Product Associate, Sequel

We are rebel watchmakers with a purpose. Established in 1854 as the Waterbury Clock Company, we took a traditional European watchmaking and layered American industrial ingenuity on top. That is when we began our journey to disrupt a 300 year old industry. Timex took mantle clocks made from wood and made them out of metal and made them faster and affordable for everyone. We took the pocket watch, added a strap and put it on your wrist. Today our design lab in Milan designs the most beautiful watches for consumers around the world. Come join our team, make a difference and wear watches from Timex and some of the biggest brands in the world.

Summary

Timex Group designs, manufactures, and markets innovative timepieces worldwide. Headquartered in Shelton, Connecticut, the company operates multiple units with over 3,000 employees globally. As one of the largest watchmakers in the world, Timex Group produces watches for several renowned brands, including Timex, GUESS, Gc, Versace, Ferragamo, Philipp Plein, adidas Originals, Ted Baker, Furla, and Nautica. 

This role will be dedicated to GUESS Watches, a leading fashion license brand specializing in     stylish and trend-driven men’s and women’s timepieces. 

Reporting to the Product Director, the Product Associate will play a pivotal role in product development and oversee a key segment of the global product line. This individual must have a keen eye for fashion trends, brand storytelling, and consumer insights to create products that resonate with the GUESS audience and drive commercial success. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Product Strategy & Development: Identify new product opportunities based on trend forecasting, sales analysis, market feedback, and brand objectives. Develop comprehensive design briefs four times a year, including costing and pricing requirements. 

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as the primary liaison between New Product Development (NPD) teams in Hong Kong and the Design Studio in Milan, ensuring seamless communication and adherence to development timelines. 

Project Management: Oversee all stages of product development, including design, prototyping, sampling, and costing, ensuring milestones and deadlines are met. 

Product Performance & Analysis: Support in managing in-life product performance through sales reviews, margin analysis, and competitive benchmarking, leveraging data-driven insights to optimize product offerings. 

Market Research & Competitive Analysis: Conduct trend analysis, product and price mapping, and industry research in collaboration with the Category Brand Team to ensure market relevance and alignment with brand strategy. 

Stakeholder Coordination: Build strong working relationships with internal teams, including Brand, Demand Planning, Engineering, Sales, E-commerce, Design, Product Development, merchandising and Finance. 

Distributor & E-Commerce Management: Develop and maintain strong relationships with domestic and international distributors, affiliates, and e-commerce teams to drive market growth. 

Marketing & Commercial Collaboration: Work closely with Marketing and Commercial teams to define product development strategies and align with business objectives. 

Go-to-Market & Sales Support: Attend key account meetings, trade shows, and market visits to present product launches, gather feedback, and support sales efforts. 

Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree (required) in Business, Marketing, Fashion Management, Product Management, or a related field. 

• 3 years of experience in a similar role, preferably in the watch, accessories or jewelry industries or similar buying experience for major retail/department stores, including private label product development. 

• Strong background in fashion, design, or licensed accessory brands, with a passion for product innovation and trend-driven development. 

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. 

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Photoshop). 

• Interest in and experience with AI tools to enhance efficiency and innovation. 

• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data for strategic decision-making. 

• Proactive, adaptable, and team-oriented, with a curiosity for industry trends. 

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, global environment. 

• Fluent in English (spoken and written); additional languages are a plus. 

• Strong presentation and communication skills, with confidence in addressing large audiences. 

• Willingness and availability to travel internationally to support business needs. 

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting critical deadlines. 

In addition to our wide product offering, Timex Group offers the following benefits:

• 401K
• Robust Medical, Dental, Vision Plans
• Generous Company Holidays/Vacation
• Extended Sick and Personal
• Hybrid Remote Office Policy
• Summer Fridays all year long!
• Parental Leave Policy