At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic Product & Sourcing team in a fast-growing fashion business.
- Company: Join an established international fashion and lifestyle brand with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive fee, opportunity for consultancy, and impactful leadership role.
- Other info: Office-based in Watford; immediate availability preferred for this exciting interim role.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in product strategy and sourcing decisions from day one.
- Qualifications: Experience in product development, sourcing, and strong leadership skills required.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of Product & Sourcing, Senior Product Manager, Product Development Manager, or Head of Product Development to join an established and fast-growing international fashion and lifestyle business. Working closely with the senior leadership team, you will lead a high-performing Product & Sourcing function during an important period of growth, ensuring products are developed, sourced and delivered efficiently across multiple apparel categories. This is a highly visible leadership role where you will influence product strategy, supplier relationships, sourcing decisions, commercial performance and operational excellence. If you enjoy building teams, solving complex product challenges, working directly with suppliers and driving results in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment, we would love to hear from you.
The Role
Reporting directly to senior leadership, you will provide day-to-day leadership to an established Product & Sourcing department. You will ensure the smooth delivery of multiple product programmes while acting as the key link between Product Development, Sourcing, Design, Merchandising, Production, Suppliers and Senior Management. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring excellent commercial judgement, supplier management and product expertise.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and support a multi-disciplinary Product & Sourcing team.
- Manage end-to-end product development from concept through production.
- Build strong relationships with international suppliers and manufacturing partners.
- Lead costing, pricing and commercial negotiations.
- Drive sourcing strategy, supplier performance and product quality.
- Monitor critical paths, production timelines and delivery schedules.
- Resolve technical, sourcing and production challenges.
- Work closely with Design, Garment Technology, Merchandising, Production and Commercial teams.
- Improve processes, systems and ways of working.
- Provide regular commercial and operational updates to senior leadership.
- Support business growth through strong product and sourcing decisions.
About You
You are an experienced Product & Sourcing leader who combines commercial thinking with excellent technical knowledge and strong people leadership. You will ideally have experience in:
- Apparel Product Development, Product Management, Sourcing, Garment Technology
- Technical Development, Supplier Management, Manufacturing, Critical Path Management, Costing & Margin Management, Factory Management, Apparel Production, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)
Experience Required
- Significant experience leading Product Development and Sourcing teams.
- Experience managing multiple direct reports and cross-functional teams.
- Strong supplier and factory management experience across international sourcing markets.
- Excellent understanding of apparel product development and manufacturing.
- Commercially minded with strong negotiation skills.
- Proven experience improving product development processes and operational efficiency.
- Ability to lead, coach and develop high-performing teams.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial business.
Why Join?
- Lead an established Product & Sourcing function.
- Work directly with an entrepreneurial senior leadership team.
- Influence strategic sourcing and product decisions.
- Manage a talented team of approximately 20–25 specialists.
- Join a growing international business with ambitious expansion plans.
- Opportunity to make a genuine commercial impact from day one.
Contract
Fixed term Contract with excellent fee. Consultancy, Fixed-Term Contract or Interim arrangements considered. Office based in Watford, Hertfordshire. Immediate or short-notice availability preferred.
Interim Head of Product & Sourcing in Watford employer: Leading Global Fashion House
Join a dynamic and fast-growing international fashion and lifestyle business as the Interim Head of Product & Sourcing, where you will lead a talented team in a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment. With a focus on employee growth and development, the company offers unique opportunities to influence product strategy and sourcing decisions while working closely with senior leadership. Located in Watford, Hertfordshire, this role provides a chance to make a significant commercial impact from day one, all within a supportive culture that values innovation and teamwork.
Contact Details:
Leading Global Fashion House Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Head of Product & Sourcing in Watford
✨Get in with Local Boutiques
Fashion isn't just about the big names; local boutiques are often on the lookout for temporary staff, especially during busy seasons. Pop in with your CV and a smile, chat with the staff, and show genuine interest – it can lead to an on-the-spot opportunity or, at the very least, a good contact!
✨Leverage Fashion Events
Fashion shows and local events are goldmines for networking. Attend as many as you can! Strike up conversations with fellow attendees, designers, or even models – you never know who might have a lead on temporary roles that aren't advertised yet.
✨Utilise Social Media Like a Pro
Follow brands and influencers in the fashion-apparel industry on social media. Engage with their content and stay updated on their hiring announcements. Many companies post about temporary positions on their Instagram or Twitter, so keep your eyes peeled!
✨Check Out Our Site for Temp Roles
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website for temp roles at companies like Leading Global Fashion House. We regularly update our listings, and your best shot at landing something is to jump on it as soon as it drops – so keep checking!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head of Product & Sourcing in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Style:In the fashion-apparel world, creativity and personal style are key! Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique take on fashion—add a touch of personality, maybe even a mood board if you’re feeling adventurous. This is your chance to show how you’d fit into Leading Global Fashion House's vibe!
Highlight Relevant Experience:For a temporary role, experience is everything. If you've worked in retail, styling, or even as a personal shopper, make sure to highlight that in your application. We want to see how your past experiences can benefit Leading Global Fashion House during this short-term stint!
Include a Portfolio of Your Work:If you’ve got a portfolio—whether that's photos of your styling or designs—attach it! We love to see what you're capable of. It’s a great way to stand out, especially in temporary roles where you might need to make a quick impact at Leading Global Fashion House.
Emphasise Your Adaptability:Temporary roles often require juggling different tasks and adapting to changing needs. In your application, mention instances where you’ve showcased flexibility and quick learning. Showing that you’re ready to jump right in will surely catch our eye at Leading Global Fashion House.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leading Global Fashion House
✨Show Off Your Style
In the fashion-apparel world, your personal style can speak volumes. Make sure to express your fashion sense in your outfit and show off any unique pieces that represent your style while keeping it professional. This gives the interviewers a glimpse of your creativity and flair.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
For a temporary role, it'll be essential to demonstrate your skills quickly. Have a well-curated portfolio that showcases your previous work, whether it's designs, styling, or merchandising. Be prepared to talk through your thought process and the impact your work has had in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Trend Talk
Expect questions about current fashion trends and how they relate to the brand Leading Global Fashion House. Being able to discuss recent runway looks, sustainable practices, or trending colours will show your knowledge of the industry and that you’re up-to-date with what's happening in fashion.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
In a temporary position, demonstrating that you can hit the ground running is key. Share experiences from previous roles where you've quickly adapted to new trends or tackled fast-paced environments. Your ability to be flexible shows that you're ready to contribute from day one!
