Product Development Manager- 1yr Maternity FTC

I am working with an ever-growing Brand Licensing business, who are looking to appoint a Product Development Manager into their team on a 1yr Maternity FTC. You will be responsible for leading the end-to-end product development process across 2 of their premium/luxury brands, which produces products across Athleisure, Casualwear & Loungewear. The role is responsible for delivering commercially successful collections through effective product development, sourcing, supplier management, critical path ownership, brand approvals and team leadership. The right person will act as the key link between management, suppliers, product development, technical and commercial teams to ensure collections are delivered on time, within margin targets and to the required brand standards.

Brand 1: Luxury RTW

• Lead the complete product development lifecycle from concept through to production.
• Create and maintain seasonal SKU plans and product set-up alongside the Head of Design.
• Develop and manage seasonal critical paths and delivery calendars.
• Source and develop fabrics, trims and supplier partnerships through both the FE and EU.
• Conduct range reviews and manage sign-off processes through all development stages and tiers.
• Analyse and streamline collections to maximise commercial performance and profitability.
• Oversee fit approval process from prototype through to PPS.
• Manage branding developments and help shape branding guidelines for the new developing areas.
• Manage external trim supplier stocks and implementation of Digital Product Passport.
• Maintain line lists and supplier critical path management.
• Review and approve pricing and margin sheets in partnership with Product Development and Sales teams.
• Present collections and recommendations for management sign-off.
• Manage Order consolidation with sales team to ensure sourcing efficiencies and MOQ’s are reached.

Brand 2: Premium Sportswear

• Create and maintain seasonal SKU plans and product set-up alongside the Head of Design.
• Conduct range reviews and coordinate sign-off processes.
• Ensure collections are commercially viable.
• Review and approve pricing and margin proposals with Product Development.
• Manage order consolidation initiatives.
• Oversee fit approval process from prototype through to PPS.
• Manage external trim supplier stocks and implementation of Digital Product Passport.

Overall Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Product Development and Technical teams.
• Allocate workload and resources across multiple brands and product categories.
• Coach and develop team members through regular 1:1.
• Drive process improvements and best practice across product development and technical functions.
• Ensure effective collaboration between Product Development, Technical, Design, Sales.
• Own supplier relationships and sourcing strategies across assigned brands.
• Negotiate and manage product costs to achieve seasonal margin targets.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiencies, reduce costs, and optimise product architecture.
• Monitor supplier performance against quality, cost, and delivery expectations.
• Support business growth through commercially focused product decisions and range planning.

The Person:

• Extensive experience in fashion product development, preferably across licensed brands, sportswear, athleisure, or lifestyle apparel.
• Proven track record of managing the full product lifecycle from concept through production.
• Strong sourcing and supplier management experience across global supply bases.
• Advanced understanding of garment construction, fit and technical development processes.
• Strong commercial awareness with experience managing costs, margins and range planning.
• Previous people management experience with the ability to lead and develop cross-functional teams.
• Excellent organisational, communication and management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple brands, priorities and seasonal calendars simultaneously.