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 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.

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. Our HQ at St. Agnes' Wheal Kitty Workshops is at the heart of our brand, staying true to our original design ethos of functionality and sustainability, always remaining committed to product, environment, and people. As we enter the next stage of global growth, we are looking for talented individuals to join our crew. If you are passionate about the ocean and want to be part of a truly authentic, purpose-led brand with a shared vision to create exceptional products in a responsible way, we would love to hear from you.

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.
• Manage 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. But it's not just a job. At Finisterre, we provide an opportunity to grow and develop yourself within 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 care of you through a range of initiatives and rewards, including: 25 days holiday per year, plus up to 8 UK bank holidays.