At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the product development process for exciting apparel projects from concept to production.
- Company: Join a growing apparel business with a collaborative and entrepreneurial culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and leadership opportunities in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Mentor junior team members and drive innovative projects in a high-performing team.
- Why this job: Make a visible impact in product creation and shape the future of activewear.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in product development with strong knowledge of garment construction and supplier management.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Product Development Manager to join a growing apparel business. This newly created role is ideal for a Product Development Manager, Senior Product Developer, Product Development Lead or Apparel Development Manager looking to take ownership of the product development process whilst supporting the growth of a high-performing Product Development team.
Reporting to the Head of Product & Sourcing, you will lead end-to-end product development across apparel categories, working closely with Design, Sourcing, Technical, Commercial and Supply Chain teams to bring products from concept through to production. This role offers a unique blend of hands-on product development, supplier management, team leadership and strategic involvement.
Key Responsibilities- Manage the end-to-end apparel product development process.
- Lead garment development from concept through to production.
- Collaborate with Design, Technical, Sourcing and Commercial teams.
- Drive fit sessions, garment construction reviews and product approvals.
- Develop fabrics, trims and materials with suppliers.
- Manage supplier relationships and factory communication.
- Oversee critical path management and seasonal timelines.
- Ensure product quality, fit, performance and cost targets are achieved.
- Support sourcing initiatives and supplier development projects.
- Mentor and develop junior Product Development team members.
- Identify process improvements and contribute to the growth of the Product Development function.
- 7+ years' experience in Product Development, Apparel Development or Technical Product Development.
- Experience within sportswear, activewear, performance apparel, athleisure, fashion apparel or lifestyle brands.
- Strong knowledge of garment construction, fit, fabrics and manufacturing.
- Experience managing offshore suppliers and development partners.
- Strong understanding of critical path management and product lifecycle processes.
- Experience working closely with sourcing, production and commercial teams.
- Previous team leadership, mentoring or management experience desirable.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
We would be particularly interested in candidates with experience as:
- Senior Product Developer
- Product Development Manager
- Apparel Product Developer
- Product Development Lead
- Apparel Development Manager
- Technical Product Development Manager
- Sportswear Product Developer
- Activewear Product Developer
- Garment Technologist with Product Development responsibility
- Product Development & Sourcing Manager
- Excellent salary and career development
- Leadership opportunity.
- Opportunity to help build and shape the Product Development function.
- Exposure to Product Development, Sourcing and Product Creation.
- Career progression opportunities.
- Collaborative and entrepreneurial environment.
- Ability to make a visible impact within a growing business.
If you are passionate about product creation, apparel development, sourcing and bringing innovative products to market, we would love to hear from you.
Senior Product Development Manager in Watford employer: Global Fashion Company
Join a dynamic and innovative apparel business as a Senior Product Development Manager, where you will thrive in a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment. With excellent salary packages, career progression opportunities, and the chance to shape the Product Development function, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact while working alongside passionate professionals in the sportswear and activewear industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Product Development Manager in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the apparel and sportswear industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their values and recent developments in the activewear market. We want you to show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about their brand and vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience in product development and how you can contribute to their team. We suggest you highlight specific projects where you’ve led garment development or improved processes. Make it memorable!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Product Development Manager in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Product Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in apparel development, especially in sportswear and activewear, and showcase any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about product development and how you can contribute to our team. Mention specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your skills in managing the end-to-end product development process.
Showcase Your Collaboration Skills:Since this role involves working closely with various teams, make sure to highlight your collaboration skills. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with design, sourcing, and technical teams in the past. We love seeing teamwork in action!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Global Fashion Company
✨Know Your Product Development Process
Make sure you can clearly articulate the end-to-end product development process. Be ready to discuss how you've managed garment development from concept to production in your previous roles, and highlight any specific projects that showcase your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role requires working closely with various teams like Design, Sourcing, and Technical. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with different departments in the past, and be ready to discuss how you handle communication and stakeholder management.
✨Demonstrate Your Supplier Management Experience
Since managing supplier relationships is key, think of instances where you've effectively communicated with offshore suppliers or development partners. Be prepared to share how you’ve navigated challenges in supplier management and what strategies you used to ensure quality and performance.
✨Highlight Your Leadership and Mentoring Skills
As a Senior Product Development Manager, you'll likely mentor junior team members. Share your experiences in team leadership and mentoring, focusing on how you've helped others grow in their roles and contributed to the overall success of your team.
