At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Product Development team to create innovative safety wear from concept to launch.
- Company: Portwest, a leading global manufacturer of workwear and PPE with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Structured graduate programme, mentorship, international exposure, and hands-on experience.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for international travel and career growth within Portwest.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in fashion and design while making a global impact.
- Qualifications: Degree in Fashion, Design, or Textiles; 1 year of related experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
- Year 2 - International Secondment (6–12 Months)
- 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.
- 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.
- Skills & Attributes
- 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.
- 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.
- Great Place To Work 2024
- Private Irish Business of the year – Export Industry Awards 2025
- Silver Ecovadis Sustainability Rating 2025
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
What We Offer
Company Awards
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.
Product Graduate Program in Manchester employer: Portwest
Portwest is an exceptional employer, offering a structured Product Graduate Program that combines hands-on experience with comprehensive training and mentorship. Located in Manchester, this role provides unique international exposure through secondments, fostering personal and professional growth within a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration. With a commitment to employee development and recognition as a Great Place To Work, Portwest stands out as a rewarding environment for recent graduates eager to make a global impact in the workwear and PPE industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Graduate Program in Manchester
✨Get Knitted into the Scene
Fashion is all about connections, so dive into local fashion events and trade shows. Don’t be shy – introduce yourself to people in the industry. Networking like this can help you find out about trainee positions before they even go public!
✨Craft Your Visual Portfolio
For a trainee role in fashion, a strong visual portfolio is crucial. Curate your designs, sketches, or even mood boards and showcase your style. This will not only impress potential employers but also demonstrate your passion for fashion, setting you apart from the crowd.
✨Follow The Trendsetters
Keep an eye on social media and blogs related to fashion apparel – this can include established designers or up-and-coming brands. Comment, engage, and share your thoughts. This way, you’ll stay updated on industry trends, and you might just catch the eye of someone looking for trainees!
✨Apply Directly on Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for trainee positions at Portwest. Applying directly through our site boosts your chances, as we often prioritise candidates who take that extra step. Be sure to showcase your passion for fashion in your application!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Graduate Program in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Creative Flair:When applying for a trainee role in fashion-apparel like at Portwest, don’t hold back on showcasing your creativity! Attach a portfolio highlighting your designs, sketches, or even fashion projects you've worked on. It’s a great way to let your unique style shine through!
Tailor Your CV to the Fashion World:In the fashion industry, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience, even if it’s just work experience or volunteer gigs. Make sure your CV includes any fashion courses or workshops you’ve attended, plus skills like trend analysis, fabric knowledge, and any software you know (like Adobe Creative Suite) that makes you fit for the role.
Craft a Passionate Cover Letter:Your cover letter should scream passion for fashion! Talk about why you're excited to join Portwest and what you hope to learn as a trainee. This is your chance to connect your background with the company's vision, so don’t shy away from sharing your fashion inspirations!
Get Social and Network:Don’t forget, fashion is as much about connections as it is about creativity. Mention any industry events, workshops, or fairs you’ve attended in your application. It shows your commitment to immersing yourself in the field and learning from others, which is super important as a trainee.
How to prepare for a job interview at Portwest
✨Dress the Part
In the fashion-apparel industry, your personal style can speak volumes about your understanding of trends and aesthetics. So, why not showcase your creativity during the interview? Wear an outfit that reflects the brand's style, but also adds your unique twist to demonstrate your fashion sense.
✨Show Off Your Passion Project
As a trainee, you’re expected to be eager to learn and grow. Bring along a small portfolio or lookbook of your fashion-related projects—maybe some designs, mood boards, or even styling you've done. This will not only highlight your skills but also show your genuine enthusiasm for the industry and willingness to develop your abilities.
✨Be Ready for Trend Talks
Expect to be asked about current trends and your thoughts on them. Stay clued up on what's hot (and what's not) in the fashion world before the interview—hint: following fashion blogs or Instagram accounts of industry leaders can help. This shows that you’re not just interested in getting a foot in the door but have a finger on the pulse of the industry.
✨Highlight Your Collaboration Skills
Fashion is all about teamwork! Be prepared to discuss experiences where you’ve worked in a group—whether it’s a school project, an event, or a collaboration with friends. The interviewers at Portwest will want to see that you not only have great ideas but also the ability to work well with others to bring those ideas to life.
