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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to develop high-performance protective apparel from concept to launch.
- Company: Leading UK manufacturer of high visibility workwear with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a pension scheme, and flexible hybrid working.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the protective workwear industry while growing your career.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in product development with expertise in protective workwear and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for sustainability-focused projects.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 34000 £ per year.
Our client is a UK-based manufacturer of high visibility protective apparel and professional workwear and are looking for a Product Developer to join their established team.
Salary: £32-38K depending on experience
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Hours: Monday-Friday, 37.5 hours per week - flexible
Hybrid: 1 day per week working from home - flexible.
About the Role
This role is suited to an experienced Product Developer (3+ years in Product Development), with strong technical expertise in protective workwear, capable of managing complex product development independently. You will play a key role in developing high-performance protective garments across hi-visibility, Flame Retardant (FR), and Electric ARC categories, taking responsibility for products from concept through to bulk production, certification, and launch.
Key Responsibilities
- Product Research & Innovation: Conduct market research to identify emerging trends, innovative materials, and opportunities for product differentiation within the hi-visibility and protective workwear market. Research and source new fabrics, working closely with mills to ensure materials are fit for purpose, meet required safety standards, and deliver improvements in performance, sustainability, and cost effectiveness. Work closely with third-party testing houses to define, manage, and complete all required testing and garment certification. Review and analyse cost prices to ensure new and existing products meet company margin requirements. Identify technical risks during development and proactively implement solutions to ensure compliance, performance, and on-time delivery.
- Product Documentation & Specification: Create and manage Bills of Materials (BOMs) and detailed garment specification technical files and workbooks, ensuring clarity and accuracy for factory partners and certification bodies. Produce and maintain Range Plans for internal planning and communication. Build, maintain, and submit all required technical files, including test reports, certification documentation, and label information. Manage the sampling process, including fabric and component testing. Plan and run garment fit sessions across multiple product ranges, documenting outcomes and providing clear, actionable feedback to factories. Review and approve pre-production (PP) samples, including assessment of bulk fabrics and trims. Take full responsibility for one of PULSAR's product collections, overseeing development from design handover or redesign of existing products through to bulk production, ensuring products are fit for purpose, compliant, and delivered within the agreed critical path. Analyse sales data to inform new product development, ensuring products are commercially viable in terms of cost, margin, and lead time. Keep the Product Development Manager updated on development progress, including certification, testing, sampling, critical path status, and factory issues. Ensure critical paths provided by the Head of Product, Ethics, Compliance & Sustainability are maintained to achieve timely product delivery.
- Standards & Compliance: Ensure all products meet relevant industry standards including EN ISO:20471, RIS 3279 TOM, EN:343, ISO:13688, and additional applicable standards where required. Work proactively with suppliers and testing partners to maintain compliance throughout development and post-launch. Monitor changes in industry standards and regulations, assessing their impact on existing and future products.
- Supply Chain & Factory Collaboration: Support sourcing and resourcing activities to identify and qualify new factory partners. Maintain clear, effective communication with factories to resolve technical queries, support sample development, and ensure manufacturing accuracy. Work with external trim suppliers on new trim development and innovation.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ensure Sales, Marketing, and Operations teams have accurate and up-to-date product information to support commercial activities. Provide technical support to Marketing and ensure information is delivered in line with product launch plans. Support product presentations, sales meetings, and internal product sign-off. Provide ad hoc support to the Product Development team as required.
Skills & Experience
- Degree in Fashion Design, Textiles, or Product Development (advantageous).
- Proven experience developing protective workwear, including hi-visibility, FR, electric ARC, or high-performance garments.
- Strong understanding of EN standards, GRS certification, design assessments, and technical file submission for certification.
- Knowledge of textile performance, fabric and trim testing for protective wear.
- Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Adobe Illustrator for garment flat CADs.
- Quality control experience, including garment measurement, sizing, and size chart creation.
- Strong interest in sustainability, including fabrics, circularity, end-of-life considerations, and digital product passports.
- Experience working with global supply chains, including Asia, Africa, China and Europe.
- Comfortable working in a regulated, compliance-driven product environment.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to liaise confidently with global suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects and critical paths to meet deadlines.
- Strong attention to detail with a proactive approach to process improvement and cost efficiencies.
- Ability to balance technical performance, commercial requirements, and development timelines.
Benefits
- 25 days holiday (plus an additional 5 days after 10 years' service)
- Company pension scheme
- Free onsite parking
If you wish to be considered, please email your CV to (url removed) or call me on (phone number removed), to discuss.
Product Developer in England employer: Four Squared Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Four Squared Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Developer in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their market position and be ready to discuss how your experience in product development aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your portfolio! Bring samples of your work or case studies that highlight your achievements in product development. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process. It shows you're serious about the role and gives us a chance to see your application in the best light!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Developer in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Product Developer role. Highlight your experience in protective workwear and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role requires strong technical expertise, don’t hold back! Include details about your knowledge of EN standards, fabric testing, and any software you’re proficient in, like Adobe Illustrator. Let us know how you can contribute to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about product development in the protective apparel sector. Share specific examples of your past successes and how they relate to the role at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Four Squared Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Fabrics
Make sure you brush up on the different types of fabrics used in protective workwear, especially hi-visibility and flame retardant materials. Being able to discuss their properties and how they meet safety standards will show your technical expertise.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've managed product development from concept to production. Highlight your experience with critical paths and how you've ensured timely delivery while maintaining compliance with industry standards.
✨Research the Company
Familiarise yourself with the company's product lines and recent innovations in the protective apparel market. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate your genuine interest in their work and values.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about EN standards and compliance regulations. Brush up on your knowledge of testing processes and certification requirements, as this will be crucial for the role and will show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
