At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the product lifecycle from concept to delivery in a dynamic fashion studio.
- Company: Join Conner Ives Ltd, a forward-thinking luxury fashion brand in London.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for growth and creativity in a vibrant environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainable fashion while managing exciting projects.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in luxury fashion, team management, and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Conner Ives Ltd is seeking a Product Manager to join our team.
This is a full time position based in our studio in N15, London, and will oversee the full product lifecycle from concept through to delivery.
- General
- Oversee the Development and Production of 2 seasons annually, as well as capsules, exclusives and bespoke projects.
- Build and manage the annual critical path, ensuring milestones and deadlines are met throughout each season and project.
- Oversee the management, training and development of two direct reports; a Product Development Assistant and a Junior Production Coordinator.
- Support with the recruitment and training of interns for the Product Team.
- Manage the pattern archive, ensuring graded patterns are organised and stored digitally at the end of each season.
- Build and improve processes across the department, ensuring clear documentation is in place for the wider team.
- Regularly visit factories in the UK, and overseas as required.
- Responsible for all product related stock in the studio: raw materials, samples, patterns, equipment. Maintain a high level of organisation at all times.
- Development
- Work closely with the Creative Director to ensure designs and concepts are developed to the highest standards of quality and sustainability.
- Source and order all raw materials for the collections, including fabrics, trims and deadstock vintage.
- Liaise with print designers, embroidery designers and other freelancers, to ensure collection elements are developed on time and in line with budget.
- Work closely with the Product Development Assistant on the creation of tech packs and BOMs, ensuring high levels of accuracy and consistency are maintained.
- Manage factory allocations, ensuring sufficient capacity is booked at the beginning of each season.
- Oversee collection pricing, ensuring BOMs and ratings are accurate in Zedonk at all times.
- Manage the development budget, processing invoices and tracking against expected costs.
- Responsible for prototype and SMS deliveries, communicating clearly on any delays or issues with the samples ahead of fitting or delivery.
- Manage the in-house atelier schedule, ensuring machinists and freelance pattern cutters are booked as needed, and working as efficiently as possible.
- Build strong relationships with manufacturers and suppliers, acting as the main point of contact for all product related communications.
- Lead fittings throughout the season, ensuring clear comments are communicated back to factories / pattern cutters according to the critical path.
- Work on margin improvements as defined with the Managing Director, negotiating prices as required.
- Production
- Create and manage the seasonal production budget, ensuring cost efficiencies can be found where possible.
- Place all seasonal factory and material production orders, ensuring on time deliveries according to the critical path.
- Liaise closely with the Managing Director and Sales Agents to ensure MOQs and delivery targets are workable for all styles in the collection.
- Manage the PPS approval process, in line with critical path and quality expectations.
- Oversee production quality control, either using in house resources or external agencies.
- Work closely with the Junior Production Coordinator to ensure accuracy of information used in care labels, and handed over to sales for pre-class documentation.
- Maintain the production manual, ensuring new suppliers are onboarded appropriately and understand the brand’s quality standards.
- Produce weekly production reports to be shared with the wider team, highlighting any delays, issues or changes in scheduled deliveries.
- Work closely with the Managing Director to analyse the Production Budget at the end of season, to calculate the final product margin.
- Support with the implementation of Digital Product Passports, when required.
- Required Skills
- Minimum 7 years experience working in Luxury Fashion Development and Production.
- Experience managing a junior team.
- Bachelor's degree in fashion design, fashion production or equivalent.
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
- Proficient in Zedonk or similar ERP software.
- Strong knowledge of garment technology is essential.
- Strong knowledge of Excel / google sheets.
- Proficient English speaker, additional languages are a plus.
- Interested in sustainability and upcycling.
Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK. Visa sponsorship will not be available for this role.
Product Manager in Slough employer: Conner Ives
Conner Ives Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where creativity and sustainability are at the forefront of our mission. As a Product Manager, you will not only lead innovative projects but also have the opportunity to mentor and develop a talented team, fostering a culture of growth and collaboration. With a commitment to quality and a focus on employee well-being, we provide a supportive atmosphere that encourages professional development and meaningful contributions to the fashion industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Manager in Slough
✨Get Down to the Fashion Events
Dive headfirst into local fashion shows, trade fairs, and networking events. These are golden opportunities to meet industry pros and showcase your passion for the industry in person. Plus, it gives you the chance to chat about potential roles at places like Conner Ives!
✨Join Fashion-Focused Communities
Become a part of online fashion communities on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Participate in discussions and share your insights on trends or your personal style journey. It’s a great way to get noticed by brands looking to fill positions, including Conner Ives.
✨Craft a Rock-Solid Portfolio
Since you're aiming for a full-time gig, your portfolio should reflect not just your best work but also your personality. Whether it’s lookbooks, design sketches, or styling projects, make sure it screams 'you' and includes a bit about why you’d be a perfect fit for Conner Ives.
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re fresh out of university, don’t underestimate your career services. They often have partnerships with fashion companies for internships and entry-level roles. Use this to your advantage and connect with them to find any openings at Conner Ives!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Manager in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Style:In the fashion-apparel industry, your personal style and understanding of current trends are crucial. Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique fashion sense – use visuals if you can and highlight any fashion-related experiences or projects that show off your flair!
Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a full-time role, be sure to focus on any past roles or internships in fashion that’ve honed your skills. Whether that's working in retail, fashion design, or marketing, quantify your achievements and show how they relate to the role at Conner Ives.
Include a Strong Portfolio:An impressive portfolio is key in fashion! Make sure to include a link to your online portfolio in your CV, showcasing your best work, be it designs, campaigns, or styling projects. This is your chance to let your creativity shine and demonstrate your abilities to Conner Ives!
Craft a Standout Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to weave in your passion for fashion and the specific reasons you want to work at Conner Ives. Share your vision of how you'd contribute to their brand and why you're excited about their work. Tailoring this will make you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Conner Ives
✨Showcase Your Style Portfolio
For a role in the fashion-apparel industry, having a well-curated portfolio is essential. Ensure you include your best work that reflects your style and creativity, whether it's sketches, lookbooks, or completed designs. Be ready to discuss your design process and the inspirations behind your pieces!
✨Know the Latest Trends and Brands
Being well-versed in current fashion trends and influential brands can give you a leg up in the interview. Get familiar with what’s trending in the market and know your competitors. This shows your passion for the industry and helps you connect your work experience to current fashion trajectories.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaboration Skills
In a full-time fashion role, collaboration is key, whether you’re working with designers, marketers, or suppliers. Be prepared to share experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team or navigated challenges with colleagues. This will highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Dress the Part
This might sound obvious, but in fashion, how you present yourself is part of your brand. Wear something that represents your personal style while still aligning with the company’s aesthetic. It’s a great way to show you understand the industry's essence and can embody the brand’s image!
