At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product development from concept to delivery, ensuring quality and market alignment.
- Company: Join Portwest, a global leader in safety wear and workwear with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career growth, and recognition as a Great Place To Work.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and collaboration across teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the safety apparel industry while driving innovation and growth.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in product management with strong design and technical skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
PORTWEST , a leading global manufacturer of safety wear, workwear and PPE is currently seeking applications for the position of
Product Manager,
UK on a permanent basis reporting to Head of Product.
Founded in 1904, Portwest has become one of the fastest growing workwear companies in the world currently employing over 6,000 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.
Job Summary
We are looking for an experienced Product Manager with 5+ years in the safety or performance apparel industry to take ownership of a defined product range.
In this role, you manage a range of products, balancing design innovation with commercial targets.
You will be responsible for driving growth through product development and product improvements, ensuring your products meet quality standards, align with market trends, and provide value to our customers.
Key Responsibilities
- Take full ownership of a defined product range, managing it through the entire lifecycle from concept to delivery.
- Define and deliver against clear KPIs for range growth and successful product launches
- Lead sample reviews, providing critical feedback and ensuring technical specifications are accurate and production ready.
- Maintain close communication with factories and supply chain partners, proactively problem-solving to keep timelines on track.
- Partner with marketing, sales, and design teams to align product strategy with brand direction and customer needs.
- Conduct and present market, trend, and competitor research to shape future product direction.
- Identify and deliver cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or innovation.
- Travel as required to factories, suppliers, and trade shows to strengthen partnerships and stay ahead of industry trends.
Requirements
- 5+ years’ experience in product management, apparel, or garment development.
- Degree in design, garment technology, textiles, or a related discipline.
- Proven ability to work independently, with a track record of delivering successful products.
- Strong proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and technical specification management.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- Strong commercial awareness, with an analytical mindset and KPI-driven approach.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and resilient under pressure.
- A strategic thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving and innovation.
- 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.
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Product Manager in Manchester employer: Portwest
Portwest is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the PPE industry. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to ongoing training and development opportunities while working in the beautiful Devon & Cornwall region, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant communities. Join us to be part of a fast-growing company that values your contributions and supports your career aspirations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Manager in Manchester
✨Join Product Management Meetups
Get involved in local product management meetups or workshops. These events are perfect for meeting industry folks, sharing ideas, and staying updated on trends. Plus, you never know who might be hiring—it's a fantastic way to make connections that could lead to a job at places like Portwest!
✨Show Off Your Product Sense
Create case studies or mini-projects showcasing your product management skills, and share them on platforms like Medium or LinkedIn. This not only puts your skills on display but also boosts your visibility in the product community. Imagine how impressed the hiring team at Portwest would be by your initiative!
✨Utilise Online Communities
Dive into online product management communities like Product Coalition or Mind the Product. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and share your insights. These platforms are goldmines for networking and finding hidden job opportunities—many companies often scout talent from within these circles.
✨Leverage Your University Network
If you’ve recently graduated or are still in uni, tap into your alumni network for connections in product management. Many universities have their own job boards and affinity resources to help graduates land roles. Don't forget to keep an eye out for job openings at Portwest through your school's career services!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Product Passion:When applying for a product management role like Product Manager, let your passion for developing products shine through in your cover letter. Share specific examples of products you've managed, how you solved user needs, and any successful outcomes you've achieved. This is your chance to showcase your understanding of the product lifecycle!
Highlight Your Cross-Functional Skills:Product management isn't just about understanding the product; it’s about collaborating with different teams! Make sure to emphasise your experience working with developers, designers, and marketers. Use your CV to showcase your ability to bridge gaps between these areas, and include relevant experiences that demonstrate your communication and leadership skills!
Include Your Metrics and Achievements:In a full-time product management application, data speaks volumes! Quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you increase user retention by a certain percentage? Launch a product ahead of schedule? Include these metrics in your CV to paint a picture of your impact and effectiveness in previous roles.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Make sure your CV is tailored for the Product Manager position at Portwest. Use keywords from the job description and ensure your relevant experiences are front and centre. Highlight any certifications or relevant training you’ve completed that will make you stand out as a strong candidate for the role. And remember, we’re excited to see your application on our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portwest
✨Understand the Product Life Cycle
As a product management candidate, we need to get our head around the complete product life cycle. Be prepared to discuss real-world examples of how you’ve managed product development from ideation to launch. Bring specific insights on tools like JIRA or Trello that can help streamline these processes.
✨Showcase Your Cross-Functional Skills
Product management is all about collaboration. We should be ready to highlight how we’ve worked across teams—think marketing, engineering, and design. Prepare to discuss scenarios where you had to mediate differing opinions and how you got everyone on board with a shared vision.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In a full-time role, we can expect to encounter case study questions during our interviews. Practise solving hypothetical product problems on the spot, such as prioritising features for a new app or improving user engagement metrics. This will show our analytical thinking and decision-making skills.
✨Know Your Metrics
Let’s face it, numbers are our best friends in product management. We should prepare to discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) and how we've used analytics to inform product decisions. Dive into examples where data has driven our strategy for improvements or justified product changes.
