At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage product specifications and collaborate with creative teams to deliver exceptional products.
- Company: Dynamic company offering a flexible and inclusive working environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth opportunities, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working model and excellent career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact on innovative product development.
- Qualifications: Experience with suppliers, strong negotiation skills, and a positive attitude.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are an equal opportunities employer with a flexible approach. Hiring the right team is of paramount importance to us so we work with all employees to ensure they can ‘Work Where they Work Best’. Our hybrid working solution allows us to cater to the different needs of our workforce whilst still providing outstanding service to our customers. Both yours and the business’s needs will be discussed at interview to reach a mutually beneficial working schedule. We are always keen to hear from people wishing to work with us so please review our current job vacancies below.
Purpose of the Role
The Product Developer is responsible for managing a list of titles and finalizing the product specification to hand over to the Procurement team. Working closely with the Head of Product Development they will source materials and components that are fit for purpose and offer value for money.
Main responsibilities
- Attend Creative Briefings and work closely with the Creative team to clarify product specifications that are fit for purpose and cost effective.
- Negotiate with suppliers to achieve the best costs and schedules available for each title and ensure they are suitable for CU customer requirements.
- Draft POs and ensure a smooth handover of information to the Procurement and Production teams and working to reduce the number of outstanding spec details.
- Liaise between Publishing, Procurement, Sales, Production and Shipping departments to resolve queries.
- Maintain and build supplier relationships, attending calls as required.
- Maintain quality of data (e.g clear and consistent spec details) as it flows through the team and wider departments.
- Keep new development on track and in line with the Critical Date Path. Ensuring supplier approaches are sent out in a timely manner; dummies are delivered in time for review; and escalating titles falling behind schedule.
- Manage tracking data, circulation and approvals of product dummies.
- Work with all teams to challenge product specifications where environment and sustainability could be an issue, seek alternatives. Be aware of compliance requirements for titles flowing through the team.
- Troubleshooting – managing day to day issues with individual titles or suppliers.
- Continually working to ensure processes are fit for purpose, reviewing, and supporting process improvement work where required.
- Additional responsibilities as the business grows and evolves.
- Maintain in-house databases and ERP system.
Skills & Experience
- Experience with overseas suppliers, particularly China
- Negotiation
- Scheduling
- Confidence and a good communicator
- Initiative, honesty and integrity
- Positive can-do attitude within a fast-changing environment
- A Team Player
What We Offer
- An opportunity to work with a creative and passionate team dedicated to producing exceptional products.
- A flexible working environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Competitive compensation and benefits package.
It is based full time in our office in Bath UK.
Product Developer employer: Curious Universe UK
As an equal opportunities employer, we pride ourselves on fostering a flexible and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of our employees. Located in the vibrant city of Bath, our team enjoys a hybrid working model that accommodates individual needs while promoting collaboration and creativity. With a strong focus on professional development and a commitment to sustainability, we offer a rewarding environment for Product Developers to thrive and make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Developer
✨Join Product Management Meetups
Get involved in local product management meetups or workshops. These events are perfect for meeting industry folks, sharing ideas, and staying updated on trends. Plus, you never know who might be hiring—it's a fantastic way to make connections that could lead to a job at places like Curious Universe UK!
✨Show Off Your Product Sense
Create case studies or mini-projects showcasing your product management skills, and share them on platforms like Medium or LinkedIn. This not only puts your skills on display but also boosts your visibility in the product community. Imagine how impressed the hiring team at Curious Universe UK would be by your initiative!
✨Utilise Online Communities
Dive into online product management communities like Product Coalition or Mind the Product. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and share your insights. These platforms are goldmines for networking and finding hidden job opportunities—many companies often scout talent from within these circles.
✨Leverage Your University Network
If you’ve recently graduated or are still in uni, tap into your alumni network for connections in product management. Many universities have their own job boards and affinity resources to help graduates land roles. Don't forget to keep an eye out for job openings at Curious Universe UK through your school's career services!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Developer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Product Passion:When applying for a product management role like Product Developer, let your passion for developing products shine through in your cover letter. Share specific examples of products you've managed, how you solved user needs, and any successful outcomes you've achieved. This is your chance to showcase your understanding of the product lifecycle!
Highlight Your Cross-Functional Skills:Product management isn't just about understanding the product; it’s about collaborating with different teams! Make sure to emphasise your experience working with developers, designers, and marketers. Use your CV to showcase your ability to bridge gaps between these areas, and include relevant experiences that demonstrate your communication and leadership skills!
Include Your Metrics and Achievements:In a full-time product management application, data speaks volumes! Quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you increase user retention by a certain percentage? Launch a product ahead of schedule? Include these metrics in your CV to paint a picture of your impact and effectiveness in previous roles.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Make sure your CV is tailored for the Product Developer position at Curious Universe UK. Use keywords from the job description and ensure your relevant experiences are front and centre. Highlight any certifications or relevant training you’ve completed that will make you stand out as a strong candidate for the role. And remember, we’re excited to see your application on our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Curious Universe UK
✨Understand the Product Life Cycle
As a product management candidate, we need to get our head around the complete product life cycle. Be prepared to discuss real-world examples of how you’ve managed product development from ideation to launch. Bring specific insights on tools like JIRA or Trello that can help streamline these processes.
✨Showcase Your Cross-Functional Skills
Product management is all about collaboration. We should be ready to highlight how we’ve worked across teams—think marketing, engineering, and design. Prepare to discuss scenarios where you had to mediate differing opinions and how you got everyone on board with a shared vision.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In a full-time role, we can expect to encounter case study questions during our interviews. Practise solving hypothetical product problems on the spot, such as prioritising features for a new app or improving user engagement metrics. This will show our analytical thinking and decision-making skills.
✨Know Your Metrics
Let’s face it, numbers are our best friends in product management. We should prepare to discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) and how we've used analytics to inform product decisions. Dive into examples where data has driven our strategy for improvements or justified product changes.
