Product Developer

I am partnering with a well-known brand who are highly recognised in the sportswear fashion world! They are looking to appoint a new Product Developer into their Central offices, where you will be managing all SMU product (apparel) for fashion accounts like ASOS, Urban Outfitters and Zalando.

Sportswear Product Developer - The Role:

• Lead the end-to-end development of the brands SMU collections across menswear and womenswear.
• Collaborate with the design team, internal departments, and factories to bring product concepts to life.
• Act as the main point of contact for buyers, addressing all product-related queries, and managing product changes through to final approval.
• Track buyer feedback and ensure changes are implemented across prototypes until product finalisation.
• Propose cost-effective construction alternatives that meet design intent and quality standards.
• Create and manage the seasonal development calendar in line with business and retail partner timelines.
• Build and maintain Time & Action plans to ensure timely delivery of development, samples, and production milestones.
• Manage multiple SMU projects simultaneously, delivering bespoke solutions for different retailers.
• Keep the WIP report up to date and monitor all phases of development and production.
• Manage the entire production process from proto stage through to final delivery into the customer’s warehouse.
• Act as the day-to-day liaison with factories and offshore suppliers (primarily in the Far East).
• Manage material and trim development, approvals, and price negotiations.
• Request and track costings, ensuring they meet FOB targets and required margins.
• Maintain accurate wholesale pricing, exchange rates, and formulas in line lists and costing files.
• Create and maintain detailed tech packs, line lists, and measurement charts.
• Accurately measure garments and ensure consistency across the development process.
• Organise and lead fit sessions, issuing clear and precise comments from proto to production stage.
• Ensure products meet design, quality, and fit expectations before moving to bulk production.
• Keep detailed records of approvals and feedback, ensuring timely sample follow-up and execution.
• Ensure proper housekeeping of samples in the office and organise sample deliveries for internal and external needs, brand owners, partners and marketing teams.
• Identify and resolve any product or QC issues in collaboration with factories and internal teams.

Sportswear Product Developer - The Person:

• Must have previous experience in an apparel product development role within sportswear and streetwear across both men's and women's categories.
• Proven experience working on SMU collections and collaborating with key retailers.
• Proven experience managing buyer relationships, addressing product-related queries, and following through on feedback.
• Solid technical knowledge of garment construction, with an understanding of pattern cutting.
• A strong background in costing, margin negotiation, and pricing strategy.
• Direct experience working with Far East suppliers and managing offshore production.
• A high level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel and high familiarity with cost/pricing formulas and margin targets.
• Highly organised, proactive, and self-sufficient, with the ability to manage multiple timelines under pressure.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.

We regret that due to the high amount of interest that we receive for each of our vacancies, if you do not hear from one of our consultants within 5 days then unfortunately you have not been shortlisted for this role.