Product Developer - Wearables in Hove

The KILLSTAR brand-universe is an invitation for people to explore, discover, and become who they are. We help affirm this invitation by creating an inclusive, supportive environment where our team members are embraced exactly as they are.

We are seeking a passionate individual with extensive experience in the full production lifecycle for creating clothing, footwear, and accessories. Reporting to our Product Development Manager, the ideal candidate will have a strong background in a commercial fashion environment, familiarity with industry best practices, and a solid understanding of working with critical paths.

In this role, you will collaborate with the wider design team on tasks such as creating tech packs, liaising with overseas manufacturers, cost engineering, troubleshooting production challenges, checking sample quality, and supporting the team during proto and sizing stages.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Own the development of wearable ranges and products, including negotiating product costings and contributing ideas during range planning.
• Collaborate with Merchandising needs to facilitate and execute Design’s vision by sourcing brand-appropriate fabrics and trims, troubleshooting material, price, and delivery issues, and supporting overall business requirements.
• Maintain the fabric and trims library, supporting the development of raw materials and hardware.
• Share all new fabrics and trims with the Production and Compliance teams to ensure risk assessments and compliance testing are conducted as required.
• Assist in managing priorities during fit sessions, working in collaboration with the Technical Team.
• Liaise daily with factories, suppliers, and agents, managing and maintaining strong personal relationships with key suppliers.
• Own costing and negotiations for delegated categories and collections, including creating target costings, suggesting RRPs, and managing MOQs/projected volumes in partnership with the Merchandising Team.
• Understand target AUC and IMU, ensuring these are achieved for each category and collection, with a focus on consistent improvement.
• Create and review tech packs, collaborating with Design and Garment Technology, and finalising them before sharing with vendors for development.
• Manage the seasonal Critical Path and Buy Roll documents, regularly reviewing them with key stakeholders to implement improvements and updates.
• Update documents and trackers daily, ensuring accuracy and relevance.
• Work with the Technical Team to ensure the collection handover is completed in full and within the required timeline.
• Support other product ranges and areas as needed.
• Attend all handover and sign-off meetings, collaborating with teams to identify and address potential issues.
• Support and mentor junior team members, fostering growth and development.

WHO YOU ARE:

• Analytical: you can look at numbers all day, and help them make sense to others; you take a data-driven approach to problem solving and management.
• An Agile Learner: You learn quickly when something changes, you see failure as an opportunity, and you easily understand underlying structures and intentions.
• Collaborative Negotiator: you can negotiate skillfully in tough situations with both internal and external groups, settle differences with minimum noise, and win concessions while empowering relationships.
• Detail Oriented: you pride yourself on having every i dotted and every t crossed, never missing an important fact, figure, or detail.
• Problem Solver: you love simplifying complexity, discovering hidden answers, rooting out hidden problems, and finding solutions.
• Organised: you can orchestrate multiple activities at once to accomplish a goal, and marshal resources effectively to deliver results.
• Solid Decision Maker: Your solutions and suggestions are based on wisdom, critical thinking, experience, and sound judgement.
• Reliable Communicator: You are good about keeping people updated about changes, and your written and verbal communication is clear and concise.

YOUR EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:

• Previous experience as a Product Developer and/or Buyer, with a strong understanding of all stages of the production lifecycle and development process.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office, with solid knowledge of Excel.
• Demonstrated experience working with critical paths, including identifying and resolving issues effectively.
• Skilled in providing clear feedback and outlining next steps to teams during the fit and sizing stages of production.

BONUS IF YOU:

• Have experience working with overseas factories and suppliers.
• Have experience of working on a variety of product categories: Apparel, Lifestyle, Homewear, Gifting etc.
• Have a personal affinity for the alternative community and fashion.

WORK HOURS & LOCATION:

Here at KILLSTAR, we support a hybrid working model. This means you will join us on site for three days a week at our HQ in Brighton. The other 2 days can be spent working from wherever you choose, either on-site, remotely or from home. This role is a full-time position of 37.5 hours, with hours worked between 08:00am – 06:00pm, Monday through to Friday.

OUR PERKS & BENEFITS:

• Increased Holiday Allowance based on tenure
• Summer Fridays Early Finish
• YOU Day - one paid day off each year, just for you
• One paid volunteer day each year to support a charity or cause of your choice
• Flexible benefits platform designed around your wellbeing and personal preferences
• Employee Assistance Programme to offer support for personal or work-related issues as well as financial and legal advice
• Staff Discount on all full-price items on our KILLSTAR site
• 5% Employer contributions to your pension

DOES THIS SOUND LIKE YOU?

KILLSTAR is committed to a world where what makes us different makes us strong. We are a proud equal opportunity employer, and we back that up with a “come as you are” culture that is welcoming, inclusive, and safe. If you can see yourself being successful and excited in this role, we want to hear from you.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by law.