Product Development Coordinator

Product Development Coordinator

True Classic is hiring a Product Development Coordinator to support the day-to-day execution of the product development process, from initial proto through fit, PP, TOP, and sales samples. This role will manage sample flow, vendor follow-up, development comments, label review, and development data, ensuring milestones stay on track and the team has accurate, timely visibility into every style.

This role is ideal for someone who is highly organized, detail-oriented, proactive, and execution-focused and can manage a high volume of moving parts, maintain accurate development records, and close loops across internal teams and overseas vendor partners in a fast-paced, evolving environment. The Product Development Coordinator owns tracking and follow-through, while the PD & Pre-Production Manager provides final approvals and key development decisions.

All True Classic roles are global and omni-channel, encompassing responsibilities across all product categories, geographies, and sales and marketing channels. This role will have meaningful influence across DTC, retail, wholesale, marketplaces, and emerging channels, ensuring strategic alignment and operational excellence enterprise-wide.

Areas of Accountability

Sample Management & Development Tracking

• Track samples through every stage of development, including proto, fit, PP, TOP, and sales samples.
• Log sample receipts, route samples to the appropriate reviewer, and maintain accurate records by style.
• Review PP and TOP samples against established True Classic standards, flagging discrepancies for Manager review and final approval.
• Track corrected submissions through approval and ensure open sample issues are closed on time.
• Maintain the sample calendar against the development T&A, proactively identifying conflicts and at-risk milestones.
• Chase overdue garment and component submissions and escalate delays that put development dates at risk.
• Coordinate sample send-outs, including labeling, courier arrangements, and required customs documentation.

Vendor Communication & Development Follow-Through

• Own day-to-day vendor communication related to submissions, development comments, open items, and deadlines.
• Issue clear, consolidated development comments to vendors, confirm receipt, and follow through until all comments are resolved.
• Prepare seasonal style communication packs and clearly communicate submission requirements and expectations.
• Maintain open-item trackers by vendor and style, including owners, due dates, and current status.
• Hold vendor partners accountable to committed submission dates and escalate non-response or repeated delays to the PD & Pre-Production Manager.
• Partner with vendors across time zones to keep development activity moving and close communication loops quickly.

Development Data, Standards & Reporting

• Maintain the development WIP and approval tracker as the accurate, up-to-date source of truth for development status.
• Update development data daily and ensure style, sample, approval, and milestone information is complete and accurate.
• Prepare materials for development reviews and compile the weekly development status pack for Manager review.
• Review label submissions against approved standards, flag discrepancies, and track corrected submissions prior to bulk production.
• Log packaging submissions and receipts, with final packaging review and approval owned by the Manager.
• Support the PD & Pre-Production Manager with development and pre-production activities as business needs require.

Material & Color Library Management

• Maintain an organized, current library of fabrics, lab dips, trims, and other development materials.
• File approved standards and ensure physical and/or digital records are accurate and easily retrievable.
• Track incoming material and color submissions and route them to the appropriate cross-functional partners for review.
• Maintain clear records of approved standards to support consistency throughout development and pre-production.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Design to route samples and lab dips for review, communicate off-standard submissions, and maintain visibility into the current status of each style.
• Work with Tech Design to coordinate fit samples and comments between reviewers and vendors and track corrected submissions through approval.
• Collaborate with Sourcing to share vendor responsiveness and submission history and identify vendor-related risks to the development calendar.
• Partner with Quality to escalate samples that do not meet established standards and confirm corrected submissions before bulk production.
• Work directly with overseas vendor partners to manage submissions, comments, open items, and deadlines, ensuring committed dates are met and outstanding issues are closed.

Qualifications

• 23 years of experience in apparel product development, pre-production, production coordination, or a related function.
• Working knowledge of the apparel development calendar and key sample stages, including proto, fit, PP, and TOP, with an understanding of the purpose and requirements of each stage.
• Experience communicating directly with overseas vendors and working effectively across time-zone differences.
• Strong spreadsheet and tracking skills, with the ability to maintain accurate WIP and development data across a high volume of styles and submissions.
• Clear, specific written communication skills, with the ability to provide actionable direction and follow-up to vendor partners.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and follow-through, with a demonstrated ability to close open items and identify discrepancies.
• Ability to operate effectively within a defined scope, escalating risks, exceptions, and approval decisions to the appropriate owner.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a PLM system such as Centric or a similar platform.
• Experience with knits, basics, or high-volume apparel development.
• Familiarity with lab dips, trims, fabric standards, labels, and other apparel development components.
• Exposure to customs documentation and international sample shipping processes.
• Curiosity around AI tools and a willingness to experiment with emerging technologies to improve speed, accuracy, and operational efficiency.

Workplace Arrangement

This role is hybrid based in Calabasas, CA

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation

• $73,000 - $80,000, dependent on experience
• Performance bonus
• 401(k) plan with 3% company match

Time Off

• Unlimited PTO and sick time

Health and Wellness

• Company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
• $100 per month Health and Wellness stipend
• Free Employee Assistance Program

Work and Growth Support

• $100 per month Personal Workspace/Office stipend

Perks

• $1,000 per year True Classic merchandise allowance