Product Development Coordinator
The Product Development Coordinator provides hands-on operational and administrative support to the Product Development team, with a primary focus on organizing, tracking, and managing development samples. This entry-level role is ideal for a recent college graduate or early-career professional seeking practical experience in product development, merchandising, retail, or brand management. Day-to-day work centers on sample inventory organization, shipment coordination, tracking logs, and supporting the team with presentations, light market research, and project follow-up.
Primary Responsibilities
Sample Management (Primary Focus)
- Organize, label, catalog, and maintain inspirational and development sample inventory so items are properly stored and easily accessible for the team.
- Coordinate and prepare all domestic and international sample shipments, including packaging, labeling, and shipment tracking (primarily FedEx).
- Maintain accurate sample tracking logs, inventory records, and shipment documentation.
- Support cross-functional team members with sample requests and ensure timely follow-up on open items.
Administrative & Project Support
- Track open action items and follow up on pending requests to ensure timely completion.
- Maintain organized project files, product records, and supporting documentation.
- Assist in coordinating meetings, preparing materials, and managing project-related communications.
Store & Market Research
- Visit select local retail stores to photograph seasonal product assortments, displays, trends, and competitive products (occasional).
- Organize and catalog store photos for team reference and presentations.
- Assist with gathering market intelligence and retail observations to support product development initiatives.
Presentation Development
- Take and organize product photography for presentations and internal communications.
- Build and update PowerPoint presentations for product reviews, trend reports, competitive analysis, and leadership meetings.
- Assist with data entry, reporting, and spreadsheet maintenance using Excel.
- Ensure presentation materials are accurate, visually organized, and professionally formatted.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree (or currently pursuing) in Business, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, Product Development, or a related field. Recent graduates and strong candidates from the University of North Texas (UNT) are encouraged to apply.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Excel.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously while maintaining accuracy.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and tracking systems.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with team members.
- Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
- Must be able to routinely lift, stock, and maneuver inventory up to 15 lbs.
- Reliable transportation for occasional local retail store visits is preferred.
- Familiarity with AI tools (such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or similar) for research, summarizing information, drafting, or light image organization is a plus but not required.
Desired Competencies
- Strong initiative and self-motivation
- Excellent organization and attention to detail
- Dependable, reliable, and punctual
- Demonstrated follow-through and accountability
- Ability to identify issues and proactively seek solutions
- Team-oriented mindset and willingness to support others
- Strong interpersonal skills and professional communication
- Eagerness to learn and develop professionally
- Positive attitude and strong work ethic
- Commitment to delivering high-quality work with accuracy and efficiency