Lead Design and Product Developer - Maternity Cover in Manchester

The Lead Design & Product Developer is a hands‑on leader working directly alongside the senior design and product team, reporting into the Creative & Product Director. The role bridges creative vision and technical execution, transforming design concepts into luxury womenswear collections that meet exacting standards of quality, fit, and finish. You will actively contribute to trend‑led design, oversee development processes, and collaborate across sourcing, production, and commercial teams to deliver collections that are both innovative and commercially successful.

Responsible for:

• Developing and delivering womenswear collections from concept to finished product, working closely with the Creative Director, Designer, and product team.
• Translating trend forecasting and market research into innovative, commercially viable womenswear ranges.
• Producing and refining technical sketches, CADs, and specification packs using Adobe Illustrator, ensuring clarity for internal teams and suppliers.
• Leading fittings, sample reviews, and fabric selection, providing hands‑on guidance to maintain luxury quality standards.
• Collaborating with pattern makers, garment technicians, and sample makers to resolve construction, fit, and design challenges.
• Partnering with sourcing and production to optimise materials, timelines, costs, compliance and sustainability.
• Implementing structured workflows to streamline development from design concept to production.
• Mentoring junior team members and supporting design problem‑solving and decision‑making.
• Conducting trend research, market analysis, and competitor benchmarking.
• Supporting range planning, and costings.

Accountable For:

• Delivering commercially successful collections aligned to brand strategy and luxury standards.
• On‑time delivery of development milestones, seasonal sign‑off and budget targets.
• Successful execution of collections aligned to brand DNA.
• Ensuring all products meet required fit, quality, and craftsmanship expectations.
• Maintaining detailed technical packs, approvals, and product documentation.
• Accurate and controlled product costing documentation.
• Maintaining product development timelines (to Critical Path) and budgets, proactively mitigating risks of delays or quality issues.
• Driving continuous improvements in workflow efficiency, quality control, and development processes.
• Reduced sampling inefficiencies and improved development processes.
• Maintaining strong cross‑functional relationships with design, merchandising, pattern, GT and suppliers to ensure aligned delivery.
• Driving team performance, engagement, and capability development.
• Effective supplier performance and relationship management.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience in luxury or premium womenswear product development with hands‑on design involvement.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop & InDesign for CADs, technical packs, and presentations.
• Strong experience using Microsoft Office for lifecycle management, reporting, and planning.
• Excellent technical knowledge of garment construction, pattern cutting, draping, fittings, and fabric selection.
• Highly developed eye for colour, finish, fit, and luxury quality standards.
• Strong capability in trend forecasting, market analysis, and consumer insight interpretation to inform collection development.
• Extensive experience in fabric and trim sourcing & development with global suppliers.
• Proven project management skills, managing multiple collections, timelines, and budgets.
• Demonstrated people management and leadership experience, including mentoring cross‑functional teams.
• Sound commercial awareness, including costing, pricing, and margin management.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Highly organised, detail‑focused, and creative driven with a strong eye for colour, finish & luxury quality.
• Change management: Able to adapt well to change, and are experienced working in a fast‑paced, rapidly changing environment.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Familiarity with international supply chains, production processes, and factory management.
• Keen eye for detail, luxury finish, and premium fit.
• Ability to foster collaboration across senior teams and cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Exposure to sustainability innovation in luxury materials.
• Experience launching new product categories.
• Understanding of omni‑channel product strategy.
• Knowledge of digital product development tools (e.g., 3D sampling).
• Experience within a scaling or high‑growth luxury business.
• Fashion design degree or technical qualification.

Fixed‑term contract to cover maternity leave. Commences in May, with a commitment of approximately 12–14 months.