At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the development of Women's Ready-to-Wear collections from concept to production.
- Company: Join Self-Portrait, a leading name in luxury fashion with a creative vibe.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in product development and work with top industry professionals.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and learning.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping stylish collections that make a statement.
- Qualifications: 2-4 years in product development, ideally in luxury women's fashion.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Self-Portrait is seeking a passionate and detail-oriented Junior Product Developer to join our Product Development team. This role will support the development of the Women's Ready-to-Wear collections, ensuring the timely progression of styles from Tech Pack launch through to press samples and bulk production, in line with the critical path. Working closely with Design, Production, and external suppliers, you will play a key role in managing product development processes, maintaining accurate product information, and supporting the delivery of collections to the highest standards.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Support the development of Women’s RTW categories throughout the product lifecycle, from Tech Pack launch through to press sample and bulk production.
- Compile and maintain accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs), working closely with the Design team to ensure all components are correctly captured and updated throughout development.
- Manage and maintain product development trackers, ensuring samples, fabric submissions, trims, and swatches are received on time and in line with key milestone meetings.
- Assist with the sourcing and development of new fabrics and trims, supporting innovation and quality across the collection.
- Prepare and organise fabric and trim developments for fittings, reviews, and development meetings.
- Support the approval process for lab dips, fabrics, and trims, ensuring all developments meet Self-Portrait's quality and aesthetic standards.
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships with cross‑functional teams and external suppliers to support the successful delivery of collections.
- Manage the seasonal upload and maintenance of product information within Zedonk, ensuring accuracy and consistency across all styles.
- Support the Product Development team with critical path management, proactively following up on outstanding developments and helping to resolve issues that may impact delivery timelines.
Skills & Experience
- 2–4 years' experience within Product Development, ideally across Women’s RTW collections for a luxury or premium fashion brand.
- Experience working with PLM, PDM, or product management systems; knowledge of Zedonk is highly advantageous.
- Understanding of garment development processes, fabric and trim development, and the product lifecycle from prototype through to production.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining accurate product information and documentation.
- Confident communicator with the ability to build effective working relationships across teams and with external suppliers.
- Proactive, solutions‑focused, and eager to learn and develop within a growing business.
- Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to respond positively to changing priorities and business needs.
- A positive, collaborative attitude and willingness to contribute wherever needed to support the wider team.
- Some knowledge of Kidswear could be beneficial (not essential).
Junior Product Developer employer: BoF Careers
Self-Portrait is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture, perfect for aspiring Junior Product Developers. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and innovation, team members are encouraged to develop their skills while contributing to the creation of high-quality Women's Ready-to-Wear collections. Located in a vibrant fashion hub, employees benefit from close proximity to industry trends and resources, making it an inspiring place to build a rewarding career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Product Developer
✨Tap into Fashion-Specific Platforms
When you're hunting for that entry-level role in fashion, check out platforms like Fashion Jobs or Not Just a Label. These sites focus on the fashion industry and can help you get your foot in the door with relevant listings that might not be on mainstream job boards.
✨Show Off Your Style on Social Media
Utilise Instagram and Pinterest to showcase your eye for fashion. Create a portfolio of your style or even designs if you’re feeling creative. This not only builds your personal brand but also gets you noticed by potential employers who are always on the lookout for fresh talent.
✨Join Fashion Networking Events
Get yourself along to local fashion events, pop-up shops or trade shows. Networking is key in fashion, so chat with industry professionals, and don't be shy to hand out your contact details. You never know who might put in a good word for you when an entry-level role opens up.
✨Apply Directly to BoF Careers
Don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page at BoF Careers for any entry-level openings. Applying directly through their website can often put you ahead of the competition, especially if they’re looking to fill roles quickly. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Product Developer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Style:When you're applying for a job in fashion-apparel, it's crucial to let your personal style shine through in your application. Incorporate design elements or a unique layout in your CV that reflects your understanding of current trends and your creative flair. This helps us see how you think about aesthetics from the get-go!
Highlight Relevant Education & Experience:If you’ve taken any fashion courses or have experience in retail, make sure that's front and centre on your CV! Whether it's a part-time job at a clothing store or a fashion-related project you worked on at university, we want to see how your background aligns with our fashion-forward ethos at BoF Careers.
Passion Over Experience:Since this is an entry-level position, we understand you might not have loads of experience. So, in your cover letter, focus on your passion for fashion! Share why you're excited about working with us at BoF Careers, and connect it to your motivation for wanting to enter this vibrant industry.
Include a Portfolio, Even If Small:If you have any sketches, designs, or mood boards, don’t hesitate to share them! Even a small portfolio links creativity to your application and can set you apart. If you don't have any portfolio pieces yet, consider including links to your favourite fashion blogs or Instagram accounts that inspire you — we love seeing what gets you excited about fashion!
How to prepare for a job interview at BoF Careers
✨Show Off Your Passion for Fashion
Let’s be real; the fashion world is super competitive. So, we need to showcase our passion! Bring a portfolio of our best styling looks, whether it’s a mood board, personal projects, or even student work. It’s our chance to show BoF Careers that we live and breathe fashion!
✨Stay Trendy and Informed
Before the interview, we should catch up on current trends, famous designers, and industry news. It might just be the perfect icebreaker or the punchline to a question! Plus, it shows BoF Careers that we’re not just here for a job; we’re genuinely keen on what’s happening in the world of fashion.
✨Demonstrate Your Creativity
Since we're stepping into an entry-level role, we should be prepared to discuss our creative process. Maybe sketch a design or outline how we’d style a specific piece if asked. BoF Careers wants to see our imagination at work, so don’t be shy about expressing our unique ideas!
✨Know Your Fashion Terms
Let’s brush up on our fashion vocabulary! From ‘couture’ to ‘athleisure’, knowing the lingo can really help us in the interview. BoF Careers might throw in some technical questions, so being fluent in fashion speak will show we’re ready to dive into the industry headfirst.
