Entry Level Apparel Design Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Description
JOB SUMMARY
Bring great ideas to life. Weissman is looking for a Product Development Assistant to join our Product Development team and gain hands-on experience bringing products from concept to completion. In this entry-level role, you'll be at the center of the development process, helping manage product information, track samples, and prepare products for fittings, photography, and other key milestones.
You'll collaborate with teams across Design, Technical Design, Merchandising, Sourcing, and Sample Operations while learning how creative ideas become finished products. From keeping development details organized to making sure the right samples are in the right place at the right time, your work will help keep the entire process moving forward.
If you're highly organized, detail-oriented, and excited to start a career in fashion or product development, this is an opportunity to learn the business, build your skills, and play a hands-on role in bringing Weissman products to life.
JOB TITLE
Product Development Assistant
LOCATION
St. Louis, Missouri (Hybrid)
HYBRID POLICY
70% On-Site
30% Work-from-Home
ABOUT US
At Weissman, located in St. Louis, Missouri, we've been the heartbeat of the dance community for 60 incredible years. As a privately held, medium-sized company, we're not just another manufacturer - we're the driving force behind the dance industry's most stunning costumes and dancewear. From digital sketch to delivered product, we handle every step in-house, infusing passion and expertise into every creation.
What drives us? Our extraordinary team! We've cultivated a talent base skilled in merchandising, marketing, design, and more, constantly investing in our people, products, and technology to stay ahead.
Why join us? Because here, you're not just an employee - you're a valued member of a passionate community dedicated to making dreams a reality. We're not just creating costumes and dancewear; we're empowering performances, sparking creativity, and celebrating the artistry of dance.
If you're ready to unleash your creativity, be part of something bigger, and make an impact in an exciting, dynamic industry, Weissman is the place for you. Come, let's dance towards a future where dreams take center stage.
RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain accurate product development information, documentation, and records within PLM/PDM systems.
• Update style details, materials, and other product information throughout the development process.
• Track development and photo samples through each stage of the product development lifecycle.
• Maintain accurate sample statuses and communicate updates to help keep development timelines on track.
• Coordinate sample intake, labeling, organization, and distribution across teams.
• Prepare and organize samples for fittings, internal reviews, photography, and other key development milestones.
• Help ensure photo and development samples are delivered accurately and on time to support photography, marketing, and product adoption needs.
• Maintain organized seasonal development files and documentation so product information remains accurate and accessible.
• Partner with Design, Technical Design, Merchandising, Sourcing, and Sample Operations to coordinate the movement of samples and product information.
• Provide day-to-day administrative and coordination support to the Product Development team, helping ensure details are captured and deadlines are met.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Bachelor's degree in Apparel, Fashion Merchandising, Product Development, or a related field is preferred.
Experience
Less than one year of experience in apparel product development, product coordination, fashion operations, or a related area.
Knowledge, Skills + Abilities

• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to keep multiple projects and details moving simultaneously.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate product and sample information.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to shifting priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven development environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple teams.
• Ability to build productive working relationships with Design, Technical Design, Merchandising, Sourcing, and other cross-functional partners.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with PLM/PDM systems is preferred.
• Ability to learn new systems, processes, and product development workflows quickly.
• Strong follow-through and the ability to proactively identify missing information, next steps, or potential delays.
• Ability to stand, move and organize samples during peak development periods and occasionally lift up to 30 pounds.

WHAT DO WE OFFER?
At Weissman, we take care of our people. Full-time hourly employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and a company-funded Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). We also offer a 401(k) retirement plan with generous employer matching, Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), voluntary life insurance, and short-term disability coverage. Employees also have access to tuition reimbursement, professional development opportunities, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential counseling, financial, legal, and wellness resources.
We believe time away from work matters, too. Full-time hourly employees receive Paid Time Off (PTO) beginning on their date of hire, annual Short Notice PTO, and nine company-observed holidays. We also provide paid parental and adoption leave, weekly pay, hybrid/flexible work opportunities for eligible positions, and a market-plus compensation philosophy designed to keep our pay competitive. Benefits are available beginning the first of the month following 30 days of employment for eligible employees.