At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to develop high-performance protective workwear from concept to launch.
- Company: Leading UK manufacturer of high visibility protective apparel with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a pension scheme, and flexible hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the protective apparel industry while innovating with cutting-edge materials.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in product development with expertise in protective workwear and strong technical skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced, compliance-driven environment.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ 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, both within and outside the sector.
- 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.
- Research and evaluate fabric treatments where required.
- 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 (care labels, UIS labels, etc.).
- 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 London 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 London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local 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. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their workwear innovations and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in product development and compliance. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Developer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in product development, especially in protective workwear. Use keywords from the job description to show that you’re a perfect fit for the role.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Include specific examples of projects where you’ve managed complex product development or worked with fabrics and testing standards relevant to the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you’re passionate about product development and how your background aligns with the company’s mission. Keep it engaging and personal.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Four Squared Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Fabrics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of fabrics and materials used in protective workwear. Be ready to discuss innovative materials and how they can enhance performance and sustainability. This will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but also passionate about product development.
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Prepare to talk about your experience with industry standards and certifications like EN ISO:20471 or GRS. Bring examples of how you've managed compliance in past projects. This will demonstrate your ability to navigate the complexities of product development in a regulated environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed multiple projects and critical paths in the past. Use specific examples to illustrate your organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines. This will reassure them that you can handle the demands of the role.
✨Engage with Market Trends
Research current trends in the protective workwear market and be prepared to share your insights during the interview. Discuss how you would approach product research and innovation. This shows that you're proactive and have a finger on the pulse of the industry.