Product Operations Assistant

SUMMARY

Punch Studio designs and supplies premium home, gift, and stationery products for specialty retailers worldwide. With creative work led by an in-house design team, the company brings together design, product development, and operational execution to deliver products that meet the needs of retail partners across a dynamic wholesale environment.

We're looking for a Product Operations Assistant to support our retail customer programs, working with suppliers and internal teams to ensure timely, accurate execution of sampling and ticketing. This mid-level role suits a motivated self-starter with a solid grasp of our industry, an aptitude for numbers, and sharp communication skills. You'll coordinate multiple programs simultaneously across different stages of the product lifecycle, where data integrity, accurate data mapping, and close attention to detail are essential, along with strong organization and consistent communication with all stakeholders at every stage. Ideally, you bring prior experience in program coordination within a wholesale or distribution environment and can deliver standards-driven management for our high-profile retail accounts.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Communicate with factories on QA/QC and production feedback, tracking progress through final approval
• Partner with Sales, Product Development, Purchasing, and Logistics to calculate freight weights, dimensions, and CBMs to maximize container space
• Lead program circulation with Sales, Product Development, and Purchasing and Logistics, tracking milestones and flagging deadline risks to internal and external stakeholders.
• Proactively lead all internal and external communications for customer programs.
• Lead vendor assignment with a deep understanding of scheduled delivery dates and overall feasibility, proactively flagging challenges and offering solution-oriented contingencies.
• Run and distribute weekly Master Production Schedule (MPS) reports
• Prepare upload files accurately, with attention to detail and an understanding of data mapping.
• Own the sampling process end to end — production, delivery, check-in, labeling, and internal distribution; maintain an organized sample library by customer.
• Manage the full ticketing process, including ordering, tracking, the customer ticketing log, and deadline communication
• Support Creative, Sales, Product Development, and Logistics teams with sample retrieval as needed

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:

• 3+ years of experience as a program coordinator, program specialist, or in a similar role.
• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Project Management, or a related field preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Experience in wholesale or distribution settings, including retail customer programs and supplier coordination.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Detail-oriented, with solid knowledge of program management and product development procedures.
• Strong project management skills, from planning and scheduling through delivery, and able to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple simultaneous deadlines.
• Experience with reporting, data mapping, and upload file preparation.
• Experience working with factories and suppliers, and with internal partners such as Sales, Product Development, Purchasing, and Logistics.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.
• Available to communicate with suppliers outside normal working hours during peak season.
• PMP/PRINCE2 certification a plus.
  

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Positive Attitude
• Team Player

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off & Company Paid Holidays
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability