.
• Contribute to maintaining organized development documentation and records.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

What we are looking for

Skills & Requirements:

Skills & Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion, or related field preferred.
• 0-2 years of product development experience (including internships)
• Foundational understanding of product development processes and best practices.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Effective cross-functional communication and collaboration skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in PLM systems and Microsoft Office.
• Strong interest in accessories product development and the production process.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, working on a computer, standing and bending.

• Must be able to lift 15 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to access and navigate various departments at the organization's facilities.

Benefits at a Glance

At J.McLaughlin, we design our benefits with the same care and intention as our product. Our benefits are designed to support well-being, flexibility, and long-term growth.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match (eligibility based on hours worked)
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays
• Hybrid or flexible work environment (role-dependent)
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional Critical Illness and Accident insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Clothing allowance and generous discounts on J.McLaughlin merchandise
• Discretionary bonus opportunities (role-dependent)
• Employee referral incentives and commuter benefits

Pay Transparency & Disclaimer

$26 - $30 per hour depending on experience, skills, and qualifications.

Compensation and benefits may vary based on role, location, and eligibility. J.McLaughlin reserves the right to modify compensation and benefit programs at any time, in accordance with applicable laws.

Equal Opportunity

J.McLaughlin is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.