Product Graduate Program in Manchester

PORTWEST, a leading global manufacturer of safety wear, workwear and PPE is currently seeking applications for the position of Product Graduate in Manchester, UK on a fixed term, 2 year basis. Founded in 1904, Portwest has become one of the fastest growing workwear companies in the world currently employing over 5,100 staff worldwide. With 1400 styles across more than 20 ranges, we design, manufacture and distribute market leading workwear, safety wear and PPE in fully owned production facilities. We are on a mission to become the world’s most requested PPE and Safety Wear Brand.

Job Summary

This is an exciting early-career opportunity for a recent graduate in Fashion, Design, or Textiles, to join Portwest's dynamic Product Development team. The role is part of a structured two-year program that includes immersive training in Westport followed by a 6–12 month international secondment in one of our sourcing offices or commercial markets. You will be responsible for developing products from concept to launch while learning the fundamentals of global product lifecycle management in a leading international workwear and PPE company.

Key Responsibilities

• Year 1:

• Join a specified range team and learn best practices in product management, development, and commercialization.
• Take ownership of a small product range with guidance from senior team members; create and implement improvement and growth strategies.
• Participate in the full product lifecycle — from ideation to product launch.
• Create and maintain product specifications under senior supervision.
• Present new product ideas and innovations to senior stakeholders.
• Conduct quality checks and manage administrative support tasks.
• Engage in Portwest's graduate program, which includes role-specific, leadership, and general business training.

• Depending on business requirements, you will embark on one of the following:

• Sourcing Secondment: Work within one of Portwest's international sourcing offices or wholly owned factories (e.g., Fuzhou, China), deepening your understanding of manufacturing, development cycles, and vendor communication.
• Commercial Secondment: Spend time in a key international market (e.g., USA or Australia) to gain first-hand insight into customer needs, market dynamics, and regional product adaptation.

Throughout this period, you will remain an active member of your dedicated range team and continue contributing to product development projects remotely or on-site.

Requirements

• Education & Experience

• Degree in Fashion Design, Technical Garment Construction, Textiles, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 1 years' experience in a related field (internships included).
• Exposure to product development, garment construction, or fabric technology is an advantage.

• Strong motivation, confidence, and passion for product and innovation.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple projects.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and other design tools is an advantage.
• Comfortable working in a global team and open to international travel/relocation.

What We Offer

• A structured graduate program with ongoing mentorship and training.
• Hands-on experience with real products and global impact.
• International exposure through secondments to sourcing or commercial markets.
• Clear development pathway into long-term roles within Portwest.

Company Awards

• Great Place To Work 2024
• Private Irish Business of the year – Export Industry Awards 2025
• Silver Ecovadis Sustainability Rating 2025

Applicants must have a right to live and work in the relevant jurisdiction. Portwest is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, civil status, veteran status, family status, disability status or membership of a minority group.