Product Development Assistant

As a Product Development Assistant at Michael Kors, you will primarily be responsible for supporting the Product Development team with various tasks. These include managing sample packages, tracking deadlines, organizing the digital sample library, maintaining sample archives, and collaborating with internal partners and factories. Your role ensures smooth operations and adherence to product development timelines, making it integral to our success in the fashion industry.

To qualify for the Product Development Assistant position at Michael Kors, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree and have prior internship experience in Product Development or the fashion industry. Required skills include excellent data management capabilities, strong communication skills, and organizational prowess. Familiarity with tools like Centric PLM and Microsoft Excel is a plus, along with a passion for fashion and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

The Product Development team at Michael Kors maintains organization and efficiency through proactive communication, meticulous management of sample packages, and diligent tracking of product development milestones. As a Product Development Assistant, you'll contribute significantly by ensuring that all incoming and outgoing samples are accurately tracked and organized, thereby supporting the team's collaborative efforts and production timelines effectively.

Success as a Product Development Assistant at Michael Kors hinges on possessing a strong work ethic, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. In addition, having solid computer and data management skills, an eye for detail, and the capacity to manage relationships with a diverse group of partners are crucial. Flexibility and collaboration will also play a pivotal role in supporting the overall success of the team.

The salary for a Product Development Assistant at Michael Kors in the NY Metro Area ranges from $45,000 to $75,000. This compensation varies based on several factors, including role requirements, individual skill sets, and years of relevant experience. Our aim is to offer a competitive salary that reflects the expertise and value that each member brings to the team.

When answering this question, highlight your specific experiences managing samples, including how you organized them, tracked their status, and collaborated with team members. Address any software tools you've used, such as PLM systems, and provide examples of how you ensured accuracy and efficiency in the process.

To address this question, discuss your time management strategies. Mention tools or methods you use to identify urgent versus important tasks and how you adjust your priorities based on changing demands to ensure all deadlines are met.

Product development milestones refer to key goals or checkpoints in the process of product creation, such as design finalization, sample production, and market readiness. Demonstrate your understanding by discussing how you would track these milestones and ensure that the team stays on schedule.

Effective communication with factories is crucial in this role. Outline the importance of clear and concise messaging, regular follow-ups, and establishing a protocol for addressing issues that may arise, ensuring that everyone is on the same page.

Share your passion for fashion and your admiration for Michael Kors as a brand. Highlight your enthusiasm for contributing to innovative product development and how aligning with the company's values and mission excites you.

Mention specific tools you've used, such as Centric PLM, Fashion GPS, or Microsoft Excel. Highlight any relevant experiences that demonstrate your capability in managing large datasets and coordinating samples efficiently.

When responding, provide a specific example demonstrating how you remained calm under pressure, prioritized tasks, and communicated effectively with team members or external partners to resolve the situation successfully.

Emphasize the importance of open communication, regular check-ins, and collaborative tools for fostering teamwork. Share examples of past experiences where you contributed as a team player to achieve common goals and support each other.

Discuss the tools and techniques you use to track deadlines, such as calendars, project management software, or checklists. Stress the importance of setting reminders and prioritizing tasks to ensure all milestones are met in a timely manner.

In your response, showcase your willingness to learn and grow from feedback. Discuss how you view critique as a valuable opportunity for improvement and share examples of how you’ve implemented feedback in your previous roles.