At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and development of innovative sailing apparel from concept to production.
- Company: Join a dynamic company focused on high-quality watersports gear.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make waves in the sailing industry with your design skills and creativity.
- Qualifications: Experience in technical product design and a passion for watersports.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and enjoy a fast-paced work culture.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Navis Consulting is seeking an experienced and commercially minded Product Designer and Product Innovation Lead for a company that designs high quality, accessible sailing and watersports gear. This is a senior and highly influential role responsible for leading the design, development and commercial delivery of new products across the range. You will manage the full product lifecycle, from concept and material selection through to sampling, testing, cost control and final production. This role is central to the company's growth strategy and requires an individual with strong technical textile knowledge and a clear understanding of how to develop commercially viable, market leading products.
Key Responsibilities
- Product Development
- Own the technical development of products from concept through to production
- Translate design intent into clear, accurate technical specifications
- Create and maintain size charts, measurements, labels, and packaging information
- Ensure fit, sizing, performance, and user experience meet standards
- Contribute to product and range planning discussions with the wider team
- Technical & Factory Liaison
- Communicate directly and clearly with overseas factories and suppliers
- Manage the sampling process, providing structured feedback and approving revisions
- Maintain accurate technical files, construction details, and product documentation
- Ensure wash/care instructions, labelling, and compliance information are correct and up to date
- Produce and maintain factory packaging and labelling guides
- Sampling, Testing & Organisation
- Organise and track samples, fabrics, trims, and prototypes
- Assist with product testing and coordinate testing feedback
- Maintain clear records of samples, timelines, approvals, and changes
- Commercial Awareness
- Work with an understanding of manufacturing constraints such as lead times, minimum order quantities, and production efficiencies
- Contribute to commercially sensible product decisions that balance design ambition with practical delivery
- Support discussions around purchasing and production planning
- Wider Business Support
- Work closely with Marketing, Sales, Operations and Customer Service teams
- Support product launches, marketing content and sales training
- Remain flexible and adaptable to support wider business needs
Skills & Experience
- Essential
- Experience in technical product design or product development (technical apparel preferred)
- Strong understanding of garment construction, fabrics, and materials
- Desirable
- Experience working directly with overseas factories
- Experience in watersports, sailing, or outdoor performance products
- Knowledge of testing, compliance, and labelling requirements
- Experience working in a small or fast-moving business environment
For more information or to apply please contact Jack on +44 (0) 2392 322 384 or email your CV to jbaker@navis-consulting.com
Product Designer & Innovation Lead in Fareham employer: Navis Consulting
Contact Detail:
Navis Consulting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Designer & Innovation Lead in Fareham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the sailing and watersports industry on LinkedIn. We can leverage our connections to get insights and maybe even referrals that could land us an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it highlights your best work in technical product design. We should tailor it to showcase projects that align with the role, especially those involving garment construction and materials.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s products and their market position. We need to come armed with ideas on how we can contribute to their growth strategy and product innovation.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we can track our applications and follow up easily if needed.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Designer & Innovation Lead in Fareham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your experience in technical product design and garment construction. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your best work!
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the specific requirements of the Product Designer & Innovation Lead position. Use keywords from the job description to make it clear that you’re the perfect fit for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re passionate about sailing apparel and how your background makes you the ideal candidate. Keep it engaging and relevant to the role!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Navis Consulting
✨Know Your Fabrics
As a Product Designer & Innovation Lead, you'll need to showcase your strong understanding of fabrics and materials. Brush up on the latest textile technologies and be ready to discuss how they can enhance product performance. This will demonstrate your technical expertise and passion for the industry.
✨Showcase Your Process
Be prepared to walk through your design process from concept to production. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you've managed the full product lifecycle. This will help the interviewers see your practical approach and problem-solving skills in action.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since this role involves liaising with overseas factories, effective communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a few scenarios where you successfully navigated challenges with suppliers or factories.
✨Understand the Market
Demonstrate your commercial awareness by researching the sailing and watersports market. Be ready to discuss current trends and how they could influence product development. This shows that you're not just a designer but also someone who understands the business side of things.