We’re hiring for a UK-based Product Development & Production Manager with hands‑on experience in the end‑to‑end development and production of lifestyle apparel, ideally within a fashion brand. You’ll be responsible for owning the critical path from development to delivery, ensuring on‑time, on‑brand, and on‑budget monthly product drops for this direct‑to‑consumer fashion brand.
Working closely with the design team, you’ll help bring collections to life, collaborating with existing suppliers while sourcing and trialling new suppliers and factories, managing prototypes, tracking samples, and ensuring production aligns with quality, price, and margin expectations.
Please note, visa sponsorship is not an option for this position.
About the Brand
This is an independent UK‑based fashion brand with a focus on bold graphics, trend‑led styles, and simple silhouettes. Core product includes unisex‑shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, joggers, and soft accessories, all designed with a strong community voice and sold online and via pop‑up experiences.
What You’ll be Doing:
- Manage the seasonal critical path for development and monthly production drops.
- Track all aspects of the development and production budget.
- Manage existing UK suppliers.
- Source and trial new suppliers/factories, negotiating terms, pricing, MOQs and lead times.
- Allocate styles based on factory capabilities and margin targets.
- Oversee sample development from prototype to production sign‑off.
- Collaborate with a freelance garment tech to attend fittings and resolve technical issues.
- Monitor and track raw materials, ensuring timely order placement and delivery in line with the critical path.
- Maintain high production quality standards and troubleshoot proactively.
- Manage daily communication with suppliers to ensure timelines and quality benchmarks are met.
- Ensure all data is kept up to date on internal systems.
About You:
- 5–6 years’ experience as a Product Development and/or Production Manager in lifestyle or streetwear apparel.
- Full product lifecycle management: from development through to delivery.
- Experienced in managing and sourcing small‑volume production partners.
- UK‑based with full working rights.
- Strong track record in critical path management.
- Proven ability to optimise margins while maintaining quality and meeting delivery targets.
- Skilled in planning, organisation, time management and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- A naturally numerical mindset.
- Solution‑focused.
- Proficient in G‑Suite, MS Office, especially Excel.
Additional Info
- This is a permanent office‑based role in the Bristol area, easily accessible by car or via Yate railway station.
- Open to freelance or permanent candidates with experience managing product development and production.
- A great fit for someone who thrives in a growing brand and is skilled in managing product priorities.
Perks & Benefits:
- £ Competitive salary (based on experience).
- 28 days holiday (including bank holidays).
- Nest pension scheme.
- Opportunity to contribute to the growth of an independent brand.
How to Apply:
Ready to shape standout collections with impact?
Please submit your CV and a short cover note detailing your relevant experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development & Production Manager in Bristol
✨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 Fashion Heaven!
✨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 Fashion Heaven.
✨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 Fashion Heaven.
✨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 Fashion Heaven!
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 Fashion Heaven.
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 Fashion Heaven!
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 Fashion Heaven. 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 Fashion Heaven
✨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!
