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Fashion Product Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We have an opportunity to enter the fashion eyewear world. We work with American and European ... Product Development Manager and VP of Product Development in day-to-day functions โ€ข Work with ...

Product Development Assistant

Manhattan, NY

$23.50 - $30/hr

Prym Consumer is the first choice for textile handicraft, Prym Fashion serves the fashion industry ... Summary/Objective The Product Development Assistant specializes in buttons, fasteners, and ...

Degree in Fashion, Product Development or similar field * Some experience in PLM system * Strong fabric knowledge * Strong analytical and decision making skills A successful candidate works well in a ...

If you have a passion for fashion, are eager to learn and have an eye for detail, this is the ... Teams include design, overseas offices, product development, tech, sales, merchandise strategy and ...

Manager, Product Development

NY ยท On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

This role is responsible for managing the full product development lifecycle, ensuring alignment ... fashion, cosmetics preferred) Strong project management skills with ability to oversee multiple ...

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How much do fashion product development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for fashion product development in the United States is $126,987.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,500.00 and $143,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Fashion Product Development vs Fashion Merchandising?

AspectFashion Product DevelopmentFashion Merchandising
Primary FocusDesigning, creating, and developing new fashion products from concept to productionPlanning, buying, and selling fashion products to maximize sales and profitability
Skills & CredentialsDesign skills, technical knowledge, understanding of manufacturing processesMarket analysis, sales strategies, inventory management
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, manufacturing facilities, product development teamsRetail stores, showrooms, corporate offices
Industry UsageUsed by brands, manufacturers, and product development teamsUsed by retailers, buyers, and merchandising teams

Fashion Product Development focuses on creating new fashion items, from initial design to production, emphasizing technical and creative skills. In contrast, Fashion Merchandising centers on marketing, selling, and managing inventory to drive sales. Both roles are essential in the fashion industry but serve different stages of the product lifecycle.

What Are Jobs in Fashion Product Development?

Fashion product development jobs include a variety of positions focused on the design, production, and marketing of consumer fashion products. In this field, you may help assess or create demand for products, coordinate projects with other personnel, or maintain product sample libraries. Many aspects of this job depend on the type of fashion products your company creates. For example, companies that produce skin creams typically have very different production lines and testing protocols than companies that produce hair accessories. In this context, fashion refers to both physical items and associated appearance-related products, including the broader beauty industry. Women make up a significant percentage of customers for these jobs, but some fashion product development jobs focus on products for male customers instead.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fashion Product Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fashion Product Developer, you need a solid understanding of textile science, garment construction, trend analysis, and a degree in fashion design or a related field. Familiarity with design software such as Adobe Illustrator, PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems, and technical specification tools is typical. Strong project management, attention to detail, and collaboration skills set exceptional candidates apart in this role. These abilities ensure that products are innovative, meet quality standards, and are delivered efficiently from concept to market.

What are the main challenges faced by professionals in Fashion Product Development, and how can they be addressed?

One of the main challenges in Fashion Product Development is balancing creativity with commercial viability while meeting tight deadlines. Professionals often need to collaborate closely with designers, merchandisers, suppliers, and manufacturers to ensure products are not only innovative but also feasible to produce at scale and within budget. Staying updated on market trends and consumer preferences adds another layer of complexity. Building strong communication and project management skills can help address these challenges, as can developing a thorough understanding of the production process and supply chain.

What is fashion product development?

Fashion product development is the process of taking a clothing or accessory idea from initial concept to finished product, ready for market. It involves researching trends, designing, selecting materials, creating prototypes, and coordinating production. Fashion product developers work closely with designers, manufacturers, and merchandisers to ensure the final product meets quality, cost, and brand requirements. This role is crucial for bringing new fashion items to consumers efficiently and successfully.
What cities are hiring for Fashion Product Development jobs? Cities with the most Fashion Product Development job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Fashion Product Development jobs? The most popular types of Fashion Product Development jobs are:
What states have the most Fashion Product Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Fashion Product Development jobs include:

Merchandise & Product Development Specialist

Wild Oak Boutique

Sioux Falls, SD โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

About Wild Oak Boutique
Wild Oak Boutique is one of the fastest-growing online women's fashion retailers in the country. We are passionate about helping women feel confident through fashion while delivering an exceptional customer experience across our website, mobile app, and social commerce channels.
As we continue to grow, we're looking for a Merchandise & Product Development Specialist to help drive product decisions, identify emerging trends, and support the development of future collections and private label products.
Position Overview
The Merchandise & Product Development Specialist will work directly with our Lead Buyer and our Senior Designer to help determine what products Wild Oak should buy, develop, and launch.
This role combines merchandising, trend forecasting, product development, and data analysis. The ideal candidate is highly organized, analytical, trend-aware, and passionate about women's fashion.
Responsibilities
Merchandising & Buying Support
  • Analyze product performance, sales trends, inventory levels, and customer demand.
  • Assist in assortment planning and product selection across key categories.
  • Support buying decisions through data analysis and market research.
  • Identify opportunities for replenishment, expansion, and new product introductions.
  • Monitor inventory productivity and sell-through performance.
Product Development
  • Partner with the Senior Designer to identify opportunities for private label development.
  • Research fabrics, fits, washes, styles, and emerging trends.
  • Help evaluate product concepts, samples, and development opportunities.
  • Assist with collection planning and product launch preparation.
  • Provide data-backed recommendations for future product development.
Trend & Competitive Analysis
  • Monitor industry trends, social media, influencers, competitors, and emerging brands.
  • Identify product opportunities before they become mainstream.
  • Research pricing strategies, category growth opportunities, and customer preferences.
  • Present findings and recommendations to leadership.
Reporting & Analytics
  • Create and maintain merchandising reports and product performance dashboards.
  • Analyze sales, conversion, gross margin, inventory turns, and customer behavior.
  • Provide actionable insights that improve buying and product development decisions.
  • Support forecasting and seasonal planning initiatives.
Qualifications
  • 2โ€“5+ years of experience in merchandising, buying, planning, product development, retail analytics, or a related field.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Advanced Excel or Google Sheets proficiency.
  • Passion for women's fashion and consumer trends.
  • Excellent organizational and project management skills.
  • Ability to turn data into actionable recommendations.
  • Experience with Shopify, inventory planning, or retail analytics tools is preferred.
  • Experience with apparel, fashion merchandising, or product development is a plus.
What Success Looks Like
  • Better product decisions driven by data and customer demand.
  • Improved inventory productivity and sell-through.
  • Stronger assortment planning and trend forecasting.
  • Successful private label product launches.
  • Continued growth of Wild Oak's product offering and customer loyalty.