Apparel Product Development Assistant Jobs in Kentucky

SMS Development & Vendor Management

• Order and track all SMS (Salesman Sample) styles with vendors and maintain accurate Excel tracking reports.
• Create, maintain, and update sample trackers for all salesmen samples.
• Issue purchase orders to vendors for SMS requests.
• Proactively communicate and follow up with vendors to ensure on-time sample delivery.
• Communicate seasonal SMS development calendars, timelines, and key due dates to all vendors.
• Partner with Design, Product Development, and vendors to ensure sample yardage is booked and available for SMS development.
• Lead weekly SMS status meetings with Design and provide updates on sample progress.
• Collaborate cross-functionally and with vendors to identify creative solutions to improve sample execution and delivery timelines.

Sample Management & Logistics

• Ensure all samples are received, tracked, and available in-house for meetings and key milestones.
• Receive, log, organize, and maintain all incoming samples.
• Manage special sample requests and seasonal sample injections.
• Coordinate sample distribution to cross-functional teams, including packing, shipping, and communicating tracking information.
• Organize seasonal sample lines for Design, Wash, Marketing, and Sales teams, ensuring racks and sample presentations are meeting-ready.
• Coordinate sample transfers and handoffs with vendors, internal sales teams, showrooms, and accounts.
• Maintain an organized sample closet, including seasonal sample rotation and inventory management.
• Assist in maintaining and organizing the fabric library.

Meeting Support & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Participate in and assist with preparation for internal assortment meetings involving Design, Product Development, Merchandising, and Production.
• Participate in and assist with adoption meetings involving Design, Product Development, Merchandising, Sales, and Production teams.
• Assist in preparation for key allocation meetings, including sample organization and supporting documentation.
• Support seasonal line management across Joe's Jeans and Hudson brands, including Men's and Women's Denim and RTW divisions.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned by management.

• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, with advanced Excel skills preferred.
• Familiarity with PLM systems and sample tracking processes.
• Strong communication and follow-up skills when working with vendors and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to problem-solve and adapt quickly to changing business needs.
• Experience managing samples, product development workflows, or apparel production processes preferred.

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: $68,640-$73,500

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

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