Associate Product Specialist

Associate Product Specialist – Mid-level

Location: New York, NY

Onsite Flexibility: Hybrid — 3 days in person, 2 days remote

Contract Details

• Position Type: Contract (Temp to Perm)
• Contract Duration: 3 months
• Pay Rate: $32.00–$40.00 / Hour (USD)
• Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Job Summary

Manages a system to ensure overall quality, packaging and size standards are maintained on incentive purchases. Ensures all federal safety and labeling regulations are followed. Authorizes pre-production and production merchandise and resolves issues through proper channels. Educates Merchants on legal regulations and quality best practices.

Collaborates with Buyers to develop a full implementation of product quality, value and design. Identifies quality issues by receiving pre-production and product samples from vendors. Gains product knowledge through visiting stores and factories and attending product development training classes. Establishes a system to request, receive and respond to all production sample inspections in a timely manner.

Establishes and fosters relationships with the vendors to maintain regular and effective communication efforts. Partners with Merchant and Vendor to establish quality requirements, best practices and ensure timely flow of goods through the production cycle. Ensures all federal safety and labeling regulations are followed.

Interacts with Buyers and DVP, Merchandise Managers to identify and manage a system to track incentive purchases, production updates and quality concerns. Develops and conducts informational and training sessions with Merchants new to the company and department.

Key Responsibilities

• Manages a system to ensure overall quality, packaging and size standards are maintained on incentive purchases
• Ensures all federal safety and labeling regulations are followed
• Authorizes pre-production and production merchandise and resolves issues through proper channels
• Educates Merchants on legal regulations and quality best practices
• Collaborates with Buyers to develop a full implementation of product quality, value and design
• Identifies quality issues by receiving pre-production and product samples from vendors
• Gains product knowledge through visiting stores and factories and attending product development training classes
• Establishes a system to request, receive and respond to all production sample inspections in a timely manner
• Establishes and fosters relationships with the vendors to maintain regular and effective communication efforts
• Partners with Merchant and Vendor to establish quality requirements, best practices and ensure timely flow of goods through the production cycle
• Interacts with Buyers and DVP, Merchandise Managers to identify and manage a system to track incentive purchases, production updates and quality concerns
• Develops and conducts informational and training sessions with Merchants new to the company and department
• Maintains a library of specifications, samples and quality standards
• Documents all problem purchases and their subsequent resolutions
• Assists in building product knowledge and identifies quality issues through market travel, mix assessment of our stores/competition and attending product training classes
• Maintains systems to manage on order for and track samples received and approval status
• Special projects as assigned or directed

Merchandise Administrative:

• Opens, processes and organizes daily receipt of samples
• General office duties including but not limited to filing, purging old files and samples, opening packages, maintaining sample swatch books/files/photo streams, testing lab paperwork, FedEx to vendors, presentation support

Required Experience

• 2 years administration, merchandising, production, PD, or buying/planning experience

Required Skills

• Strong communication skills
• Strong organization skills and follow-through skills
• Computer skills, including MS Excel and Outlook
• Works well in a team environment
• Ability to handle multiple projects
• Good eye for color, design and detail

Benefits

• Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance Plans
• 401k Retirement Fund

About the Client

This Fortune 100 retailer is the world's leading off-price apparel and home fashions company, operating more than 5,200 stores across ten countries under iconic retail brands — making it one of the most recognizable names in global retail. The company's product assortment spans apparel, footwear, accessories, home décor, furniture, giftware, jewelry, and more, curated through a dynamic buying strategy that keeps merchandise fresh and store visits exciting. Internally, the organization offers a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment where buyers, merchants, and retail professionals gain hands-on experience across merchandising, operations, supply chain, corporate finance, marketing, and technology. For professionals who thrive in dynamic, commercially driven environments and want to work within a globally recognized retail brand with real market leadership and substantial career development opportunities, this is an organization worth serious consideration.

About GTT

GTT is a minority-owned staffing firm and a subsidiary of Chenega Corporation, a Native American-owned company in Alaska. We highly value diverse and inclusive workplaces and support Fortune 500 organizations across banking, financial services, technology, life sciences, biotech, utilities, and retail sectors throughout the U.S. and Canada.