Job Description

Catbird is seeking a Product Development Associate to join the team. This role directly supports the Product Development team in bringing products from concept through production. This role is highly hands-on, helping keep samples, materials, and stock product information organized, accurate, and moving forward on schedule.
You’ll work as the right hand to the Product Development Manager and cross-functional teams to keep day-to-day development running smoothly- tracking details, supporting systems, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks. This is a great role for someone who’s detail-oriented, proactive, and likes keeping things organized and on track.
This role is full-time in-person at our Brooklyn Navy Yard HQ.
About Catbird

In over 20 years in business, Catbird has become an icon, the ultimate destination for gifts and jewelry. Founded in Brooklyn, NY, Catbird is a mecca for an international cast of shoppers who come to visit the brick and mortar stores of their beloved website. Both our stores and website are filled with a carefully curated selection of designers, including our in-house line of jewelry. Our Catbird line is made in our Brooklyn studio and with a few trusted partners, using ethically sourced materials and conflict-free stones. Highly trained Catbird jewelers oversee every step of the process. We are dedicated to a return to local manufacturing – what our neighborhood was famous for. Catbird is a proud member of the CFDA, certified Made in New York, and No Dirty Gold.

The key to our success is remaining true to our values:

-We believe in being an anti-racist organization and actively championing diversity, inclusion, and equity
-We believe in making and selling things people will want to keep forever and will bring continuous joy.
-We believe in doing everything we can ourselves.
-We believe in always thinking of the long game and not focusing on a quick profit.
-We believe we are the best at what we do and we work hard to make sure we know how to sustain it as we grow.
-We believe in treating everyone (coworkers, customers, vendors) with deep respect, kindness, and honesty.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development Support

• Support Product Development Manager with day-to-day tasks and priorities
• Maintain development roadmaps and trackers; flag risks and delays
• Prepare meeting materials, including status updates and sample reviews
• Organize and maintain accurate, accessible cost sheets
• Identify missing information and follow up to close gaps

Sample & Development Workflow

• Track all incoming and outgoing samples with clear visibility
• Coordinate sample orders, shipping, and tracking with vendors and internal teams
• Receive, log, and route samples to appropriate team members
• Maintain organization of sample archive, master models, and CAD files
• Keep design studio organized; ensure samples are accessible and in good condition
• Coordinate samples for product photography, ensuring timely readiness

Vendor Coordination

• Communicate with vendors on sampling, materials, pricing, and timelines
• Follow up on outstanding items to keep projects moving
• Support Jewelry District runs (pick-ups, drop-offs, check-ins)

Documentation & PLM Data

• Support tech pack creation and spec development
• Review PLM data for accuracy and completeness
• Ensure clean, consistent data handoff to Data Management team
• Document product knowledge for new releases
• Maintain organized digital files, naming conventions, and documentation standards

Our Ideal Candidate

• 2–4 years of experience in product development, production, studio support, or a similar environment
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail; able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting
• Clear, professional communicator who collaborates easily across teams and with external partners
• Proactive and solutions-oriented, with a strong sense of ownership and follow-through
• Comfortable working with PLM or ERP systems (Backbone or similar); jewelry or accessories experience is a plus
• Curious about how products are made, with a genuine interest in the development process
• Keeps samples, materials, and information organized and moving—nothing falls through the cracks
• Maintains accurate trackers, roadmaps, and clean, reliable PLM data
• Produces clear, thorough tech packs and documentation that teams can easily work from
• Anticipates needs, flags issues early, and helps keep projects on track without constant direction

Compensation: $66,300/year