Product Development Assistant in England

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 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 within the Product Development team and in collaboration with the Materials, Design, Technical and Buying & Sourcing teams. This role has been created to assist the Product Development team by supporting the development of Finisterre's apparel, accessories, materials, trims and packaging. It presents an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience bringing product to life and to learn the behind the scenes of building Finisterre seasonal collections.

We are seeking an organised & enthusiastic individual who aligns with our Finisterre values and can bring their unique and relevant experience to this opportunity.

About Finisterre: 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 are committed to making 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 offers 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 the Buying team, actioning sketch costings pre-sample development, reviewing open costings from suppliers, negotiating on cost throughout development up to P2/SMS stage and 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, and attend fit sessions to support with comments where required.
• Assist PD team with the preparation for presentations, P1 reviews and supplier meetings.
• Where required support the PD team with sending SMS BOMs and bulk BOMs to suppliers.
• Communicate confidently via phone, email and videocalls with 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 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.

Requirements:

• Relevant degree in fashion design, product development, garment technology, buying, product management or a related field or 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 (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 involved 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; collaborates with Impact and Compliance teams to ensure materials, wastage, and decision making align with B Corp commitments.
• Experience using PLM systems and Excel preferred.
• Experience using Adobe Illustrator is ideal.
• Strong numerical skills; accuracy and attention to detail.
• Confident presenting to product teams and, on occasion, to wider business.
• Willing to travel within the UK and globally when required.
• Able to follow direction, communicate clearly, be assertive and work collaboratively.
• Driven to elevate product and meet deadlines, with curiosity, building and reviewing tech packs with meticulous accuracy, and showing initiative to solve problems while maintaining positive team morale.

Important: The successful candidate must, by the start of their employment, have permission to work in the UK. Finisterre is not licensed to sponsor overseas workers.

Benefits:

• 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 competitive salary, depending on your skills and experience.
• 25 days holiday per year, plus up to 8 UK bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees).
• Additional holidays for length of service.
• Your birthday day off.
• Up to 3 days of paid volunteering.
• A discretionary bonus scheme, based on company performance.
• A pension scheme with Nest.
• 60% product discount for personal and gift use.
• 30% Friends and Family product discount.
• Enhanced Family Leave policies to support you in growing your family.
• Life assurance with access to an online wellbeing platform (employee assistance program, virtual GP appointments, digital gym, and more).
• Wellbeing resources, including counselling services, cycle to work, eye tests, and wellbeing activities.
• Regular company and team social events.
• Discounts from our B Corp community.
• Access to our online Learning Library and company-wide training sessions.
• An hour to spend in or by the sea every Tuesday, followed by Sea Tuesday companywide meeting.

Closing date: Friday 27th February 2026. We'll be interviewing as we go, so please submit your application early, as the role may close sooner than advertised. Finisterre is committed to building diverse and inclusive teams. We celebrate difference and encourage everyone to join us and be themselves at work.