Product Development Assistant in London

Our purpose in the Product Development team is to bring Finisterre’s latest seasonal designs to life by managing the development process from design handover of the 2D CAD to the creation of 3D samples across our menswear, womenswear and accessories ranges. The PD team manages the prototype sampling up to P2/SMS stage, ensures cost margins are met, manages the critical path to ensure deadlines are achieved, builds relationships with our much-valued suppliers and guarantees that the fit, materials and quality of our products meet our customer expectations and compliancy commitments.

As the Product Development Assistant you will report into the Head of Product Development, in a highly collaborative role working within the Product Development team and in collaboration with the Materials, Design, Technical and Buying & Sourcing teams. This role presents an exciting opportunity to join our product development team, gain hands-on experience bringing product to life and to be exposed to the behind the scenes of building Finisterre seasonal collections. We are seeking an organised & enthusiastic individual to join our team and welcome all applicants who feel that they align with our Finisterre values and that they could bring their unique and relevant experience to this opportunity!

Born two decades ago from the needs of hardy British surfers, Finisterre creates enduring outdoor wear for an inspired life in and around the ocean. Proudly B Corp certified, we have committed to a deep belief: to make truly exceptional products in a more responsible and transparent way. Whether based at our cliff top headquarters in St. Agnes, Cornwall, or in one of our retail locations across the UK, Finisterre is a truly unique brand and career proposition.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with the Materials, Design, Buying & Sourcing and Technical teams on the development of new products across Finisterre’s range, working across men’s, women’s and accessories.
• Managing costing, generating target costs from RRPs supplied by Buying team, actioning sketch costings pre sample development, reviewing open costings from suppliers, negotiating on cost throughout development up to P2/SMS stage and then handing over to the Buying team.
• With guidance from the PD team assist with select categories from design handover through to 2nd proto/SMS stage.
• Assist the Product Development team with building and generating tech packs, updating the materials library and supporting with the creation of new components.
• Support with sample tracking.
• Support with measuring samples ahead of fit sessions, where required attending fit sessions to support with comments.
• Assist PD team with the preparation for presentations, P1 review and supplier meetings.
• Where required support the PD team with sending SMS BOMs and bulk BOMs to suppliers.
• Be able to confidently communicate via phone, email and videocalls with our suppliers.
• Support with the creation of new component codes and administrative tasks to maintain an up-to-date Materials library.
• Provide support to our Materials Developer with requests and approvals for both components and trims, ensuring consistency across suppliers and that our compliancy standards are upheld.
• Assist with the general upkeep, admin and running of the PD team and workspace.
• Adhoc requests from the Head of Product Development.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO FINISTERRE:

• Relevant degree in fashion design, product development, garment technology, buying, product management or a related field or an applicable background in product development.
• 1-2 years+ relevant industry experience within a fashion brand, product development team or sustainability led company.
• Understanding of garment construction with interest or prior experience with product categories relevant to Finisterre (such as – knitwear, outerwear, insulation, swimwear, wovens, jersey, accessories).
• Aspiration and interest in being part of a multi-channel retail business.
• You will possess a positive, can-do attitude and an eagerness to get stuck in and support the PD team with varied tasks.
• A willingness to learn more and upskill re garment construction, fabric knowledge, bill of materials, pattern cutting, fit & quality.
• Awareness of sustainability and industry initiatives, follows design principles, works collaboratively with Impact and Compliance teams to ensure materials, wastage, and decision making all factors in our B Corp commitments.
• Experience using PLM systems and Excel preferred.
• Experience using Adobe Illustrator ideal.
• Strong numerical skills.
• Appreciation for accuracy, possess organisational skills with a thoroughness and attention to detail.
• Confident presenting to product teams and on occasion to wider business.
• Willing to travel within UK and globally when required.
• Able to follow direction, communicate clearly, be assertive and work collaboratively.
• Driven to elevate product and meet deadlines, working with curiosity, building and reviewing tech packs with meticulous accuracy, showing initiative to solve problems and maintaining a positive, resilient team morale.

The successful candidate must, by the start of their employment, have permission to work in the UK. Please note that Finisterre are not licensed to sponsor overseas workers.

WHAT YOU’LL RECEIVE FROM FINISTERRE:

We are offering a full time, permanent contract, based at our Headquarters at Wheal Kitty, St Agnes, Cornwall. We’ll invest in you with a salary of £24,570. But it’s not just a job. At Finisterre, we provide an opportunity to grow and develop yourself within at a fast-paced, growing B Corp certified brand with a great culture and an exciting purpose. You’ll get the chance to collaborate with a diverse community of people with a shared mission. In return, we take good care of you through a range of initiatives and rewards, including: 25 days holiday per year, plus up to 8 UK bank holidays.