At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product development from concept to final sample, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
- Company: Dynamic fashion brand focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and shape the future of fashion with your creativity.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in product development, strong project management, and garment knowledge.
- Other info: Exciting chance to work with top suppliers and travel across Europe.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Hours of Work: Full-time, Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:30pm
Reporting to: Head of Design & Product Development
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversee the development of product from initial drawings to final sample.
- Create and manage Critical Path for seasonal product, capsules and collaborations.
- Liaise with Merchandising and Sales teams to create SKU counts for seasonal product, collaborations, and third party.
- Support teams in the sourcing of new factories and deciding where product is placed.
- Create and maintain a sample tracker.
- Create and maintain Tech Packs for all styles (developed product and third party).
- Liaise with Fabric & Trims Buyer for CMT product - ensure that the factories receive Fabrics & Trims on time, and any substitutions are clearly communicated.
- Liaise with Fabric & Trims Buyer to ensure colour/wash continuity on repeat styles.
- Launch lab dips, strike off, and wash trials.
- Maintain seasonal folders containing fabric swatches and bulk cuttings/lab dips/strike off.
- Liaise with Design to launch P1/P2 samples with factories.
- Chase in P1/P2 samples with initial costing; to be reviewed with Merchandising for viability.
- Order (Zedonk) and manage Salesman Samples.
- Chase in SMS with costings; share all costings with Merchandising in advance of Buy meetings.
- Liaise with Merchandising to identify any product not meeting required margin; assess viability and if changes need to be made.
- Establish which styles need a PPS/Shoot Sample; order/chase and keep Marketing updated on delivery date and any delays.
- Define and communicate label placement.
- Define washcare and approve label submits.
- Approve all Proto/SMS/PPS/Shoot Sample invoices.
- Ensure Ecom team have all of the necessary product info, and aid enquiries from Customer Service.
- Work with QC team to resolve any issues arising.
EXPERIENCE & SKILLS
- 6+ years experience in similar setting.
- Significant experience working within product development, in menswear and across categories.
- Existing relationships with mills, factories and trim suppliers in Europe.
- Ability to communicate across different levels and functions within the business.
- Strong project and time management skills; able to work under pressure and to prioritise.
- Methodical approach, strong accuracy and attention to detail.
- Strong understanding of garment construction, fit and suitability of fabric/trims.
- Strong knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and Excel.
- Able to travel to the UK and Europe as required.
- Knowledge of Zedonk an advantage.
Product Development Manager in London employer: Drake's
Contact Detail:
Drake's Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Product Development Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products thoroughly. We recommend practising common interview questions and tailoring your answers to highlight your experience in product development and your understanding of garment construction. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We suggest mentioning something specific from your conversation to show your genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented individuals like you. Keep an eye on our listings and make sure your application stands out by showcasing your relevant skills and experiences.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Product Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in product development, especially in menswear, and showcase any relevant projects you've managed. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about product development and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Don't forget to mention any existing relationships with mills and factories – we love that!
Showcase Your Skills: Be sure to highlight your project management skills and attention to detail in your application. We’re looking for someone who can juggle multiple tasks under pressure, so give us examples of how you've done this in the past. It’s all about showing us what you can bring to the table!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to upload your CV and cover letter directly. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised – win-win!
How to prepare for a job interview at Drake's
✨Know Your Product Development Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of product development processes, especially in menswear. Be ready to discuss your experience with managing critical paths and liaising with different teams. This will show that you understand the role and can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed projects under pressure. Highlight your ability to prioritise tasks and maintain accuracy, as these are crucial for the role. Use specific instances where you met tight deadlines or resolved issues effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Industry Connections
Since existing relationships with mills and factories are important, be prepared to talk about your network. Share how these connections have benefited your previous roles and how you plan to leverage them in this new position.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Tools and Software
Make sure you're comfortable discussing Adobe Illustrator and Excel, as well as any other relevant tools. If you have experience with Zedonk, definitely mention it! Being tech-savvy will give you an edge and show that you're ready to adapt to their systems.