Product Developer

Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 depending on experience, plus benefits

Hours per week: 37.5

Location: Manchester city centre – hybrid working between office and home.

What You’ll Do

• Manage the development of styles for assigned categories from design handover through to production, in line with Critical Path timeline.
• Collaborate with our Design team to interpret concepts and translate them into viable products.
• Lead fit sessions and prototype reviews, troubleshooting design, quality and construction challenges and ensuring clear and concise communication of fit and construction amendments to internal teams and external partners.
• Own garment execution, ensuring compliance with measurements, quality, construction, fit, and consistency in line with Levy Merchandising and partner brand standards.
• Develop technical product specifications, including tech packs, Bills of Materials (BOMs) and size charts, ensuring all technical documentation is completed and accurately maintained within internal systems.
• Provide input into construction methods and recommend improvements to enhance product performance, quality, and cost efficiency.
• Work closely with vendors and manufacturers to source materials and trims and ensure quality standards are met.
• Ensure all products meet required safety, regulatory, and sustainability standards.
• Maintain accurate and thorough documentation across all stages of development, including samples, specifications, and communications.
• Track development progress, proactively identifying risks, and implementing solutions to minimise delays.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of product standards, processes, and best practices across all categories.
• Stay updated on industry standards and new technologies to ensure compliance and drive innovation.

What You’ll Need

• Relevant qualification or experience in apparel, garment technology, or product development.
• Proven experience in a product development role, ideally with experience gained working for a large reputable brand.
• Strong technical knowledge of garment construction, fit, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience managing product development timelines and critical paths within a fast-paced environment.
• Understanding of sustainability practices, product compliance, and regulatory standards.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Microsoft packages.
• Strong experience in developing detailed tech packs and managing relationships with global suppliers.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate technical information.
• Commercial awareness, with the ability to identify risk and propose solutions.
• A proactive problem-solver with attention to detail, who can remain flexible and agile when priorities shift.
• Flexibility to undertake domestic and international travel to supplier locations as business needs require.

Benefits

• Competitive salary that recognises your skills and experience.
• 31 days holiday including bank holidays (rising with service).
• Contributory employer pension scheme.
• Colleague health cash plan to keep you feeling your best.
• Life assurance cover of 4 x annual salary.
• Employee assistance programme – 24/7 confidential access to expert services including virtual GP, counselling, wellbeing support, and independent legal and financial advice.
• Access to high street cashback and discounts.
• Discounts on SUDU and other Levy Merchandising products and services.
• Enhanced family leave and pay.
• Welcoming company culture and opportunities to develop as our business grows.
• Twice-yearly colleague events, payday socials and loads of exciting activities in between.