Senior Apparel Product Developer

Global Sportswear Brand Watford, England, United Kingdom

Helping CXOs Develop their careers and teams

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Apparel Product Developer – Sportswear/Athleisure to join a leading global sportswear brand known for its innovative designs, premium quality, and commitment to performance and style. Working across men’s and women’s global collections, this brand is at the forefront of the sportswear and athleisure industry, delivering products that inspire and empower athletes and individuals alike.

With a strong heritage and a reputation for pushing boundaries in technical fabrics and performance-driven designs, this is an ideal opportunity for a candidate eager to contribute to a global collection that balances cutting-edge functionality with on-trend aesthetics. If you have a strong background in sportswear, activewear, and athleisure and are ready to excel in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, this role is for you.

Roles and Responsibilities

Product Development:

• Collaborate with designers, internal teams, and suppliers to develop seasonal collections.
• Source and develop new fabrics, trims, and accessories, ensuring quality and cost-efficiency.
• Propose alternative garment executions to meet design, quality, and price targets.

Sample Management:

• Manage the critical path from prototypes to bulk production, ensuring strict adherence to timelines.
• Organize fit sessions and provide clear fitting comments to suppliers.
• Handle sample preparation for photoshoots, buyers, and stakeholders.
• Maintain regular communication with Far East suppliers, ensuring accurate execution of designs and timely delivery.
• Chase suppliers for cost submissions and ensure fabric costing sheets are complete.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Create and maintain technical documents, including tech packs, measurement charts, and line lists.
• Keep the WIP report updated and oversee accurate record-keeping of samples and submissions.
• Monitor exchange rates and wholesale pricing, ensuring accurate formulas in line lists.

Quality and Compliance:

• Investigate and resolve quality control issues as they arise.
• Ensure FOB pricing meets target margins and quality standards.

General Duties:

• Attend photoshoots to organize samples and oversee styling requirements.
• Arrange sample shipments to agents, customers, and brand owners.

Qualifications and Skills Required

• Industry Experience: Minimum of 3 years in an Apparel Product Development role within the sportswear, activewear, or athleisure industry, working across men’s and women’s collections.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and an excellent command of tech pack development and critical path management.
• Organizational Skills: Strong multitasking abilities to manage large collections across multiple seasons.

Other perks: Annual company bonus, 25 days holidays plus bank holidays, Company pension contribution, Staff discount, Annual Salary Review, etc.

Start: Jan 2025

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Design, Product Management, and Production

Industries

Wholesale Apparel and Sewing Supplies, Retail Apparel and Fashion, and Apparel Manufacturing

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